Project News

5 - day Technical ToT was conducted in Lilongwe for extension workers in Lilongwe and Machinga Agricultural Development Divisions from 25-29 April and 9-13 May, 2022 respectively. The training included lectures on production techniques of specific horticultural crops selected by the target farmer groups through a market survey, as well as three days of practical exercises.

The lectures were designed to improve capacity of the extension workers by teaching them agricultural techniques related to horticultural crop production, as well as how to facilitate to disseminate important and useful information to farmer groups effectively.

In the practical exercises, important techniques and tips on Bokashi compost, liquid manure, Bio-char (Biomass charcoal), sowing, raising seedlings, transplanting, fertiliser application, field management and integrated pest and disease management were trained through demonstrations.

The practical exercises were conducted in small groups so that every extension worker could participate in each subject physically and closely. In the process, the extension workers engaged in an interactive question and answer session with the facilitators and were able to absorb a number of the techniques and information recommended by the project.

At the end of the training, the extension workers developed an action plan to conduct in-filed trainings for the farmer groups with the agricultural techniques learnt during the training. Based on the action plan, they will visit the farmer groups and teach farmers accordingly. It is expected that the target farmer groups will be able to grow, harvest and sell their horticultural crops they have selected through market survey.

The training was covered by TV stations and newspaper agents, who reported on the project and the training, making it a very worthwhile training that promoted MA-SHEP's training throughout Malawi.

Group Photo (Lilongwe ADD)

Demonstration on Bokashi Manure Making

Demonstration on Onion Curing