Malawian farmers who participated in ASX- and Aim-listed Sovereign Metals’ 2025 Conservation Farming Programme increased crop yields by four times, with the top farmer achieving a ten times yield increase compared with traditional farming techniques.

Sovereign notes that 350 farmers participated in the programme this year, of which 50% are female.

The top farmer this season harvested 12.8 t/ha – a ten-times increase in crops, compared with last season’s top farmer who achieved 6 t/ha and a five-times higher crop yield.

The company says this scale of farmer participation and increased yields demonstrates the programme’s effectiveness in sustainably increasing agricultural production during Sovereign’s ongoing definitive feasibility study.

Sovereign expresses that top-performing farmers have not only managed to meet their household food requirements but have also sold surplus crop with proceeds being used to upgrade their houses and invest in trading businesses.

As part of Sovereign’s commitment to improving livelihoods and local communities near its Kasiya rutile/graphite project, in Malawi, the company launched a programme in 2024 to support the development of successful smallholder farmers.

Local farmers received training to increase maize crop yield, protect soil from erosion and degradation and ultimately improve long-term food security.

During the 2024 harvest season, the company notes, the programme delivered strong results, with visibly improved crop growth and the 90 participating farmers reporting harvest yields three times higher than previous years, despite an El Niño-driven drought.

“The success of our Conservation Farming Program near Kasiya demonstrates a scalable solution to food insecurity and otherwise perpetual land degradation in Malawi,” says MD and CEO Frank Eagar.

“By restoring soil health and significantly improving yields, the programme promotes lasting self-reliance for local communities.

“It also reflects our broader commitment to sustainable development and responsible investment in Malawi’s future – where environmental stewardship, social impact and economic progress go hand in hand,” he adds.

Conservation farming involves sustainable permaculture techniques such as crop rotation, minimal tillage, organic mulching and composting, all aimed at regenerating soil health and boosting productivity over time.

“It teaches, promotes and monitors responsible land stewardship based on the principles of on-time, to standard, no wastage, with joy,” Sovereign says.

The programme’s long-term goal is to enable smallholder farmers to consistently produce surplus crops, creating a pathway to sustainable household income even under challenging climatic conditions.