CABI News

In a significant stride for increased livelihoods and food security, Malawi has achieved a remarkable milestone: a network of trained plant doctors now operates in every district across the country.

This achievement is the result of a sustained partnership between CABI’s PlantwisePlus programme and the Malawian Ministry of Agriculture, culminating in a recent August training session in Mponela.

The week-long training equipped 22 new extension officers from 10 only remaining districts of the total 28 in country with advanced skills in diagnosing crop health problems and running effective plant clinics.

Since the programme’s inception in Malawi in 2013, over 400 plant doctors have been trained, establishing more than 130 plant clinics.

Frontline of defence for smallholder farmers

Dr Natasha Mwila, CABI’s Regional Director for Southern Africa, said, “These clinics are the frontline of defence for smallholder farmers against devastating pests and diseases, providing science-based, practical advice that boosts harvests, increases incomes, and reduces crop losses.

“This is a success story not just about training but about building a resilient, national plant health system from the ground up.

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture to help them sustainably strengthen key aspects of their food value chain and access markets for greater profitability.”

Preventing devastating crop loss

For Malawian farmers, a single pest outbreak can wipe out an entire season’s income. The PlantwisePlus programme addresses this vulnerability head-on through its Farmer Advisory pathway.

The core of this initiative is the plant clinic, a facility where farmers can bring sick plants for free diagnosis and treatment or management advice, much like a doctor’s visit for a person.

The latest training focused on two critical modules: ‘Field Diagnostics and Plant Clinic Operation’ and ‘Giving Good Recommendations.’

Participants learned to accurately identify pests and diseases and to prescribe safe, effective, and environmentally sustainable solutions, often using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices.

This knowledge is crucial in a country where crop loss figures can be alarmingly high, sometimes estimated at over 30 percent.

Why this Malawi milestone matters

Reaching every district with a Plant Doctor is a game-changer for three key reasons.

Firstly, regarding national access – it ensures that no matter where a farmer is located, expert help is within reach. This is vital for containing outbreaks that can spready rapidly across regions.

Secondly, it helps create data-driven decision-making. The prescriptions written at these clinics generate invaluable data. This helps national authorities “predict, prevent, and prepare” for emerging threats, mapping pest hotspots and trends to protect the nation’s food basket.

The data driven from the plant clinics is being used in academia by MSc and PhD students. The Lilongwe University of Agriculture & Natural Resources (LUANAR) has a plant clinic that serves both as a place farmers can go for diagnosis and as a research developmental lab for environmentally sustainable solutions for pest and disease management.

Thirdly, with regards to sustainability, the government’s deep commitment – evidenced by over a decade of support – ensures these clinics are not a short-term project but a permanent part of Malawi’s agriculture extension service.

The plant clinic approach is recognized to contribute to effective advisory practices through the recently developed National Agriculture Extension and Advisory Services Policy of 2025 and this has made it become part of each extension officer’s mandate responsibility.

Building and maintaining partnerships

Dr Mwila added, “A plant doctor is more than a technical expert; they are a trusted community advisor. As highlighted during the training, success requires passion and commitment. These individuals are on the front lines, empowering farmers to minimize losses both before and after harvest.

“This milestone was not achieved alone. It is a testament to a powerful collaboration between CABI and the Malawian government. This partnership blends CABI’s global scientific expertise with the Ministry’s local knowledge and reach, creating a model for other countries in the region.”

Navigating challenges on the path forward

Despite this success, challenges remain. High staff turnover in extension services means continuous refresher training is essential. Many clinics still need basic resources like tents, tables, and digital tablets to move from paper-based to real-time digital data recording.

The next phase involves tackling these hurdles head-on by embedding plant clinics into the core of daily agricultural operations and securing the resources needed for them to thrive.

A model for the region

Malawi’s achievement provides a powerful blueprint for neighbouring countries. It demonstrates that with sustained partnership and government commitment, it is possible to build a robust national network that directly supports the farmers who feed the nation.

The next steps include conducting refresher courses, fully digitizing clinic operations for better data flow, and continually motivating the Plant Doctor network.

As these new plant doctors return to their districts, they carry more than a certificate; they carry the promise of a more secure harvest for thousands of Malawian farmers. Their success ensures the country is better prepared to face the agricultural challenges of tomorrow.

This initiative directly contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Zero Hunger (SDG 2), by increasing food production, and Climate Action (SDG 13), by promoting resilient agricultural practices.

Additional information

Main image: PlantwisePlus plant doctors now helping farmers increase livelihoods and food security across the whole of Malawi (Credit: CABI).

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