(2025-OU2) Deep Bed Farming as climate smart solution for improved crop yield and ecosystem services: opportunities and limitations in Malawi

Agricultural development in Malawi has long been a focal point for researchers and policymakers seeking to enhance the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and address critical challenges associated with food security and rural poverty (Chisale et al., 2022). Among the agricultural commodities that have gained prominence in recent years, macadamia nuts stand out as a valuable export crop and cereal based-diet supplement, offering potential economic benefits (Table 1) to both farmers and the nation as a whole (Zuza et al., 2023).   

The Deep-bed farming system was developed by a small team of practitioners inspired by Francis Shaxson’s work on soil compaction, erosion, and agroecological approaches to land husbandry (Mvula and Dixon, 2021). It concerns dealing with the long-recognized problem of soil compaction, by breaking it, and creating deep beds to reduce runoff and where crops are planted. This system has been demonstrated and adopted by by over 15,000 farmers throughout Malawi, mentored by a charity called Tiyeni Malawi. 

The primary objective of this research is to evaluate the opportunities and limitations of deep-bed farming in macadamia agroforestry systems, assessing yield improvements, ecosystem services, and farmer constraints. Additionally, it seeks to advance the scientific understanding of deep-bed farming in intercropping and agroforestry contexts, with a focus on its potential contribution to Malawi’s food and nutritional security. 

By achieving these objectives, the study will enhance knowledge of deep-bed farming and contribute to sustainable macadamia industry development, supporting multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals including No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Sustainable Production and Consumption, and Climate Action. The findings have broader implications for agricultural policy, capacity-building, and cooperative practices across various subsectors. 

Project highlights

• Agricultural development requires alignment between environmental protection and improved agricultural practice. This study will examine the deep-bed farming technology versus conventional farming among smallholder farmers as a climate-smart solution tested under intercropping and macadamia agroforestry systems in Malawi. 
• The primary objective is to understand the opportunities and limitations of Deep Bed Farming for smallholder farmers – from the social (socio-economic, motivation, cultural situations) to the physical and biological aspects (e.g. water, nutrient availability). 
• How this works and how it compares with case studies of state intervention in extension services in other crops and countries in global South will be compared against and learned lessons drawn out. Based on this the outcomes of this research have the potential to inform farming practices, capacity-building initiatives for smallholder farmers, and potentially government policy benefiting both farmers and environmental sustainability of Malawi. 

Methodology

The research will employ an interdisciplinary, mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. This will involve: 

• Surveys and questionnaires to gather information from smallholder farmers. 
• Interviews and focus group discussions with farmers, extension officers, and other stakeholders. 
• Data analysis and statistical techniques to assess current practices and evaluate the effectiveness of deep-bed farming and macadamia agroforestry. 
• Case studies of successful deep-bed farming from other intercropping schemes. 
• Policy analysis to understand the regulatory framework influencing deep-bed farming practices. 

Training and skills

DRs will be awarded CENTA Training Credits (CTCs) for participation in CENTA-provided and ‘free choice’ external training. One CTC can be earned per 3 hours training, and DRs must accrue 100 CTCs across the three and a half years of their PhD.  

Research skills

• The student will gain expertise in designing a comprehensive research project, including developing research questions, hypotheses, and methodologies.
• They will learn various data collection methods, such as surveys, interviews, and data analysis techniques to gather and interpret data effectively.
• Proficiency in using statistical software for quantitative data analysis to draw meaningful conclusions from survey data.
• Skills in analysing qualitative data from interviews and focus group discussions to identify patterns and themes

Interdisciplinary knowledge

• Understanding of both agricultural practices and socio-economic contexts, as this research involves interdisciplinary considerations. 

Policy analysis

• The capacity to analyse agricultural policies and regulations, making recommendations for policy improvements. 

Community engagement and communication

• Developing skills in engaging with local communities, cooperatives, and stakeholders to foster collaboration and gather insights. 

Policy advocacy

• The research may lead to policy recommendations, and the student will gain skills in advocating for policy changes based on their findings. 

Partners and collaboration

Advisory team: Rupert Douglas (Tiyeni, Malawi): https://www.tiyeni.org/; Andrew Emmott (Neno Macadamia Trust): https://www.nenomacadamiatrust.org/; Rick Brandenburg (NC University): https://www.ces.ncsu.edu/profile/rick-brandenburg/  

Further details

Please contact Dr Yoseph Araya ([Email Address Removed]) or Dr Emmanuel Zuza ([Email Address Removed]) or further information and informal discussion about this project.  

To apply to this project:  

• You must include a CENTA studentship application form, downloadable from: CENTA Studentship Application Form 2025.  
• You must include a CV with the names of at least two referees (preferably three) who can comment on your academic abilities.  
• Your application materials, including the CENTA Studentship Application Form 2025, your CV and the Open University application form must be emailed to [Email Address Removed]. Instructions on how to apply to the Open University are to be found on https://www5.open.ac.uk/stem/environment-earth-ecosystem-sciences/research/phd-students/current-opportunities-and-how-apply, please ensure you read this webpage before applying as you will need to obtain the relevant OU application form from here. Please quote CENTA 2025-OU2 when completing the application form. 

 Applications must be submitted by 23:59 GMT on Wednesday 8th January 2025.