Agricultural authorities in Malawi are advocating for the increased adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies to enhance extension services, boost productivity, and promote profitable farming practices. This call was made during the Malawi Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (MaFAAS) 2026 Farming and Extension Conference in Lilongwe. The conference aims to explore innovative ways to strengthen the agricultural sector.
Controller of Agricultural Services in the Ministry of Agriculture, Jeremy Nkhoma, emphasized the need for extension officers to translate existing research into practical solutions that help farmers withstand climate shocks and access markets. He highlighted that technology could improve the efficiency of agricultural extension services and accelerate commercialization. This can be achieved through AI-powered weather forecasts, mobile-phone advisories, digital pest diagnosis, data-guided irrigation, and online marketplaces.
Nkhoma noted that these technologies could help farmers anticipate El Niño, manage crops effectively, and connect with buyers. The adoption of AI and digital technologies is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing farming outcomes and improving the livelihoods of farmers in Malawi. The country's agricultural sector is a significant contributor to the economy, and efforts to modernize it are underway.
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Country Director, Bernadette Mukonyora, stressed that agricultural extension services must evolve to help farmers farm profitably and access markets, rather than just teaching them how to produce crops. She highlighted that Malawi's large farming population poses a challenge for extension officers to reach every farmer individually and in time.
Mukonyora emphasized the importance of AI and digital technologies in expanding access to timely agricultural advice and improving farming outcomes. These technologies can help bridge the gap between extension officers and farmers, ensuring that farmers receive the support they need to improve their productivity and profitability.
The MaFAAS 2026 Farming and Extension Conference is being held under the theme “Re-invigorating Extension Hub for Accelerated Food Security and Wealth Creation for All.” The conference brings together stakeholders from the agricultural sector to discuss innovative solutions to the challenges facing the sector. The adoption of AI and digital technologies is expected to be a key area of focus.
The integration of AI and digital technologies in Malawi's agricultural sector is expected to have a positive impact on food security and wealth creation. With the support of stakeholders, including the IFAD and the Ministry of Agriculture, the sector is poised to undergo a significant transformation. This transformation will help improve the livelihoods of farmers and contribute to the country's economic growth.
Key points
- Experts urge adoption of AI and digital technologies to improve agricultural productivity and promote profitable farming in Malawi.
- The adoption of AI and digital technologies can help farmers anticipate climate shocks and access markets.
- The integration of AI and digital technologies in agriculture can improve food security and wealth creation in Malawi.
