Project News

For the 6 days period from 21st to 26th of July 2019, MA-SHEP team monitored in-field training for farmers in the 2nd Batch implementation districts such as Karonga District, Chitipa District, Mzimba North & South Districts, Nkhata Bay District, Rumphi District. Since the target districts cover a huge area, the monitoring team was divided into two groups.

The targets of monitoring were extension staff and farmer groups in the 2nd Batch implementation districts. Each frontline officer brought a picture-story show to a farmer groups and introduced important agricultural techniques in each step such as land preparation, sowing, fertilization management, pest and disease control, water management, and harvest /post-harvest treatment. The extension staff also tought how to make bio charcoal utilizing corn residues as well as bokashi manure and liquid manure through hands-on practice.

For example, in Rumphi District, in order to confirm the effect of bokashi manure, farmers had conducted a comparison demonstration cultivation in the field. MA-SHEP encourages farmers to accept the new technology, comparing its effects like a "Seeing is believing". In Mzimba South, farmers showed us the biochar that they made well. They told us that they would try out the effects in their field. We are looking forward to the future crop growth. On the other hand, through this monitoring, it was confirmed that most of farmers have many issues regarding integrated pest and disease management so that further technical guidances by extension staff are expected.

In-field training for farmers has just begun. From now on, farmers are expected to acquire new agricultural techniques and cultivate, harvest and sell horticultural crops selected through market research.

MA-SHEP Management Team conducted interview with farmers(Rumphi District)

MA-SHEP Management Team conducted interview with extension staff(Rumphi District)

MA-SHEP Management Team observed farmer's field(Mzimba North District)

MA-SHEP Management Team conducted interview with farmers(Mzimba North District)