Extension week set to expose new agriculture technologies
The planned agriculture extension week slated for next week is set to act as a platform to expose new technologies which have not yet trickled down to farmers.
Spokesperson for the Organising Committee Maurice Manthombe has said over the course of time new technology has been developed which if adopted could make a lasting impact in the provision of extension services in Malawi.
“This gathering will provide us an opportunity for different players within the sector to come together under one roof to seek solutions to critical issues that we have identified,” said Manthombe.
He added that: “We want to find ways how best we can transfer these new technologies to players on the ground. It is also important to strengthen the linkages to ensure that the work we are doing is paying dividends”.
The extension week, themed ‘Enabling agricultural extension and advisory services for agricultural transformation and growth’ has been organized by the Malawi Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (MaFAAS).
Manthombe said since the annual gathering will attract providers, actors and stakeholders from Malawi and beyond, it will also grant them ample time to share experiences and lessons.
“This is a departure from what we have done in the past years following the need for more time as expressed by stakeholders in the previous years. Here is a time to network, discuss critical issues and develop action plans to address the identified challenges,” he said.
Activities throughout the week have been further narrowed into subthemes with the focus on Monday being on climate smart agriculture and policy, on Tuesday it will be farmers’ day and on Wednesday the focus will be on ICT based extension.
On Thursday, it will be private sector day and on Friday the final day it will be extension future day.
MaFAAS is an umbrella organization of agricultural extension and advisory service providers in the country and this extension week will be the 3rd to be held in the country.
