The project promotes the wider adoption of sustainable agricultural practices through farmer to farmer extension. The aim is to improve food security for 2600 households in Mzimba, Rumphi and Nkhata Bay Districts in the Northern region.
The project supports and train lead farmers in sustainable methods, equipping them with technical skills and tools. The lead farmer method has proven to be very effective because these lead farmers have an interest and belief in sustainable methods, and practice the technologies they are promoting; they are accepted and respected by fellow farmers.
The lead farmers offer training to follower farmers on demand and many follower farmers are adopting the practices because they can actually see the results.
The project also facilitate farmers’ networks to share information and lessons
We are working with MZADD (Mzuzu Agriculture Development Division), a government ministry, which promotes small holder agricultural production to achieve food security.
We have worked with MZADD since 2002, initially on an incentive scheme for organic farming using compost. This has been built on with annual agreements that for several years now have focused on supporting lead farmers in promoting sustainable farming practices within their communities.
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