In May, Solène Reed and David Farrell travelled to Malawi for three days of reconnecting with partners, deepening existing implementation and exploring new opportunities for collaboration in the macadamia and tea sectors. While the itinerary changed shape a few times (as these trips often do), what unfolded was a meaningful and inspiring journey through one of southern Africa’s most beautiful and enterprising agricultural landscapes.
Unexpected detours and integrated systems
The trip began with a miscommunication that led to an unexpected but unforgettable farm visit. Instead of the originally planned meeting, we found ourselves at a small-scale macadamia orchard started in 2019 by a former engineer. Though modest in size, the farm is a living example of circular thinking: macadamia trees are intercropped with maize and soya; leftover crop matter is mulched to reduce water demand; and a gravity-fed, off-grid system powers irrigation.
The real magic, however, lies in the connection between the farm and a nearby school run by the farmer’s wife. The maize from the farm becomes food for the school’s 620 students, the husks feed the farm’s cows, and their manure is composted for use in the orchard—cutting fertiliser needs in half. Meanwhile, a biodigester at the school turns vegetable scraps into methane for cooking, eliminating the need for LPG entirely.
The surrounding grounds are full of indigenous trees and buzzing with life—birds, insects, and natural biodiversity that gives the space a forest-like calm. It’s a powerful example of what’s possible when sustainability isn’t a bolt-on, but part of the system’s DNA.
Tea country: carbon conversations in historic estates
From there, we travelled south toward the tea-growing highlands. The views were stunning: tea fields cascading over green hills, hemmed in by old forests and wide blue skies. Along the way, we stopped at a local farm-to-table café for a delicious brunch and a pause to take in the scenery.
Our next meetings took place at two estates with long histories—one nearly a century old, the other spanning thousands of hectares of tea, macadamia, and forest. Driving through these properties was a reminder of Malawi’s deep agricultural roots and natural beauty. Our conversations focused on the potential for carbon footprinting as both a business tool and a sector-strengthening initiative. The interest is real, and with the support of SHERPA, there’s an opportunity to build something collaborative and enduring.
Deepening SHERPA implementation
On our final day, we spent the morning with a tea estate that has a longstanding connection to SHERPA. As part of the Sainsbury’s pilot in 2017, they were early adopters, but like many, engagement tapered off during COVID. Our goal was to help them restart their journey and work towards Carbon Heroes recognition.
Connectivity issues created some challenges, but the team’s positivity and flexibility turned what could have been a frustrating session into a productive one. We adapted by breaking into smaller groups and walking through the SHERPA platform step by step. The session highlighted the importance of ensuring the platform remains simple and accessible, even in areas where tech exposure and digital access are limited. The momentum is back, and they’re on track to rejoin the Carbon Heroes community.
Glimpses of biodiversity
In the afternoon, we toured the estate’s processing facilities, tasted various black teas, and visited the Tea Research Foundation of Central Africa. Our final meeting there focused on the potential for a footprinting initiative that could extend across the sector—something we’re excited to keep exploring.
Throughout the trip, we were lucky to spot a few glimpses of Malawi’s remaining wildlife—Mulanje Samango monkeys, hornbills, and birdlife tucked into quiet corners of the estates. Much of Malawi is deforested, so these sightings felt especially meaningful—a quiet reminder of what can thrive when ecosystems are allowed to recover.
The value of being there
In-person engagement remains one of the most valuable parts of our work—meeting people face to face, seeing operations firsthand, and having real conversations grounded in place. Being on the ground brings clarity to the challenges and the creativity behind the solutions. Seeing circular thinking and sustainability in action—not as theory, but as something tangible and working—is what keeps us energised and reminds us why we do what we do.
