Origin and Background

Total LandCare (TLC) was founded by Trent Bunderson, Zwide Jere and Ian Hayes in 1999 as a non-profit, non government organization in Malawi.  In 2006, TLC expanded its operations to Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zambia as a registered non-profit NGO. TLC is affiliated with Washington State University (WSU) through a memorandum of agreement to facilitate implementation of WSU-led projects in the region.

Mandate

TLC’s mandate is to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the region with a focus on community based approaches to increase agricultural production, food security and incomes within a context that ensures sound management of their natural resources. A key thrust is to provide information to decision-makers to improve policies that support economic development and growth in a sustainable manner. Further details about TLC’s approach and development activities are provided under Profile in the main menu.

Funding and Collaboration

TLC attracts funding from diverse donor organizations, foundations, and corporations through the preparation of proposals in response to funding opportunities. Funding sources include the United States Agency for International Development, the Norwegian Government, Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), the European Union, international NGOs such as WaterAide and African Leadership, and various private sector firms and foundations. Many programs have involved partnership arrangements with other organizations and institutions to expand the scale, scope and effectiveness of programs with farmers.  These programs have involved many government agencies, NGOs such as Care International, Catholic Relief Services, and ActionAid; International Research Centers such as CIMMYT, IITA, ICRISAT and the World Agroforestry Center; private firms such as Terra Global Capital, Agricane Malawi Ltd. and the National Farmers Association of Malawi;  and educational institutions such as Bunda College of Agriculture and Mzuzu University.

Geographic Scope

TLC projects in Malawi are located in Rumphi, Mzimba, Nkhata Bay, Kasungu, Nkhotakota, Ntchisi, Dowa, Mchinji, Salima, Lilongwe, Dedza, Machinga, Zomba, Mulanje and Blantyre.

Projects in Tanzania are located in the Districts of Urambo, Tabora, Uyui, and Nzega in the Tabora Region.

In Mozambique, projects are located in the Districts of Ulongue, Macanga, and Tsangano in Tete Province.

In Zambia, TLC projects are located in Eastern Province.