By Roselyn Phiri

Lilongwe, March 1, Mana: Mwapata Institute, in partnership with Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) and National Planning Commission (NPC) has implored stakeholders to strengthen policy actions regarding agricultural research and extension services in the country as one way of maximizing production.

Speaking at an Eminent Speaker Series in Lilongwe on Thursday, Executive Director for Mwapata Institute, William Chadza, said Malawi needs to invest more on local research institutions.

He emphasized that government, development partners and all agencies should invest more in local research institutions saying they have knowledge of the local needs and are in close and direct contact with local communities.

“Therefore, there is higher capability and chances that research and development will succeed if it is driven by local institutions. As such, the discussions were critical as the speakers pointed out a number of important issues on what needs to be done.

“The speakers pointed out that if we are going to move forward with agricultural development and economic growth in the country, at national level, we need to develop our research and extension systems particularly institutional capacity," he explained.

Head of Agricultural Extension Department at LUANAR, Dr Paul Fatch, said from the discussions it is very clear that extension is crucial.

He said the country cannot have productivity without extension with the adequate number of workers.

“We need to have extension workers who are adequately supported and have been given enough information and mandate to drive the transformation agenda," said Fatch.

NPC Director General, Dr Thomas Munthali, thanked Mwapata Institute for organizing such an event and government for recognizing the importance of research and extension services.

The Eminent Speaker Series was held to generate policy actions regarding agricultural research and extension services in the country.