EU supports the delivery of quality agriculture services through the FFS approach in Malawi

Provision of quality agriculture services, namely research and extension, is key to transform the agricultural sector in Malawi and to achieve inclusive and sustainable growth. In partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the European Union is supporting improvement of agriculture services provision using the Farmer Field School (FFS) approach. Since January 2018, an intensive hands-on training session of extension workers and lead farmers is ongoing in the three main agro-ecological zones of Malawi (Mzuzu for the northern zone, Kasungu-Lisasadzi for the central zone and Mulanje-Thuchira for the southern zone).

On 21^st May 2018, the EU Ambassador visited the group of 30 extension workers following intensive training in Mzuzu. He was able to appreciate the progress achieved and to provide encouragement to the extension workers to continue their learning efforts. During the visit, the trainees demonstrated a good understanding of the FFS methodology:  they have acquired good facilitation skills and will be able to provide the participatory training to the farmers back in their geographical areas of work. The trainees illustrated to the EU Ambassador some of their newly acquired skills, in for example (1) integrated soil fertility management, (2) water harvesting and moisture conservation systems, (3) integrated management of pests and diseases, (4) variety selection, (5) diversification of agricultural production systems, (6) promotion of nutritious foods (including indigenous vegetables), (7) rapid multiplication of clean planting materials and (8) capacity to select and use botanical pesticides and to limit the use of chemicals

The 'learning by doing' process in the FFS, organized under KULIMA programme,  is recognized by trainees as the best tool  to better understand the challenges affecting agricultural systems as well as to explore the most appropriate and affordable solutions.

Trainees were proactively involved in showcasing the application of good agricultural practices. Once their training will be over, they will be able to provide farmers under their responsibilities not only with useful advices, but also necessary skill to adapt and react to the various challenges of the agriculture sector.

During the EU Ambassador's visi,t a demonstration on the application of integrated crop management (ICM) practices was given. EU Ambassador was shown accessible and affordable methods to successfully establish banana fields. This included hot water treatment of banana suckers to eliminate effects of banana weevils (without the need to apply chemicals) and use of organic fertilizer to grow banana suckers. In the last two decades local banana industry in Malawi were badly affected by banana bunchy top disease (BBTD). These innovative methods extension workers are learning will greatly contribute to the re-establishment of the local banana industry.

The FFS approach as jointly promoted by EU and FAO and implemented through KULIMA programme is transforming beneficiaries from passive recipients into fully skilled players and drivers of change. This will in turn lead to increased productivity, better use of natural resources, increased income and food and nutrition security for Malawian farmers.