Iita presents cross-cutting innovations at malawi agriculture fair

“I particularly came to seek more information on how to venture into soybean farming, for I did not get much from my maize harvest this year. Please walk me through,” said Faith Gwiramwendo, a veteran maize farmer based in Blantyre. However, with the effects of cyclone Freddy that has affected harvest in the southern part of Malawi, she decided to visit the IITA pavilion at this year’s three-day National Agriculture Fair to get more guidance before the farming season begins.

Gwiramwendo was among many farmers and players who graced the IITA stand seeking agriculture solutions at the Malawi National Agriculture Fair, an annual event organized by the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI). This year’s event was held in Blantyre under the theme “Achieving Self-reliance through Agricultural Commercialization,” with over 120 private and governmental organizations participating.

The fair provides a forum for stakeholders in the agricultural sector to share experiences and expertise on agricultural activities to promote linkages generated within the value chain. The fair also aims to expose farmers and farmer groups to new developments in technologies, markets, and financial arrangements, among other services.