FISHERMAN’S REST, MALAWI.
2026
Fruit Tree Planting in Malawi: I have already spoken via video link with our contacts in Malawi and told them we will be able to fund the planting of at least an additional 2,000 fruit trees. A mature Mango tree produces fruit which can be sold for between £16 and £80. The wide variation in price is because as the season progresses there is a glut in the market whilst early fruit sells at a premium. Just as a comparison the average monthly wage in Malawi is about £120 and a farmer might have 30 x Mango trees in addition to growing maize etc.
2025
Fisherman’s Rest is one of our most exciting projects, partly due to our contact, Joe Robinson, who spoke to us at our Annual Social last year.
There are many aspects to their work.
We are concentrating on the ecological agroforestry.
We have learnt that there is a lot of science about successful tree planting in Malawi.
Also, as Joe says, it is all about relationships. Taking the local farmers with you is the key to planting and maintaining woodland in Malawi.
Without this work, Malawi would become denuded of trees in a few years.
Sally Nethercott’s nephew, Rob, worked at Fisherman’s rest for a few months after university and then again this last winter. Like many of their projects it is based in a small area south of Blantyre. They have many areas of helping the community. The most interesting is the horticultural project. Joe Robinson, our contact is a horticulturalist. He is encouraging tree planting and the support of these trees. Due to the climate, trees grow a lot quicker there and a small sapling can produce fruit after one year. In particular he shows people how to look after the trees and water them. In order to try and reverse the deforestation he also is helping people build clay efficient stoves. This reduces the firewood needed by 70%.