Who we are

Lifeworks trains NGOs and farmers to produce and use natural microbial fertilisers that restore soil fertility, and boost farmer incomes. These natural technologies have the power to transform lives and livelihoods – and are made using low-cost, locally available materials. Crop yields can improve by 150% in the first harvest – and we estimate the average farmer increases annual income by $120. Production of microbial fertilisers can easily be scaled up and commercialised by communities and local entrepreneurs, creating jobs and prosperity.

We develop partnerships with local NGOs that work with farming communities and support them so they can transfer the knowledge to farmers. Lifeworks offers a complete support package to NGO partners, including introductions to sources of funding. 

Lifeworks is a founding partner of the NaturePlus consortium, which aims to scale-up adoption of nature-positive agricultural interventions and practices that can restore ecosystems, enhance food- and nutritional-security, and improve livelihoods. Find out more here.

Why we do it

Our work is more urgent than ever as the growing impact of soil degradation and climate change affect the lives of millions, with the poorest being hit the hardest.

Farmers using our techniques are reporting significant increases in crop yield – between 50% and 150% – and reduced spending on commercial fertilisers. Small-scale livestock and poultry farmers also benefit from better animal health including the impact of deworming and repelling of insect vectors and pests and higher prices at market.

Transforming the soil

Microbial science is revolutionising farming. Research has shown that natural microbial preparations made with readily available materials can transform soil health, boost crop yields, strengthen plants’ resistance to disease and pests, and increase the carbon carrying capacity of the soil. Read our evidence summary here. 

Instead of burning crop residue after the harvest, which puts more carbon into the atmosphere, farmers can instead use it to make a rich compost using an 18-day hot composting method. When used with microbial fertilisers, this compost increases soil organic carbon. This zero carbon ‘technology’ is effectively free.

In the case of polluted water courses, it is scientifically proven that treating water with suitable microbial treatments can neutralize pathogens. The Gates Foundation estimates that polluted water is the cause of disease in more than 2 billion people annually.