The Embassy of Ireland in Malawi has underscored the importance of enhanced cooperation in the advancement of seed systems, technology development, market linkages, value addition, and food and nutrition initiatives within the RTC-MARKET Project's current phase in Malawi. This emphasis came during a joint field visit to IITA–CGIAR in Malawi, organized to observe cassava activities under the project.
Led by Sarah McCan, the delegation commended the efforts of IITA and its partners in bolstering cassava farmers' productivity through various interventions. McCan highlighted the role of demand-driven approaches in achieving project sustainability. "It is good to see all the partners working together...We believe there must be demand for products and that we should attain sustainability at the end of the project," McCan stated.
Irish Aid's contribution focuses on enhancing the root and tuber crops sector by facilitating market-driven incentives and collaborating with the private sector to foster income opportunities for farmers and enterprises, thereby aiming for a productive and sustainable agricultural sector in Malawi.
The visit to Lilongwe included demonstrations at the Semi-Autotrophic Hydroponics (SAH) laboratory, showcasing rapid and efficient clean seed multiplication of preferred cassava varieties. The team was briefed on experiments comparing single-node cuttings with conventional cuttings, with preliminary data indicating higher yields from the former. Ongoing efforts aim to fortify cassava with beta-carotene to improve its nutritional value, with plans to incorporate these varieties into school feeding programs and food security initiatives.
IITA's commercialization efforts were highlighted through its support of processors like Kankhuyu Creations and Perisha Agro and Packaging Enterprise, aiming to enhance their supply chains and market access. Perisha Agro, working with IITA, focuses on empowering farmers in the cassava and sweet potato value chains, with plans to explore winter cropping.
In Nkhotakota, Kankhuyu Processors has emerged as a key player in the cassava flour market, spurred by increased demand and support from the RTC-MARKET Project. The project has facilitated training for farmer clubs, processors, and businesses to boost cassava-based food utilization.
The visit underscored the importance of partnership and collaboration in achieving project goals, with optimism for continued growth and mutual support among the partners. Dr. Lawrent Pungulani from Chitedze Research Station and Sika Gbegbelegbe, IITA Malawi Country Representative, both expressed gratitude for Irish Aid's support and emphasized the need for ongoing collaboration in agricultural research and development.
Source: IITA