Meet the Malawian mom who built a thriving local agriculture business. This is her inspiring story of family, farming, and the power of seeds.
From the moment Chisomo Bean was born, agriculture was sown into her life. Growing up in a small village in Malawi, she spent her earliest years strapped to her mother’s back while they worked the land. Every harvest season, her family carefully selected the best seeds for the next planting—pumpkin seeds, maize, sweet sorghum, beans, calabash, peanuts, okra, millet, and more. These childhood memories built the foundation for her lifelong passion for farming and heirloom seeds.
“There’s nothing more rewarding than being close to nature—digging into the soil, planting seeds, and watching them grow,” she shares. To Chisomo, agriculture isn’t just about putting food on the table; it’s a way of life, a path to sustainability, and a means to nurture both land and community. Her love for heirloom seeds runs deep, as they carry the genetic history of centuries past—seeds that have been carefully cultivated and passed down through generations.
Moving to South Africa brought an entirely new chapter in her farming journey. Without the guiding hands of her parents, she had to learn and adapt on her own. But it also opened doors to a greater variety of crops, expanding her perspective and deepening her appreciation for agriculture.
For Chisomo, farming isn’t just a personal passion; it’s a family affair. Her daughters are actively involved, from planting to harvesting and even shelling beans. “The kids love it, especially when they see the beautiful colours of the beans,” she says. She believes that working the land together strengthens family bonds and instils a sense of responsibility and appreciation for nature.
Among her favourite crops to grow year after year are cassava, sweet potatoes, beans, calabash, peanuts, maize, okra, and sweet sorghum. These crops allow Chisomo to keep heirloom seeds thriving as well as connect her to her roots.
In 2019, Chisomo established The Heirloom Bean Seed Co., a business dedicated to supplying high-quality heirloom seeds from the farm they rent in Howick. With a strong focus on sustainability and preserving genetic diversity, the company offers a wide range of open-pollinated seeds that thrive in organic farming practises. Beans are a particular favourite, as they don’t cross-pollinate easily, ensuring their genetic purity. In an era of mass commercialisation, Chisomo believes that saving heirloom seeds is more important than ever. Without efforts like hers, many valuable plant species could face extinction.
Through her work, Chisomo hopes to pass down invaluable lessons to her children—her knowledge, passion, and the importance of a sustainable lifestyle. “I want them to inherit my love for farming and understand that agriculture is more than just growing food; it’s about creating a better future.”
Of course, farming comes with its fair share of challenges. But Chisomo takes them in her stride. “Every day brings something new, from small hurdles to major obstacles, but I tackle them one-by-one—by prioritising, problem-solving, and staying focused,” she explains.
For busy working moms juggling careers and family life, Chisomo has a heartfelt piece of advice: “If you can, involve your family in farming; it’s a beautiful way to spend quality time together. It teaches children a strong work ethic, and at the end of the day, there’s nothing more fulfilling than putting your hands in the soil and watching life grow.”
Chisomo Bean’s journey is a testament to resilience, family, and an unwavering love for the land. Her story proves that farming is about so much more than just crops; it’s about cultivating a legacy, one seed at a time.
Facebook: The Heirloom Bean Seed Co