Our Story

THE STORY OF MOYO

In the poorest district in one of the poorest countries on the poorest continent on Earth, lies a small village.

Located on the remains of an abandoned termite mound, the village has literally been built from the ground up. From truly old earth, exposed to serve as the foundation of a community. Sprouting from the rich, red soil of a mountainous area in west central Malawi, the community of Msundwe isn’t wealthy, but it’s rich in spirit.

The soulful culture of the local people inspired a dream in the hearts of a loving Texas family who first came here in 2007. They looked at the red earth and envisioned a thriving and prosperous landscape, where hundreds of villagers would apply their passion for living and deep appreciation of the land to cultivating the countryside. This was the circumstance of faith and courage, the meeting of need and spirit, that gave birth to Child Legacy International’s Sustainable Program Development Model site in Malawi.

field of trees background with green tint

Founded by Jeff and Karen Rogers,

CLI Inc. is a Christian nonprofit working in Africa to transform lives by providing opportunities that break the generational cycle of poverty and despair.

In Msundwe, the Rogers' recognized an opportunity to bring together a population in need, a soulful local culture and a community of faith to create an oasis of hope. CLI began planting vegetables, trees, and coffee plants; they stocked ponds with millions of tilapia. Fish, fruit and vegetables from the farm feed villagers, staff, and patients at the hospital CLI has established. The cultivated land has become a pathway to freedom and opportunity for those tending it, yet the Rogers' have become aware that they cannot complete the commitment they have made while the farm remains dependent on donations to CLI. To deliver on its promise, this experiment in rural development must become self-sufficient and permanent.

the definition of moyo

/MOI -OH/

A beautiful word with a beautiful translation rises from the red dirt. Hovering above the distinctive Malawian soil is a word you can subtly hear the locals singing along the footpaths. The gentle murmur of the word wafts through the air like a song of growth and hope. Moyo … moyo … moyo.

Simply translated, this word from the local language of Chichewa means “life” or “soul.” In actual use, it has several definitions, including “being manifested by growth” and “a belonging to the soul.”

malawi children holding paper and pencils

born across generations by the local culture itself, a solution became clear to CLI and the farmers in Msundwe:

moyo goods

Child Legacy International has historically been dependent on private donations for operational support, which has been generous and successful. However, continual fundraising can be an arduous task. So the Rogers looked again to the land and an idea took root - which was to grow, harvest and sell native Malawian products.

The net proceeds from this new endeavor will secure Child Legacy International’s future by ensuring that the vision and mission are funded by the efforts of their own labor vs. relying solely on the kindness of donors. This idea became Moyo Goods.

Since 2017, workers at the farm in Msundwe have planted thousands of coffee plants and macadamia trees. Moyo Goods will farm over 18,000 macadamia trees with the purpose to market, sell and distribute the goods produced on the farm to consumers around the globe.

Moyo Goods is organized as a public benefit corporation (PBC); its board members bear a dual responsibility to both the shareholders and to the social impact/public benefit of the organization. Profits from Moyo Goods support operations of the site in Malawi, including the free Msdunwe Child Legacy International Hospital, as well as education programs, and other CLI’s current and future initiatives in multiple countries.