List of Articles Malawi

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  1 - Examining the Impact of Lead Farmer Approach on Follower Farmers’ Knowledge and Practice of Conservation Agriculture: A Case Study in Kalira Extension Planning Area, Ntchisi District, Malawi
  Daniel Devoted  Matemba Dalo Njera
  The Lead Farmer Approach (LFA) has emerged as a vital strategy for agricultural extension services in developing nations like Malawi, aiming to disseminate new technologies and practices among smallholder farmers. This study investigates the impact of LFA on follower fa More

  The Lead Farmer Approach (LFA) has emerged as a vital strategy for agricultural extension services in developing nations like Malawi, aiming to disseminate new technologies and practices among smallholder farmers. This study investigates the impact of LFA on follower farmers' (FFs) knowledge and practice of Conservation Agriculture (CA) in Malawi. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study conducted household surveys and focus group discussions in the Kalira Environmental Protection Area, Ntchisi district. Results indicate a significant improvement (p < 0.05) in FFs' knowledge of CA post-LFA, with notable advancements in crop rotation and minimum soil disturbance understanding. The LFA also positively influenced FFs' CA practices, particularly in minimum soil disturbances, permanent ground cover, and integration of agroforestry trees. While intercropping and crop rotation showed no significant change, the overall impact underscores the effectiveness of LFA in enhancing FFs' understanding and adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. The findings contribute valuable insights for governments, development agencies, and researchers working toward promoting CA and sustainable agriculture through the LFA approach, emphasizing its potential scalability and long-term sustainability Manuscript profile
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  2 - Attitude of follower farmers towards lead farmer approach in facilitating Conservation Agriculture practices in Kalira Extension Planning Area in Ntchisi District, Malawi
  Daniel Matemba
  This study explores the attitude of follower farmers (FFs) towards lead farmers (LFs) in facilitating Conservation Agriculture (CA) practices in the Kalira Extension Planning Area of Ntchisi district, Malawi. Despite governmental efforts to promote CA through the Nation More

  This study explores the attitude of follower farmers (FFs) towards lead farmers (LFs) in facilitating Conservation Agriculture (CA) practices in the Kalira Extension Planning Area of Ntchisi district, Malawi. Despite governmental efforts to promote CA through the National Agriculture Policy of 2016, previous studies have indicated low adoption rates. This research employs a mixed methods approach, utilizing surveys and focus group discussions. Results reveal positive perceptions among FFs regarding LFs' competence in training, demonstrations, problem-solving, and other competencies. The majority of FFs perceive LFs as effective in imparting CA principles and conducting demonstrations. LFs' problem-solving abilities and additional competencies are well-regarded by FFs. The study concludes with a call for further research on socio-economic factors influencing sustained CA adoption and recommends establishing a continuous feedback loop between LFs and FFs to enhance knowledge exchange and address evolving challenges in CA practices. The findings contribute to the existing literature and provide valuable insights for agricultural and rural development initiatives. Manuscript profile
• Open Access Article
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  3 - Factors affecting lead farmers in facilitating conservation agriculture practices in Kalira Extension Planning Area in Ntchisi District, Malawi
  Daniel Matemba Dalo Njera
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