SAM

Saint Andrews Macadamia (SAM) is an agricultural estate located in Namadzi, Malawi. Once a tobacco farm, the estate has been successfully transformed into 716 acres of thriving macadamia orchards—strengthening Malawi’s growing presence in the global macadamia industry. SAM’s on-site seedling nursery ensures self-sufficiency, producing and grafting over 90,000 seedlings each year. In just two years of harvesting, the farm’s yields have doubled annually, reflecting both the quality of its operations and the region’s strong agricultural potential.

The transition from tobacco to macadamia farming has brought significant benefits to both the environment and the local community. The shift supports Malawi’s broader move away from environmentally harmful crops toward more sustainable, high-value exports. The macadamia industry contributes vital foreign exchange and helps diversify the national economy.

SAM has created stable employment and training opportunities for the surrounding communities, empowering families and supporting livelihoods in Namadzi. Working in partnership with the Agricultural Community Foundation (ACF), SAM promotes regenerative and sustainable farming practices that restore soil health, enhance biodiversity, and protect the land for future generations.

The macadamia trees themselves play an important environmental role—providing long-term green cover, preventing soil erosion, and supporting pollinators such as bees, which are essential to local ecosystems and food production. Together, SAM and ACF are helping build a model for climate-resilient, inclusive, and sustainable agriculture in Malawi.