LUCHECHE TREE PLANTATION COOPERATIVE FOR IMPROVED LIVELIHOODS

Solution complète

by Centre for Environmental Policy and Advocacy CEPA, Lucheche Cooperative in Malawi

Biomass collection by farmer

Namuh Media

In 2013, Kawandama Hills Plantation partnered with the Lucheche Cooperative to trial the planting of Corymbia citriodora trees on previously bare and underutilized land for income generation. The success of this initiative led to the cooperative’s formal registration and growth to 172 farmers, now managing 70 hectares of thriving trees. With support from a USAID grant (2016–2019), the farmers collectively sell an average of 80 tons of leaf biomass annually to Kawandama Hills for essential oil production. This reliable income has empowered farmers to build better homes, send their children to school, and launch secondary businesses such as dairy and egg farming. Importantly, the cooperative plays a vital role in reducing illegal bushmeat hunting and charcoal production by offering alternative livelihoods. Through mutual support and a revolving loan system, members encourage innovation and expand income-generating opportunities, contributing to sustainable land use and long-term economic growth in the region.

Dernière modification 16 Jul 2025

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Contexte

Challenges addressed

Drought

Erratic rainfall

Increasing temperatures

Land and Forest degradation

Shift of seasons

Wildfires

Conflicting uses / cumulative impacts

Erosion

Poaching

Unsustainable harvesting incl. overfishing

Lack of access to long-term funding

Lack of alternative income opportunities

Lack of food security

Lack of technical capacity

Poor governance and participation

Unemployment / poverty

This cooperative model addresses intertwined environmental, social, and economic challenges in Malawi. Environmentally, unsustainable farming practices and widespread deforestation have led to severe land degradation, poor water retention, and loss of biodiversity. Socially, rural communities face deep poverty, with limited access to clean water, quality education, and alternative income sources. Economically, reliance on subsistence farming and illegal charcoal production has left families vulnerable to climate shocks and food insecurity.

Scale of implementation

Local

Ecosystems

Agroforestry

Tropical evergreen forest

Thème

Access and benefit sharing

Adaptation

Restoration

Sustainable financing

Sustainable livelihoods

Local actors

Emplacement

Mzimba, Malawi

East and South Africa

Traiter

Summary of the process

The success of this model lies in the synergy between its components. The Community Forestry Model serves as the foundation by integrating tree planting into individual farming systems, which directly feeds into the Leaf Biomass Market Linkage, turning environmental stewardship into a revenue stream. This market access would not be sustainable without the Cooperative Development and Capacity Building, which organizes farmers, builds governance structures, and ensures collective management. The Grant-Funded Public-Private Partnership was instrumental in catalyzing these efforts, providing resources and legitimacy to scale. As income begins to flow, the Income Diversification and Livelihood Support element helps farmers reinvest in other ventures, reducing dependency on harmful practices. Lastly, the Internal Loan and Support System reinforces this by circulating resources within the community, encouraging innovation, risk-sharing, and resilience. Each block supports and builds upon the others—together creating a holistic and scalable rural development model.

Building Blocks

1. Community Forestry Model

Kawandama Hills partnered with local farmers to plant Corymbia citriodora trees on their own farmland, encouraging sustainable land use and reforestation. This model protects the environment while giving communities ownership of the process.

Resources

https://www.kawandama-hills.com/community

2. Leaf Biomass Market Linkage

Farmers prune their trees and sell the leaf biomass to KHP for essential oil extraction, creating a sustainable and regular income stream. This reduces the need for environmentally harmful activities like illegal charcoal burning.

3. Cooperative Development and Capacity Building

The informal farmer group was formally registered as the Lucheche Cooperative and trained to manage its operations. This empowered the community to organize effectively and take charge of their development.

4. Grant-Funded Public-Private Partnership

Support from USAID’s PERFORM project helped scale up the partnership between KHP and the Cooperative. The funding strengthened the business model and increased long-term sustainability and impact.

5. Income Diversification and Livelihood Support

With the added income, many farmers have invested in other small businesses, such as dairy and poultry. This economic resilience reduces reliance on unsustainable practices and improves overall wellbeing.

6. Internal Loan and Support System

The Cooperative provides loans among members to support new income-generating ideas and emergency needs. This internal support system fosters solidarity and economic innovation within the community.

Impacts

The Kawandama Hills – Lucheche Cooperative model has delivered strong environmental, social, and economic impacts. Over 70 hectares of Corymbia citriodora trees have been planted on farmland, supporting reforestation, soil conservation, and year-round canopy cover. By providing an alternative income source, the model helps curb illegal charcoal production and bushmeat trading, protecting local biodiversity. The Cooperative has grown to 172 members who supply an average of 80 tons of leaf biomass annually, generating regular income. This has enabled farmers to build houses, send children to school, and invest in secondary businesses like dairy and poultry. A cooperative-managed loan system supports members in times of need and fosters innovation. Overall, the model has improved household resilience, strengthened community cohesion, and restored degraded landscapes.

Beneficiaries

172 farmers gained income, better homes, and education; local communities benefit from restored forests and reduced illegal activities; women and youth see improved livelihoods and opportunities but also the Plantation benefits of availability of raw material.