Deep Bed Farming and Intercropping
Malawi is ranked 172 out of 193 countries putting it in the low human development category (UNDP). Over 80% of the population relies on agriculture for their livelihoods. Soil erosion is a huge problem with an average loss of 29 tonnes of soil per hectare per year due to soil erosion alone. (FAO estimate 2014.) Soil compaction and erosion challenge farmers who lack access to resources.
Solutions to food poverty in Malawi require science-backed, sustainable methods. A 2024 study titled, “Comparative Effects of Legume-Based Intercropping Systems Involving Pigeon Pea and Cowpea in Deep Bed Farming and Conventional Agriculture Systems in Malawi” offers compelling evidence of the effectiveness of Tiyeni’s Deep Bed Farming (DBF) approach. This study highlights DBF’s benefits over conventional agricultural methods, showing its potential to create sustainable food security for smallholder farmers.
The Deep Bed Difference
Unlike conventional agriculture, which relies on synthetic fertilizers and frequent tillage, DBF uses minimal soil disturbance and local organic materials. According to the study, DBF creates deep, raised beds by breaking up compacted soil layers, known as “hardpan,” to allow roots and water to penetrate more effectively. This method increases crop resilience and productivity, reducing the need for external inputs, which many Malawian farmers cannot afford or lack access to.
Above: The country of Malawi. Credit: Google Maps.
The study also highlighted the need for comprehensive training to achieve the full benefits of DBF.
Key differences between Conventional Agriculture and DBF
Conventional techniques involve heavy reliance on fertilizers and single-crop farming, which gradually degrade soil health. In contrast, DBF’s climate-smart agriculture approach integrates crop diversity and organic inputs, building long-term soil fertility.
Higher Yields and Healthier Soil
The study found that DBF outperformed conventional agriculture across multiple indicators of soil and crop health. Farmers using DBF reported double the yields compared to those using conventional methods in just the first year.
Above: Table showing increased yields from intercropping.
Nutrient-Rich Soil
The DBF method showed significantly higher levels of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus in the maize crop soil, when combined with the intercropping of legumes. These nutrients are essential for crop growth and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers, which are often unavailabe or too costly for smallholder farmers in Malawi.
Above: Table showing Nitrate as influenced by both cropping and tillage systems.
Enhanced Water Retention
Raised bed structures in DBF help capture and retain water, reducing erosion and supporting stable water flow in rivers and streams. This regenerative approach ensures that crops not only survive but thrive under Malawi’s challenging conditions, reducing hunger and improving nutrition.
DBF for Smallholder Farmers
For resource-poor smallholder farmers, DBF offers a practical, low-cost solution. The method’s reliance on local organic materials, rather than costly chemical inputs, makes it accessible and effective. Moreover, the study demonstrates that DBF supports increased maize yields (LERs Table 6) when intercropped with legumes, addressing food needs directly while also creating a market surplus for farmers. Families using Tiyeni’s DBF experience enhanced food security, with enough surplus to afford schooling and home improvements.
Training and Support Needs
The study also highlighted the need for comprehensive training to achieve the full benefits of DBF. Farmers who do not follow the detailed DBF steps often see lower yields. Effective training includes 3 years of support from Tiyeni and is essential for the long-term success of DBF.
Above: A Deep Bed Field retaining rain water.
Building Climate Resilience and Environmental Health
Beyond the benefits to individual farmers, the study underscores DBF’s positive environmental impact. By reducing erosion, maintaining soil nutrients, and encouraging biodiversity, DBF helps restore ecosystems. This approach is not only sustainable but also builds resilience against the climate crisis. As droughts and extreme weather patterns increase, DBF’s water-conserving techniques protect crops and secure food supplies for the future.
Above: Farmers attend Tiyeni training in a Malawi village.
Expanding DBF Training to Meet Demand
DBF can transform agriculture in Malawi, but the primary barrier to wider adoption is access to training. Tiyeni has already reached more than 30,000 farmers, but over 2 million smallholder farmers in Malawi alone could benefit from this proven method. Funding is critical to expand Tiyeni’s training programs and meet the growing demand.
About Tiyeni
Tiyeni is a Malawian NGO with a UK funding arm. They show farmers how to improve their crop yields using an extremely low-cost, low-technology set of methods that they’ve pioneered. It’s an advanced and highly effective form of climate-smart agriculture (CSA). Learn more about Tiyeni.
