Challenges in Malawi

This short video provides the sobering facts facing the people of Malawi. The average person lives on less than $1 per day. We are working to change livelihoods for the better with sustainable interventions. Please join with us today.

Empowering People with Proven Practices

Washington State University and partner Total Land Care are reducing poverty in Malawi through food security, income generation and environmental conservation. We take a community-based approach that empowers people with proven methods of crop diversification, irrigation, safe water, sanitation, and reforestation.

Poultry Provision

Eggs and chickens provide a self-sustaining source of revenue and an important source of protein for families.

* Extra eggs provide income for families
* Fertilized eggs produce additional offspring
* Chicken manure can be used as natural fertilizer in farming

Get Your Goat

We are helping with animal husbandry in Malawi. Goats and other animals are important for livelihoods, especially in rural villages. With Ripple Effect, we show local farmers how to get maximum value from their resources.

Trees and Entrepreneurship

We work with USAID and other organizations to plant millions of trees each year in Malawi. We also work with local entrepreneurs such as the Land Resource Center to nurse seedlings and spread the Ripple Effect.

Mud Stoves in Malawi

Many people in Malawi cook on open rock fires. This consumes a huge quantity of wood, which leads to deforestation. In recent years, WSU has helped hundreds of families build three "burner" mud stoves.

Unleash a Swarm of African Bees

For people in Malawi, African bees are a good thing. Bees provide more than honey...



Candles and soap are made from the wax. Honey is eaten by the farmers and their families. What is less known is that trees are saved from deforestation as a result of bee hives.

See how Ripple Effect works (with bees)

Treadle Pumps in Action - Ripple Effect work in Malawi

Treadle pumps are foot powered pumps that help farmers irrigate their fields.




Treadle pumps allow farmers to grow an extra crop during the "dry" season as well as irrigate up to 2 acres of land that they could not farm without a treadle pump. The outcome of treadle pump use is increased crop yields and increased incomes for families. Over the past 5 years, Washington State University's International Research and Development programs have placed over 20,000 treadle pump kits in the hands (and feet) of Malawian farmers.

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Thank you for your support

I am very excited for everyone that has given to the Ripple Effect.

Thanks for your support, which is changing lives in Malawi, Africa.

With the help of Washington State University friends, alumni, students, and faculty we are making a tangible difference. Stay tuned for updates from Malawi -- from our people working on the ground every day.

Welcome To the Ripple Effect Blog

Welcome to Ripple Effect! In this blog, we will be showing you how your purchases through the Ripple Effect site makes a measurable difference in the lives of families and communities in Malawi.

We'll also give you a first-hand look at your gifts in action -- and show you the impact you have. Check back every few days for updates, or better yet, subscribe to our RSS feed so you will have updates sent directly to you.

Thanks for visiting...and for helping!
The Ripple Effect Team, Washington State University