A Day in the Life of a Farmer: Follow Along as Our Malawi Team Tends Land and Livestock
By Amanda DeWitt
For many families in the toughest places, farming provides a sustainable solution to hunger and poverty.
Life on the farm is a family affair. They grow their own vegetables for food and income. They also often raise chickens, goats, or other livestock — which provides them with eggs and milk that can be sold at local markets.
Recently, our Unto team in Malawi shared what a day looks like for a farmer. Follow along from morning until night.
4-5 am Wakeup
Many farmers start their day early to avoid the intense afternoon heat. They check and feed their livestock. During the rainy season (November to April), they focus on planting crops. They also use the morning time to weed, fertilize and harvest vegetables.
Children often wake up early to help with these chores before school.
6 am Breakfast
By now the sun is rising, so children come inside. They eat breakfast, pack up and walk to school.
7:30 am School
Many schools start early. Schoolhouses are typically single-room buildings with cutout windows for ventilation and light. Children learn reading, writing and math.
Our Unto teams often share life skills and agriculture training for students. In some areas, they also host feeding and after-school programs where they share Bible lessons and teach students about God’s love.
8:30 am Market
With the children off at school, parents prepare their produce for the local markets. If it is not a market day, they will continue working in the field. In the dry season (May to October), they focus on irrigation and address any pest or crop disease issues.
11:30 am Midday Break
During this time, parents prepare lunch and rest from their work in the field. They sort and clean harvested crops. They repair tools such as hoes or watering cans. They may also attend cooperative meetings or farming groups.
2:30 pm Afternoon
Children return home from school and help out by fetching water, firewood or animal feed. Parents focus on watering crops, mulching and transplanting seedlings. Before the workday ends, animals are brought in from the pasture and watered.
5:30 pm Evening
During the evening, the families focus on completing household chores. Children finish their homework, and dinner is prepared over an open flame. Parents check on stored crops and plan the next day’s tasks. They vary their routine based on the weather and the season. Around 7-7:30, the meal is ready, and families sit down together to eat.
8 pm Bedtime
After dinner, families head to bed and get ready for another day on the farm.
FREE Children’s Agriculture Activity Download
Our Little Explorers, Naomi and Daniel, are back with a new adventure. Come along as they learn about sustainable solutions to hunger. Have fun with your children by growing your own cucumbers, matching items and looking for hidden pictures.