Our Team
Planting trees, changing lives
Root to Fruit is powered by people on the ground in Malawi: nursery staff, foremen, community trainers, Tree Clubs and partners who understand the land and the communities we serve. Their work is what turns planting into survival.
Meet The Malawi team
Malawi
Charles Mankhokwe
General Manager – Root to Fruit Malawi
Charles joined Root to Fruit in 2020 and has been instrumental in guiding the project’s growth on the ground. Born in Zimbabwe and raised in Malawi, Charles holds qualifications in Forestry, Rural and Community Development, and has over two decades of experience working in civil service and NGOs. He brings strong leadership and vision to the team, and his passion for empowering communities through environmental education is a perfect fit for Root to Fruit’s mission.
Throughout his career, Charles dreamed of running a nursery that would support reforestation across Malawi. When he discovered Root to Fruit’s mission aligned with his own, he joined with the goal of building a greener, more sustainable country. Today, he manages all nursery operations, oversees tree survival tracking, and trains community members in seedling care.
“Together we can make it happen.”
Chris Badger
Co-Founder & Managing Director of CAWS
TEAM MEMBERS
Tamara Phiri
Nursery Assistant, Amos Nursery
Joined: 2023
Favourite tree:Citrus sinensis (Orange tree)
“I am passionate about trees. They provide fresh air.”
Tamara Phiri
Nursery Assistant, Chintheche Nursery
Joined: 2015
Favourite tree:Albizia lebbeck (African Holly)
“I love distributing the trees and working with the team.”
Lucius Mveya
Foreman, Amos Nursery
Joined: 2010
Favourite tree: Red Mahogany (Khaya anthotheca)
“I enjoy encouraging the community to take part.”
Simon Banda
Nursery Foreman & Administrator, Chintheche Nursery
Joined: 2013
Favourite tree: Red Mahogany (Khaya anthotheca)
“People need to know the relationship between humans and trees.”
Taonga Kuanda
Nursery Assistant, Chintheche Nursery
Joined: 2020
Favourite tree: Albizia lebbeck (African Holly)
“We are replacing the trees people are cutting down.”
Kondwani Kayira
Nursery Assistant, Chintheche Nursery
Joined: 2019
Favourite tree: Khaya anthotheca (Red Mahogany)
“The community is now green, and we have fruits, which is rewarding.”
Gift Kwenda
Nursery Assistant, Chintheche Nursery
Joined: 2024
Favourite tree: Ilex mitis (Waterboom)
“Trees provide shade and fresh air.”
Mike Chibondwe
Nursery Assistant, Amos Nursery
Joined: 2018
Favourite tree: Ilex mitis (Waterboom)
“We help people control their environment so they can enjoy it.”
Santhe Phiri
Nursery Assistant, Mazembe Nursery
Jonathan Mwenda
Senior Nursery Foreman, Mazembe Nursery
Mercy Mwale
Nursery Assistant, Mazembe Nursery
Khumbo Ainani
Assistant Foreman, Amos Nursery
Joined: 2019
Favourite tree: Albizia lebbeck (African Holly)
“It’s good to know I’m contributing positively to climate action.”
Mabvuto Mwale
Nursery Assistant, Mazembe Nursery
Meet The EUROPE team
Europe
Ralf Holmström
Co-Founder & European Lead – Root to Fruit
Raised in the forests and mountains of Sweden, Ralf has always had a deep love for nature. As Managing Director of Southbound Travel Group, he realised that travel companies must actively support climate solutions. In 2012, he partnered with CAWS to co-found Root to Fruit and expand tree planting efforts in Malawi. Today, he leads the European side of Root to Fruit, linking global awareness with grassroots action.
“It gives me a great sense of pride to see not only the trees grow—but also the people involved.”
Thomas Björklund
Advisor – Web Development & Strategy
Thomas joined Root to Fruit in 2013. A journalist by background with a degree in environmental science, he runs a small web development business. As a father of two, he is driven by a sense of environmental responsibility and a desire to show his children that positive change is possible through small, meaningful action.
Marie Skarström
Strategic Advisor – Marketing & Branding
Marie joined Root to Fruit in 2013. A medical doctor by profession, she supports the project’s public-facing efforts, helping to refine its messaging, market positioning, and impact communications.