The Team

Tonthoza Uganja
Founder and Managing Director

Tonthoza Uganja is a Land use systems leader, scientist, and researcher dedicated to reducing poverty and promoting environmental sustainability in Malawi. With a BSc in Forestry, an MSc in Tropical Forestry, and a PhD in progress, she brings extensive project management and leadership experience to her role as Founder and CEO of Sustainable Farming Solutions (SFS). Tonthoza has successfully led reforestation, agroforestry, and climate-smart agriculture initiatives, empowering smallholder farmers and driving sustainable development. Her vision is to create resilient, thriving communities through innovative, science-based solutions that restore natural ecosystems.

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Vanessa Simwela
Farm Operations Lead

Vanessa Simwela is a passionate agriculturalist at heart with 7 years’ experience in irrigated sugarcane, mango, and banana farming. She has vast experience in managing irrigated farms. She is a planner, trainer, leader, and go-getter.  She has a BSc in Forestry and currently pursuing her MBA. She is a firm believer that linking forestry and agricultural principles is the way to go in saving and preserving the world’s fast depleting forests.

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Leah Hez
Systems Development Director

A passionate social development enthusiast focused on technology and community empowerment who uses her career to advance this cause both professionally and personally. She believes that by providing women with access to finance and income-generating activities you can change the way they look at the world and their circumstance leading to development. She has an MSc in Information systems and over 11 years of experience in cloud computing, GIS and social development.

Thembi Uganja
Sustainability and Livelihoods Lead

Thembi Uganja is the Livelihoods and Operations Lead. She holds a degree in Land Economy and has certifications in Project Management and Livelihoods Impact, Thembi is at the forefront of driving sustainable change. With a fervent passion for poverty alleviation and sustainable development, Thembi has dedicated her career to creating impactful, long-lasting solutions that empower communities. Thembi leads initiatives such as the Capacity Building Design team, integrating innovative approaches like Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) into environmental conservation efforts. Her work ensures that these initiatives not only improve livelihoods but also foster resilience and prosperity in the face of environmental challenges.

Keith Chirambo
Financial consultant

Keith Chirambo is a Financial consultant with over 15 years of professional experience of providing audit and corporate finance services. He has worked extensively as an Internal and External Auditor and specializes in financial statements analysis, forensic investigations, compliance and corporate governance. His work experience includes working in the US and Zimbabwe. He is a holder of an MBA in Accounting and Management.

Audrey Dzikambani
Restoration and Conservation coordinator

Aubrey Dzinkambani is a dedicated professional serving as the Restoration and Conservation Coordinator. With a Bachelor’s degree in Water Resources Management and Development, Aubrey brings expertise in watershed management and environmental conservation to his role. Committed to SFS’s mission of biodiversity preservation, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and livelihood enhancement through agroforestry projects, Aubrey spearheads community mobilization efforts and provides trainings for tailored extension services to small holder farmers in the project areas. His passion for protecting the environment and empowering smallholder farmers drives his work towards sustainable agriculture and conservation practices.

Rowena Soko
Accounting and Admins officer

Rowena Soko is a diligent Accounting and Admins officer. A dedicated accountant, she blends precision with expertise, holding a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting from Malawi Assemblies of God University. Rowena excels in producing accurate financial reports, managing grants, and coordinating procurement processes. Her attention to detail ensures meticulous record-keeping and effective fund monitoring, while her skills in financial reporting, audit support, and accounts reconciliation drive the organization’s fiscal integrity. Committed to excellence, she strives to uphold the highest standards in every aspect of her work, contributing to SFS’s financial health and sustainability.

Katewene Ngosi
Dynamic Agriculture Specialist
Ketawene Ngosi is a dynamic Agriculture Specialist at Sustainable Farming Solutions (SFS), recognized for her exceptional expertise in promoting sustainable agricultural practices. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in General Agriculture from the University of Malawi, equipping her with a solid foundation in agronomy and resource management. With a deep commitment to enhancing food security and empowering local communities, Ketawene is a formidable advocate for innovative solutions in the agricultural sector. Her impactful work not only drives sustainable farming initiatives but also fosters resilience among farmers, making her a true force to be reckoned with in the field of agriculture.
Chrispin Chinangwa
Forestry Specialist and Monitoring Intern

Chrispin Chinangwa is a  Forestry Specialist and Monitoring Intern at Sustainable Farming Solutions, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Forestry from the University of Malawi, complemented by certifications in GIS and Monitoring and Evaluation. His skill set includes project management, natural resource management, map creation, and community engagement, providing a solid foundation for addressing environmental challenges. His responsibilities encompass conducting project portfolio inventories, establishing tree nurseries, developing training manuals, facilitating partnerships, and creating capacity-building protocols for climate-smart farmers. He has a strong passion for nature and a commitment to inspiring positive change and environmental stewardship. Chrispin is working towards our shared goals of sustainability and conservation and through his role, he aims to make a meaningful impact and continually expand his knowledge in forestry.

John Chavula
Advocate for sustainable agriculture

John Chavula is a passionate advocate for sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation, rooted in the landscapes of Malawi. With a degree in Water Resources Management from Mzuzu University he emphasizes the critical role of water systems in sustainable farming. John contributes to integrating Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) into our conservation efforts, aiming to address water scarcity, soil degradation, and biodiversity loss. He fosters holistic and effective conservation strategies, promoting sustainable development for future generations.