Home News NC State Partnership Aims to Cultivate Self-Sufficiency in Malawi’s Agriculture

NC State Partnership Aims to Cultivate Self-Sufficiency in Malawi’s Agriculture

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A team of faculty members from North Carolina State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) recently embarked on a mission to Malawi, forging a partnership aimed at bolstering the nation’s agricultural self-sufficiency. The initiative, driven by Malawi’s ambitious Malawi 2063 development plan, seeks to create a robust and sustainable agricultural sector capable of meeting the country’s food needs.

For Dannica Wall, an Extension research specialist with NC State’s Prestage Department of Poultry Science, the trip was another opportunity to witness the resourcefulness of rural communities. “They may lack funding for cutting-edge technology,” Wall observed, “but they often possess an abundance of natural resources that can be leveraged for feed, medicine, and other essential needs.” She highlighted the potential of locally grown mushrooms as one such resource, noting the ongoing exploration of incorporating medicinal mushroom waste into poultry feed to boost bird immunity.

The partnership between NC State and Malawi involves a collaborative effort between government research institutes, universities, the Department of Agriculture, and extension services. During their visit, the CALS faculty met with Malawian experts to gain a deeper understanding of the specific challenges facing the country’s agricultural sector. Wall emphasized the wealth of knowledge and dedication present among the Malawian representatives, stating, “There were so many brilliant minds in that room, not just thinking of plans, but actually how to execute those plans.”

The NC State team approached the meetings as a fact-finding mission, seeking to understand Malawi’s specific goals and offering suggestions on how programs successful in North Carolina might be adapted to the Malawian context. The collaboration will also provide valuable research opportunities for NC State researchers, who will have access to Malawian farms for their studies. Furthermore, the potential for faculty and student exchanges between the two countries is being explored, promising mutual benefits for both institutions.

Wall’s expertise in poultry science makes her particularly well-suited to contribute to the revitalization of Malawi’s poultry industry, a sector significantly impacted by the devastating Cyclone Freddy in March 2023. The storm wiped out a significant portion of the country’s Black Australorp chicken population, creating a major setback for poultry farmers. The scarcity of these birds, coupled with funding constraints, has hampered the industry’s recovery.

Drawing from her experience working with poultry farmers in rural communities internationally, Wall recognizes that their challenges often fall into two categories: a lack of direction on where to begin, and specific issues encountered during the process of raising chickens. “A lot of times, it’s having to think creatively to get the output that you’re looking for, even when it comes down to materials or nutrition,” she explains.

Wall also notes the potential for poultry farmers in Malawi to utilize locally available resources for feed production. By providing guidance on creating balanced diets for their flocks, farmers could significantly reduce input costs. She is passionate about helping communities leverage their resources to successfully raise chickens, empowering them to become more self-sufficient.

For Wall, working internationally is a deeply rewarding experience. She finds it humbling to engage with people from diverse backgrounds and learn from their unique experiences. “I get a better appreciation for the work that I do,” she says. “It gives me a sense of gratitude and a sense of belonging.” The partnership between NC State and Malawi holds immense promise for fostering sustainable agricultural development and empowering local communities to achieve food security. As the project progresses, the exchange of knowledge and resources is expected to create lasting positive impacts on Malawi’s agricultural landscape.

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