Ministry of Agriculture has emphasised its commitment to improving the working conditions of extension workers to ensure successful implementation of agricultural reforms.
This follows concerns that extension workers under Machinga Agricultural Development Division (ADD) raised during an orientation in Liwonde, Machinga District that the ministry in collaboration with National Economic Empowerment Fund (Neef) organised yesterday.
Speaking during the meeting, Malosa Extension Planning Area (EPA) agriculture extension development officer Mphatso Malepula urged government to enhance their working conditions to effectively support farmers and drive agricultural growth.
She said many extension workers face mobility challenges, inadequate housing and delayed promotions which affect their work.
“Many of us struggle to reach our assigned areas due to lack of transport. Additionally, shortage of houses and slow career progression are demotivating factors. If these issues are not addressed, our ability to assist farmers will remain limited,” said Malepula.
In response, Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale assured the workers that government has of the issues.
He said: “This meeting is one of those the ministry is conducting in eight ADDs to inform extension workers about our efforts to shift farming from subsistence to commercial agriculture.
“We are prioritising irrigation over seasonal production to allow multiple harvests per year.”
Meanwhile, Neef chief executive officer Humphrey Mdyetseni said the institution remains committed to supporting the ministry’s goals by deploying agricultural loan officers in EPAs to disburse loans to farmers.
He said the initiative will help farmers access financial support to enhance agricultural productivity and improve their livelihoods.
“We also have micro-irrigations loans,” said Mdyetseni.
Extension workers from Mangochi, Machinga, Balaka and Zomba which make up Machinga ADD were in attendance.
