Conservation agriculture in Malawi boosts soil carbon storage
An agroecological approach raised soil organic carbon by up to 20%.
By Leon Louw founder of Endorphin Expeditions and WhyAfrica and editor of the WhyAfrica magazine.
A new study in Malawi’s Mzimba district has found that conservation agriculture (CA) can significantly improve soil organic carbon (SOC) levels by up to one fifth compared to conventional farming methods.
The findings add to growing evidence that CA—an agroecological approach focused on minimal soil disturbance, crop rotation, and mulching—could play a crucial role in sustainable farming and climate resilience in sub-Saharan Africa.
Significant improvement of topsoil
Researchers analysed soil samples from 30 paired farms practicing either CA or conventional tillage, measuring key soil properties and organic carbon fractions. The study found that SOC levels in CA plots ranged from 0.4% to 1.8%, compared to 0.4% to 1.5% in conventionally tilled fields.
The largest improvements were seen in the topsoil (0-10 cm depth), where SOC and other soil nutrients were most concentrated.
Long term research needed
“These results highlight CA’s potential to enhance soil health and carbon sequestration, which is critical for sustainable agriculture and climate adaptation,” says Rothamsted Research’s Dr Grace Kangara, who led the study along with local partners at Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources. “However, widespread adoption faces challenges, including the competing use of crop residues for livestock feed, fuel, and mulch.”
The study suggests that long-term research and alternative mulching strategies are needed to maximize CA’s benefits. As African nations and global policymakers push for climate-smart farming solutions, these findings could help shape soil conservation strategies across the region.
WhyAfrica’s overland Road Trips through Africa
Last year WhyAfrica visited several agricultural projects in Malawi during the 2024 WhyAfrica Road Trip through South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Tanzania and Kenya, including Ripple Africa’s excellent projects close to Nkhata Bay in northern Malawi (in picture).
During WhyAfrica’s 45-day overland road trip we report about and assess opportunities in mining (including quarrying), exploration, agriculture (including fisheries and forestry), energy, infrastructure, water management, tourism, ESG, environmental management, conservation and natural resource management.
In our Road Trip Review Reports we gather on the ground business intelligence and identify on the ground risks, opportunities and challenges for companies doing business in the countries that we visit.
At the same time market and promote those companies that want to expand their footprint into Africa.
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The article was edited and posted on the WhyAfrica website by Leon Louw, founder of WhyAfrica and Endorphin Expeditions and editor of the WhyAfrica magazine.
Conservation agriculture in Malawi boosts soil carbon storage
