Lifeworks Global

Empowering communities with low-cost, sustainable agricultural techniques that improve soil quality and boost crop yields

Who we are

Lifeworks provides training to empower small-scale farmers to achieve resilience and sustainability through simple solutions using readily available materials.

After 10 years in the field, our methods have evolved, improving our impact. Now, our cascade training model costs $1 per farmer – and doubles their yield and income.

We work with established partners running projects in farming communities. We are looking to spread our work further and are actively seeking partners and funders. Please contact us to explore how we can work together.

What we do

There is a growing body of evidence into the power of microbial technology. Drawing on this, Lifeworks has created a training programme to deliver lasting change.

Empower: Lifeworks trains trainers – groups of people well placed to train farmers: agronomists, programme officers working for NGOs, leaders of farmers’ unions, and others supporting farming communities.

Embed: Our training covers production and use of microbial inputs, project management and implementation, and monitoring and evaluation. This means trainers can successfully embed the techniques in the farming communities they support. We provide on going support and guidance to those we train.

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 and higher prices at market.

1in3

people worldwide are affected by malnutrition

10 million

hectares of farmland are lost each year to soil erosion

70-80%

of the world’s agricultural land is managed by small-scale farmers

Transforming the soil

Microbial science is revolutionising farming. Research has shown that natural preparations made with readily available materials can transform soil health, boost crop yields and strengthen plants’ resistance to disease and pests.

Soils degraded by poor farming practice and overuse of fertilisers and pesticides can be restored by applying organic compost and supplements rich in lactobacillus and other beneficial microorganisms.

Lifeworks’ training shows farmers how to prepare a range of low cost microbial products for improving agriculture.

Transforming the soil through microbial science

Our Impact

Over the last 10 years, we have supported farmers in Rwanda, Zambia, Kenya, Benin and India with very positive results. In 2021 we are training in six more African countries. We have developed close relationships with government ministries, NGOs, and regional and international bodies, including the World Bank and Anglican dioceses. Our model of training trainers means that thousands of small-scale farmers have now been helped to improve their soil, increase their yields and sustain their communities.

Agent of change in Rwanda

In just nine months after her own training, Clementine Murakatete went on to train nearly 500 farmers in her community, through a network of women's and farming groups. She has a small plot, farming maize and potatoes in Eastern Rwanda.

Providing Training on farming techniques for Zambia's Prison Service

Giving prisoners a future in Zambia

Christopher Chiluba is Regional Commander Western Zambia's prison service. He and seven colleagues attended our training in Kaoma, Zambia, in September 2020. He was so inspired that he committed to rolling out the Lifeworks method to inmates across the six correctional facilities he oversees, and to support them after their release.