By Jones Gadama
Malawi’s agricultural sector is at a crossroads, with experts calling for a shift towards intensive farming practices to boost productivity and food security.
According to Horace Phiri, an agricultural expert, pursuing intensive farming, especially for maize, can help free up land for farmers to diversify into high-value crops.
Phiri’s sentiments come as the National Economic Empowerment Fund is disbursing loans of over K20 billion to 30,000 farmers in 2025 alone, with the aim of promoting agriculture development.
The expert identified crops like soyabeans, groundnuts, and horticulture as high-value crops that can significantly contribute to the country’s agricultural economy.
Intensive farming involves using advanced technology and practices to increase crop yields on smaller plots of land. This approach can help Malawian farmers produce more maize on smaller areas, freeing up land for other profitable crops.
According to Phiri, “If farmers can produce more on smaller plots, they can use the remaining land for other profitable crops. This shift is vital for boosting incomes and strengthening food security.”
Maize is a staple crop in Malawi, and its production plays a critical role in the country’s food security. With the right techniques and management practices, maize yields can be significantly improved.
For instance, using raised bed planting technology can save up to 20-30% of irrigation water while increasing productivity.
Phiri’s call for diversification into high-value crops is echoed by Luwayo Biswick, a permaculture farmer from Mchinji District. Biswick believes that Malawi’s unique agricultural land presents numerous opportunities for farmers to grow a variety of crops.
However, he emphasizes the need for value addition and export promotion to tap into global markets.
“Malawi is rich in agriculture, but we must popularize our products globally,” Biswick said, adding, “Graduates from institutions like LUANAR should take farming seriously as a business to drive the sector forward.” This sentiment highlights the importance of agricultural education and training in equipping farmers with the necessary skills to succeed in the industry.
To achieve agricultural development and food security, several key areas need to be addressed. Maintaining soil health through proper management practices is crucial for sustainable agriculture.
Efficient irrigation systems and practices can help conserve water while ensuring optimal crop growth. Adding value to agricultural products can increase their market value and create new opportunities for farmers.
Promoting Malawian agricultural products globally can help farmers tap into new markets and increase their incomes.
The government’s initiative to disburse loans to farmers is a step in the right direction. However, more needs to be done to support agricultural development.
This includes providing subsidies to smallholder farmers, investing in irrigation infrastructure, and promoting agricultural research and development.
Malawi’s agricultural future hinges on the adoption of intensive farming practices and diversification into high-value crops.
With the right policies and support, farmers can increase their productivity, improve food security, and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
As Phiri noted, “This shift is vital for boosting incomes and strengthening food security.” By working together, Malawian farmers can unlock their potential and drive the agricultural sector forward.
To achieve agricultural development and food security, it is essential to increase investment in agricultural research and development, provide training and education, promote value addition and export promotion, and improve irrigation infrastructure.
By implementing these strategies, Malawi can unlock its agricultural potential and achieve food security and economic growth.
