Green Enterprises for Sustainable Communities
IM is working together with two partner organisations in Malawi to improve the economic situation of young people and women. We do this by investing in green industries that combine economic stability with innovation and sustainable development. The result is resilient communities that are better equipped to face the challenges of the climate crisis, unemployment and poverty. Here are some examples of our initiatives:
In Malawi, empty glass bottles are a resource that often goes to waste. Through our partner YASD*, young people and women receive training in glass cutting and polishing. The discarded bottles are transformed into durable, upcycled glassware that can be used in households or sold at local markets.
Malawi’s forests are being depleted at an alarming rate due to the demand for firewood and charcoal. One innovation that reduces reliance on wood is the Changu Mbaula – the “fast stove” – developed by our partner CYO**. It requires significantly less fuel than conventional stoves and retains heat for longer. As part of one project, women are trained to build and use these stoves. In addition to gaining a more environmentally friendly cooking solution, they also avoid long and dangerous journeys to collect firewood. Pictured below is Felisitar Limited, who uses the stove.
With deforestation comes many challenges. Without trees, less water is retained in the soil, which has serious implications for agriculture. And when cyclones strike, the absence of trees means the ground cannot absorb enough rainwater, resulting in catastrophic flooding and landslides. To counteract this, CYO** runs projects teaching women to operate nurseries. Thousands of seedlings are nurtured until they are strong enough for transplantation. At the same time, women can cultivate saplings into fruit trees, which they can then sell. In the photograph below, Filina Sankhani tends to her young plants.
Producing organic fertilisers is not only beneficial for the economy and the environment; it also reduces reliance on expensive, chemical-laden fertilisers imported from Russia. Participants in YASD*’s project learn an innovative process that combines urine with sawdust, plant residues, manure, and ash to create a nutrient-rich fertiliser. This not only boosts their own crops but also provides an important source of income. In the photograph, Elizabeth Misomali demonstrates the process.
All our projects include training in bookkeeping and business management. Many participants in our partners’ programmes go on to establish their own small enterprises, making sound financial practices essential. During many of the workshops, other topics are also discussed, such as sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), gender-based violence, and child marriage.
Text and photography: Malin Kihlström
*Youth Association for Success and Development
**Concerned Youth Organization
By: Malin Kihlström