Open University launches research project to drive sustainable farming and climate resilience in Malawi

At the recent OU Research: Together, we shape what happens next showcase, The Open University (OU) awarded an ambitious new project funded by the Open Societal Challenges (OSC) platform.

In partnership with the Neno Macadamia Trust (NMT), Nutcellars, and the Highlands Macadamia Cooperative Union Limited (HIMACUL), the project seeks to explore the effectiveness of Climate Smart Macadamia Agroforestry (CSMA) in reducing risks for smallholder farmers in Malawi.

The award was announced during Fairtrade Fortnight 2024, which celebrates the 30th anniversary of Fairtrade. This year, Nutcellars and HIMACUL are marking a significant milestone by delivering the UK's first 100% Fairtrade macadamia nuts through Central Co-op stores. The achievement underscores the commitment of all partners involved in promoting ethical sourcing and supporting smallholder farmers.

Research aims: understanding the impact of Climate Smart Macadamia Agroforestry

The OU Societal Challenges project aims to assess how Climate Smart Macadamia Agroforestry (CSMA) practices can mitigate risks related to climate, economic, and food security shocks for smallholder farmers. This research will be conducted through a series of community surveys and field trials to understand farmers' experiences and identify the limitations they face in adopting these innovative farming methods.

The project will conduct surveys with 25 farmers to compare their experiences with and without CSMA, focusing on how these practices affect their resilience to climate, food, and economic shocks. Following the survey design and completion, the data will be analysed to provide a clearer picture of the perceived benefits and challenges associated with CSMA.

Deliverables: field trials, value chain mapping, and systems development

To achieve these aims, the project will undertake field trials and demonstrations to identify best practices and develop extension messages that can be shared with farmers, cooperatives, and ministry staff. These activities will involve collaboration with lead farmers to gather insights on CSMA adoption, conduct field demonstrations, and compile findings into accessible materials that highlight the most effective practices.

Additionally, the project will map both carbon and Fairtrade macadamia value chains to establish baselines and market linkages that encourage farmer participation in CSMA. This includes designing an information platform to share best practices and developing business systems to connect smallholder farmers with their customers, leveraging True Cost Accounting principles to demonstrate CSMA’s contributions to food and income security compared to conventional agriculture.

Dr Yoseph Araya, the OU academic leading the project is excited about the partnership, “As part of the OU’s OSC initiative, we’ve been awarded this project to build on the close working relationship we’ve developed with NMT, Nutcellars, and HIMACUL. This project gives us the opportunity to quantify how smallholder macadamia agroforestry reduces household risks from climate and economic shocks, and to identify the incentives and systems needed to help farmers adopt regenerative practices while connecting them to engaged customers through robust value chains."

A shared vision for sustainable change

This collaboration represents a step forward in the OU’s commitment to impactful, community-driven research. “We believe this community-first approach is a new way of opening up university research expertise to broader society," said Professor Kevin Shakesheff, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research & Innovation at the OU. "We hope to create a more collaborative experience for external groups. The programme aims to build the capacity of communities to drive sustainable change, making research more responsive and impactful”​.

By working closely with NMT, Nutcellars, and HIMACUL, the OU aims to generate actionable insights and support smallholder farmers in adopting sustainable practices that enhance their resilience to climate and economic challenges.