Growing Hope offered farmers in Melaleuca training in conservation agriculture, but João was reluctant to join the training sessions. “I thought they were wasting our time,” he admits. “But as time passed, …I started seeing other farmers showing great improvements, so I joined the monthly sessions.”

He learned about new farming methods that produce higher crop yields. And, upon completing the program, he and the other participating farmers were given agricultural starter kits so they could start practicing what they had learned on their own farms.

João applied the new methods to growing a non-traditional variety of cassava. “The results were surprising,” he says. “I did not expect cassava stalks [to] grow that fast and produce so much more than the traditional variety that I had been using. I then took the new cassava stalks to my field of almost 2 hectares and started planting. I was not disappointed with the results!” He harvested more than enough for his family’s needs and to share with relatives. He has also shared the knowledge he gained with others in his community. “I hope World Renew will continue training farmers so that everyone will have enough food on their tables!” João says. “World Renew is a true gift from God.”

Prayers for Southern Africa

• With COVID restrictions lifted in Malawi, travel is really picking up. Pray for safety as much of the team is often on the road.
• Praise God for the successful food distribution in Malawi, pray for God’s provision. For people displaced by Cyclone Ana as they rebuild their lives.
• Ask God to provide the right people for our ongoing recruitment for positions on our team. Pray that we’ll work effectively with partners and communities across the region.