ABOUT THE
CONSERVATION INITIATIVE
We aim to conserve the unique ecosystem and create a symbiosis between the fauna, flora, agriculture, and local community in the Shire Valley, an area that is challenged by burgeoning population pressure and severe poverty.
OUR STORY.
At the heart of our story is Agricane—a company founded in 1996 by Chris Matthews. Growing up on a commercial farm integrated with wildlife meant Chris has always deeply appreciated farming, wildlife and conservation. After studying agricultural engineering in the UK and gaining some practical experience in the lowveld of Zimbabwe and Malawi, Agricane became the crucible for this passion for sustainable agriculture when a young team of agricultural professionals began to build Agricane. It is now a seasoned agricultural engineering and development company, specialising in African plantation developments.
Agricane acquired a commercial sugar cane farm in Malawi, Kaombe Estate, in 2008. The concept of Agricane developing a wildlife area was cemented from the get-go as part of their core principles. We have the privilege of being custodians of one of Malawi's last remaining riparian forest habitats, which is a wooded area directly adjacent to a body of water, such as the Shire and Thangadzi Rivers.
A fence was erected in 2014 and game was swiftly introduced, this area is known as the Thangadzi River Conservancy (TRC). The TRC area boasts a variety of big and small mammals, including buffalo, 10 antelope species and a variety of birdlife. And finally, in 2022, the ground was broken to erect a solar-powered lodge to accommodate visitors.
Not only does Kaombe Estate have access to this unique riparian forest habitat, but it also prides itself on the fact that it borders a Ramsar Site, namely the 61500-ha Elephant Marsh.
“A Ramsar Site is the designation of a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention of 1971 by UNESCO.”
Agricane’s ambitions in sustainable agriculture and commercial cane growing reach far beyond the boundaries of just farming. They encompass a wholesome approach to all that Malawi has to offer. Besides the passion for regenerative and sustainable farming practices, and wildlife and environmental conservation, Agricane has a vested interest in uplifting the Malawian community based in the Lower Shire Valley.
At the core of commercial agriculture 1270-ha of sugarcane farming which gives sustainable economic results employing up to 600 people and providing community infrastructure projects to its surrounding communities of around 10,000 people. It's also a centre of knowledge and skills to spread this holistic approach.
The whole concept of Shire Valley Conservation encapsulates Agricane's drive to create sustainability through strong commercial agriculture supporting its surrounding communities to improve their welfare with infrastructural improvements in their villages while conserving this unique ecosystem.
CONSERVATION
PARTNERS.
We are privileged to be linked to some incredible partners, who have already established networks and connections in the conservation world.