AGRINET launched to strengthen agricultural services in local councils

MALAWI – The Agriculture Services Managers Network (AGRINET) has been launched in Salima, marking a new step in strengthening collaboration on agriculture services among local councils.

The launch took place alongside the first-ever conference and symposium of local council managers, organized by the Malawi Local Government Association (MALGA).

Speaking at the event on Thursday, Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale said the platform will help district council directors work together more effectively on agriculture matters.

“Unlike other sectors like health as well as education there has been a missing link in the agriculture sector. The goal is for them to have proper leadership that will spearhead the visions in the sector particularly to fulfill Malawi-2063 vision where productivity, commercialization and mechanization are given the prominence,” Kawale said.

He added that the new structure will support Malawi’s move from a low-income to a middle-income economy and contribute to increased foreign exchange earnings.

Kawale also expressed confidence that the group will support the spread of modern practices from policy level down to extension workers who interact directly with farmers. However, he pointed out that production costs remain a challenge, especially in maize.

“The increase on the cost of production particularly maize is linked to the cost of import on fertilizers, seeds and pesticides,” he said.

A hub for knowledge and policy

MALGA Executive Director Hadrod Zeru Mkandawire explained that AGRINET will serve as a technical arm for local authorities.

“The network will be focusing on generating evidence, policy formulation and peer learning among directors so that we contribute towards agriculture productivity and commercialization in the country,” Mkandawire said.

He further noted that the platform will create space for directors to teach each other, share experiences and influence policy advocacy to improve the environment for agriculture.

For local directors, the need for resources remains urgent. Director of Agriculture Services for Zomba, Linda Mphande, said councils struggle to carry out their duties effectively due to underfunding.

“The councils are under-funded to fully perform their duties in agriculture. This has led to low and unsustainable agriculture productivity,” Mphande said. She added that limited budgets restrict the ability of councils to provide mobility, infrastructure, inputs and capacity building needed to support farmers.

Wider sector developments

The launch of AGRINET comes at a time when Malawi’s agriculture sector is under pressure to improve productivity and reduce costs.

Earlier this month, the Ministry of Agriculture confirmed plans to scale up support for farmers through improved access to inputs and better extension services.

The move aligns with the government’s commitment to the Malawi 2063 agenda and adds urgency to the role of networks like AGRINET.

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