In Malawi, declining tobacco demand underscores shows the importance need for smallholder tobacco farmers to diversify their crops. Candida Nakhumwa highlights how local partner-supported led crop diversification initiatives resulting in a 36% productivity increase and a 165% revenue boost for +40K smallholder farmers. ATI-supported activities target the following outcomes: - Increased knowledge and adoption of agricultural science, technology, and innovation; - Diversified agricultural production by smallholder farmers for higher and more secure income streams; - Analyses, studies, research, and education of and about agricultural policies that promote agricultural diversification and support advocacy to eliminate constraints on diversification; - Improved human and institutional capacity to support the development and adoption of better agricultural practices and diversification; and - Increased awareness of the challenges facing smallholder tobacco farmers and Malawi’s agriculture infrastructure, along with evidence-based solutions. To achieve these outcomes, ATI supports a systems approach to understanding local contexts and potential points of intervention. A systems-thinking approach is well suited to tackling complex development problems, as it incorporates multifactor analysis and feedback loops to foster better decision-making at various levels. In addition, a focus on outcomes ensures that each charitable dollar spent contributes to building capacity and strengthening local and national economies in a sustainable way, helping to foster a better future for smallholder farmers, their families, and their communities.
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Harnessing data-driven solutions to help smallholder farmers in #Malawi
In the news, today. We look forward to strengthening our partnership with Mzuzu University for the benefit of smallholder farmers in #Malawi. Prof. Wales Singini Macleod Nkhoma
Maxwell Ulaya Chirwa, a smallholder farmer from Nkhotakota, Malawi, has successfully transformed his cassava farming from subsistence to commercial enterprise profitability with the help of the agricultural initiatives we support. Our mission is to help smallholder tobacco farmers transition to alternative livelihoods. Maxwell's story highlights the impact of improving farmer incomes and promoting sustainable and profitable agriculture.
Harnessing data-driven solutions to help smallholder farmers in #Malawi
Maxwell Ulaya Chirwa, a smallholder farmer and member of the Kamboni Farmers Club in Katutu village, Nkhotakota, has transformed his cassava farming from subsistence to a profitable business with support from the partnership between Africa Agriculture Holding Limited (AAHL) and CAT, with funding from Global Action to End Smoking (GA). AAHL is one of our agribusiness partners supporting smallholder cassava farmers increase productivity and incomes by offering them improved agricultural technologies, extension service and ready markets. Formerly growing cassava solely for consumption, Maxwell now earns substantial income. Last season, he earned K1.7 million from cassava sales on one acre of land. With improved seeds, extension support, and access to markets provided by AAHL through the support of the CAT, Maxwell's production and income have significantly increased. He has used his earnings to build a house, buy fertilizers, and expand his livestock from six goats to ten. Maxwell now supports his household expenses and children's school fees. He anticipates earning about K3.5 million this year from his expanded three-acre cassava farm. "I’m no longer the same, thanks to the support I have received so far. Please do the same to other farmers who are struggling,” said the 59-year-old and father of nine children from Kapondo Village, Traditional Authority Karyenda in the district. In the photos - Maxwell at a cassava plot and in a group photo with fellow farmers and our team as well as officials from AAHL
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Our VP of Programs, Dr. Erik Augustson, recently visited Malawi to see The Centre for Agricultural Transformation (CAT)’s impactful work. Through the Agricultural Transformation Initiative (ATI) we're helping Malawi diversify its economy and supporting smallholder tobacco farmer efforts to build more sustainable alternative livelihoods.
Agricultural Transformation Initiative (ATI) reposted this
Harnessing data-driven solutions to help smallholder farmers in #Malawi
This week, we have been honoured to host Dr. Erik Augustson, Vice President for Programs at the Global Action to End Smoking (GA), who visited our Office and interacted with staff. Through the Agricultural Transformation Initiative (ATI), the GA funds our program work in Malawi. Besides visiting the new CAT Centre under construction just opposite the LUANAR-Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources's NRC Smart Farm in Lilongwe, he also engaged our agribusiness partners such as ACADES , Global Seeds, Market Link and Support, Going Green Ltd and Hortinet Foods Limited. Dr. Erik Augustson also had discussions with some smallholder farmers that we support, through our agribusiness partners. As someone who believes in environmental protection, he also planted a tree at ACADES premises. Photos show Dr. Erik Augustson at various points with CAT staff, smallholder farmers, inspection team at the CAT Centre construction site, agribusiness partners' booths and tree-planting activity
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This #WorldNoTobaccoDay we reinforce our commitment to accelerate life-saving research and educational projects to end the smoking epidemic and save lives. #EndSmoking #WNTD24 https://lnkd.in/gRJ2dm4m
Kennedy Makaika is one of the many farmers benefitting from The Centre for Agricultural Transformation (CAT) and AAHF support. His success in cassava farming shows how Malawian farmers can use crops other than tobacco to build sustainable livelihoods. https://lnkd.in/eCbD7RHF
The Centre for Agricultural Transformation (CAT) recently hosted a boot camp for 70 farmers, imparting skills in crop and post-harvest management, financial literacy, & market access. This initiative supports smallholder tobacco farmers in diversifying to sustainable alternative livelihoods. https://lnkd.in/eXHvX6mH
The partnership between The Centre for Agricultural Transformation (CAT) and Standard Bank Malawi deepens support for Malawian smallholder farmers transitioning to sustainable alternatives. This collaboration aims to provide farmers access to new markets through agri-business mentorship. https://lnkd.in/gEUh3B6F
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The ATI Fellowship & Scholarship Fund helped scholars like Hope kelvin Chilunga further their education. Hope's work with drones will help smallholder farmers in Malawi move beyond tobacco reliance. Explore the fund's impact (2019-2023) here: https://lnkd.in/eiwnRefQ