By Jones Gadama
The Ministry of Agriculture has launched the National Agriculture Extension and Advisory Services Policy (2025-2030), a significant step towards promoting and strengthening quality and inclusive agriculture extension and advisory services in the country.
The policy’s launch coincided with the end of the 7th Africa-Wide Agricultural Extension Week (AAEW) 2025, a biannual continental event held for the first time in Malawi.
The policy aims to empower farmers with knowledge and innovative extension services, enabling them to achieve agricultural commercialization and industrialization as envisioned in the Malawi 2063.
Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale emphasized the policy’s importance in guiding key stakeholders in the provision of extension services that cater to the needs of farmers.
The policy’s launch was met with enthusiasm from various stakeholders, including the Farmers Union of Malawi (FUM) and the Civil Society Agriculture Network (CSAN).
FUM Executive Director Jacob Nyirongo stressed the need for collaboration and extension advisory services tailored to the specific needs and demands of farmers. CSAN National Director Elizabeth Namaona pledged the Network’s support to ensure the policy’s full implementation, describing it as transformative and responsive to the needs of farmers.
The 7th AAEW, which commenced on May 12, brought together policymakers, researchers, extension professionals, farmers, and development partners to discuss topics such as gender-responsive agricultural extension and agroecology.
The event highlighted the importance of inclusive and sustainable practices in agricultural development.
The new policy is expected to have a significant impact on Malawi’s agricultural sector, which is a key driver of the country’s economy. By providing farmers with access to quality extension services, the policy aims to increase agricultural productivity and promote sustainable food systems.
The policy’s focus on inclusivity and responsiveness to farmers’ needs is expected to benefit smallholder farmers, who are the backbone of Malawi’s agricultural sector.
The launch of the policy is a testament to the government’s commitment to transforming the agricultural sector and achieving the goals outlined in the Malawi 2063.
The policy’s success will depend on the effective implementation and collaboration among stakeholders, including government agencies, farmers’ organizations, and development partners.
As Malawi takes a leap forward in agriculture with this new policy, it is expected that the country will see significant improvements in agricultural productivity and food security.
The policy’s emphasis on innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability is expected to benefit not only farmers but also the broader economy and society.
The launch of the National Agriculture Extension and Advisory Services Policy (2025-2030) marks a significant milestone in Malawi’s agricultural development.
With the support of stakeholders and effective implementation, the policy is expected to transform the agricultural sector and contribute to the country’s economic growth and development.
