A quiet transformation is underway in Dowa District, where farmers are stepping into the role of experimenters and problem-solvers, reshaping how agricultural knowledge is created and applied at the grassroots level. Through the TRANSFORM Project, implemented by TAPP and funded by the Royal Norwegian Embassy through Norwegian Church Aid Malawi (NCA-DCA), the Farmer Field School (FFS) model is empowering smallholder farmers to take charge of their learning and lead on-farm experiments that respond to local agricultural challenges.
The FFS model emphasises participatory, hands-on learning. Instead of relying solely on external advice, farmers learn by doing, designing experiments, observing outcomes, and drawing conclusions together. Rooted in traditional knowledge and strengthened by community collaboration, this approach is helping farmers develop sustainable, context-specific solutions that can improve productivity and resilience.
To date, the TRANSFORM Project has successfully established 37 Farmer Field Schools across Dowa District, achieving 100% of its project target. Among the experiments already conducted by FFS groups are:
- Testing different ratios of NPK and Urea fertilisers at basal and top-dressing stages in maize
- Comparing inoculants versus conventional fertilisers in maize production
- Assessing pit planting versus conventional planting for maize yield improvement
Out of the 37 farmer field schools, 9 of them have been recently established for winter experiments under irrigation, marking an expansion of innovation beyond the main growing season. These newly established Farmer Field Schools, from 11th to 15th May 2025, received intensive training in Mvera, Ndolera, Nachisaka, and Chibvala Extension Planning Areas (EPAs). These sessions focused on key skills such as:
- Understanding the FFS approach and the power of collaborative learning
- Applying Agro-Ecosystem Analysis (AESA) to monitor plant health, pests, and soil conditions
- Strengthening teamwork, leadership, and conflict resolution for effective group functioning
- Expanding knowledge on crop and agribusiness management, including crop cycles and market potential
- Solving real challenges through locally led, field-based trials
These winter FFS will, among other topics, focus on the following:
- Studying the impact of inoculants and fertilisers on soybean productivity
- Exploring local remedies to control pesticide-resistant maize pests
- Managing fungal diseases in beans using both traditional and chemical approaches
Unlike traditional extension models that position farmers as passive recipients of knowledge, the FFS model transforms them into active learners and innovators. Under the guidance of TAPP and government extension officers, farmers are not just applying science; they are generating it, right in their fields.
Through the FFS model, the TRANSFORM Project is showing that the best solutions often emerge from the ground up. In Dowa District, farmers are proving that with the right tools and support, they can lead the way toward a more productive and sustainable agricultural future.
