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Archived News

The Magic Tree - January 2009

The Magic Tree, or Faidherbia Albida as the Romans titled it, is one of Africa´s most useful botanical wonders. Plant life flourishes when planted beneath the Magic Trees, which makes it a fantastic resource. This unusual collaboration is particularly true of maize as the Magic Trees protect the soil during dry winters and yet shed their leaves during the growing season so that there are no canopies to shield the light. The leaves also provide a natural fertiliser that is more stable than artificial versions.

DJFs last visit to Malawi saw 40 of these trees planted across half an acre. This is the first mass planting of these types of trees in Malawi. Eventually the Foundation want to be able to provide Magic Tree seedlings to farmers across Malawi in hopes of benefiting their maize crops in the long term.

An exciting breakthrough!

The latest trip to the DJF centre in Malawi revealed good news about the recent trial plots. DJF has managed to cultivate a plant that rivals the performance of the much more expensive hybrid plants used by most Malawian farmers. These plants will produce maize for 3 to 4 years which is a massive improvement on the hybrid plants which only last one season and have to be bought again every year. These new plants will reduce the cost of seeds to a fraction of the current outlay and when combined with use of Magic Trees as a fertiliser will dramatically improve the output of Malawian crops in the long term.

From Behind the Lens - Simon Hammett (Pangaea TV)

The intention behind the latest trip to Malawi was to interview key people within the David James Foundation and to capture some video case studies of the great work being achieved.

Nick and I hired an off road vehicle to enable us to drive from Blantyre to Mulanji to interview Innocent, a young boy that the Foundation is aiming to help.


Innocent

We drove as far as the roads allowed but had to leave the car and walk for a further 40mins to reach Innocent´s village. The views were amazing, and we were constantly surrounded by a huge group of children who followed us the whole way. We found Innocent and spent time talking to him about his situation and how DJF could help him farm his land.

He graciously allowed us to interview him on camera about his background, the position he had found himself in and what the future might hold. We will be uploading the video of Innocent´s interview soon; you will be able to download it and hear his amazing story.

David James gets ready for the World Cup 2010

David James has been preparing for the South Africa World Cup 2010 by promoting the work of the David James Foundation in Malawi. Read More

A visit to the Centre

The Foundation are currently planning the next trip to the Centre in Malawi for an update on everyone's progress. Read More

Simon's Zerb Article out now!

Check out Zerb Magazine now for Simon's artcile about the David James Foundation Read More

DJF five page article in Zerb Magazine

DJF cameraman Simon Hammett has written a article about his work with the Foundation for Zerb magazine, official journal for the Guild of Cameramen. Read More

DJF talks at Schools for Africa Parliamentary reception

Representatives of the David James Foundation attended the Schools for Africa parliamentary reception at the Houses of Parliament on the 12th of October to promote the work of the David James Foundation Read More

David James pledges support for 1Goal

David James is furthering his commitment to Africa by signing up as a supporter for 1Goal. Read More

David James Foundation wins series of awards

Pangaea TV cameraman Simon Hammett wins a series of awards and recognition through his work with the David James Foundation. Read More

New Videos

Our new web films can now be found in our video gallery. Have a look at see what we have been up to. Read More

July's Visit - July 2009

July's visit to the Foundation in Malawi Read More

´Eurosport for the Planet´ - Wednesday 24th June 2009

Switch over to Eurosport on the 24th of June to catch David talking about the foundation on 'Eurosport for the Planet'. 'Eurosport for the Planet' looks at the impact of sport in the environment tackling tough ecological issues through talking to scientists, leading campaigners, and top sports stars. As well as the interview with David you will also have a sneak preview of the latest footage from our most recent trip to Malawi. It will be shown at 7.00pm on the British Eurosport channel. Enjoy! Read More

Latest Visit - June 2009

The DJF team returned safely from their latest trip to Malawi elated and happy with the progress they have seen. Despite it currently being winter in Malawi, the centre was a hive of activity. Chinese cabbage has been planted in response to demands from the public, the magic trees are progressing and workshops and lessons are regularly being held at the centre to teach people important agricultural skills. The team managed to visited Innocent for a catch-up as well as researching Perma Culture sites in the area to further expand their trail tests. Keep checking the photo and video galleries for updates from this trip! Read More

Bad Season - April 2009

The work of the DJF is becoming even more vital as Malawi faces a bad harvesting season this year. Late rains throughout the country have made it difficult to harvest maize and many farmers are struggling to produce enough food to feed their families. One of those affected is Innocent, who is being supported by DJF through these difficult economic times. Read More

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