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Farmer participation in plant clinics in Malawi: Promoting Farmer Participation in Innovative Agricultural Advisory Services

Published: January, 2016

External publication

Anderson Chikomola, Boaz Mandula, Frieda Kayuni, Tendai Mayani

Almost in every farming society across the world, pests and diseases present a major obstacle to sustainable agricultural productivity. If left unchecked, pest and diseases can result in significant losses in the quality and quantity of produce. (Benin et al 2007, Bukenya 2010). In recent years increased human mobility as a result of globalization has led to an increase in the occurrence of new pests and diseases. (Danielsen et al, 2014) In order to sustain production amid these challenges, it is imperative that smallholder farmers employ innovative approaches to combating plant pests and diseases. The plant clinic initiative is one such innovation, which is helping farmers to find best solutions to their pest and disease problems. Modeled on the human health concept, a plant clinic is a facility where farmers take samples of their affected plants to agronomists and extension agents who diagnose and recommend best management measures (Bandara &Kulatunga 2012, Danielesen et al 2014) In its simplest form, a plant clinic operates in same way a health center does for humans. Consultations usually take place once a week or once a fortnight at a public place such as a market, a village square or a trading center on a designated clinic day.

Farmer participation in plant clinics in Malawi: Promoting Farmer Participation in Innovative Agricultural Advisory Services

Type External publication

Published in Self Help Africa, Malawi

Language English

Year 2016