MAFAAS 2016 Extension Week has kick-started with wonders

The energy levels were high as the 2016 Agricultural Extension Week for the Malawi Forum for Agricultural and Advisory Services (MaFAAS) officially started on Monday, the 25^th July 2016 in Lilongwe, Malawi.

This year’s meeting is under the theme: “Innovating agricultural extension in Malawi: Focusing on policy, systems, and approaches.” Under this, a few sub themes have been isolated for discussion throughout the week; Malawi Agricultural Extension policy review processes; Strengthening the District Agricultural Extension Services System (DAESS), Scaling up ICT-based Extension and Advisory services, and Current and Emerging issues.

The opening ceremony had about 200 delegates from all over Malawi and abroad. It was interesting that quite a cross section of players within the agricultural sector were present ranging from private companies to civil society organizations. A representation of almost all Agricultural Development Divisions (ADDs) was presentation including those around whom agriculture revolves- the farmers themselves.

The speakers as well did not disappoint; Professor Charles Masangano made the Keynote address titled ‘Innovations in Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services with emphasis on Policy’. Prof. Masangano gave a brief history of extension in practice in Malawi, and went on to challenge the audience with emerging paradigms which require 

service providers to change how they conduct business. Among others, he pointed out how Agricultural Extension providers need to look at farmers as their clientele and start to make strides in becoming accountable in their work. He also talked about value chains, agricultural marketing, and radio and ICTs as emerging issues that are increasingly revolutionizing the roles of extension workers in communities.

The Acting Director for the Department of Agricultural Extension Services (DAES), Madam Frieda Kayuni, picked up on Prof. Masangano’s speech, conducting a poll to find out from the audience, how many people, are honest enough to state that they are accountable to their clients. This was met by an almost sobering silence. She went on to encourage the audience to improve on their accountability mechanisms and unpack the term ‘farmer’ as they serve their clients because farmers is a generic term that represents people of diverse genders, age groups, needs and interests.

The Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development (MoAIWD), Madam Erica Maganga, raised the punch of hard truths higher by asking,

“Who comprises of the famous 1:3,000 ratio of extension workers to farmers? Is it both public and private or public extension workers only?”

She pleaded with the civil society to participate on easing the burden on the public extension workers.

The afternoon was dedicated to unpacking concepts to do with Module 12 under the ‘New Extensionist’ which is on Integrating Gender and Nutrition in Agricultural Extension Services. The audience was able to share experiences on integration of gender and nutrition issues within their organizations. In addition, resources and tools were shared on how different organizations could build their capacity in the topic.

What stood out the most in day one? Well, a lot, but if anyone was to pick out the major thing that hit them the most, surely it would be the observation that players within the sector are ready for a rebirth. They have started to ask the tough and critical questions relevant for development, and, it in itself is very encouraging.

The Acting Director for the Department of Agricultural Extension, Mrs Frieda Kayuni, pointed out that the whole agricultural extension needs a re-think, and it seems this is what the delegates are eager to do. This clearly shows that the remaining days of the meeting will be action-packed full of discussions, reflections, and hard truths. Agricultural Extension on Malawi is on the right track to a revolution, and the only workable catalyst for this change, are the delegates committed to the cause. Watch this space.

Written by  Gracious Chimbalanga.