Smallholder farmers in the Mzimba District are being encouraged to join radio listening clubs to access critical agricultural intelligence, which is essential for boosting productivity and improving rural livelihoods. The appeal was issued by Rodgers Nkhoma, the District Agriculture and Extension Officer for the Vibangalala Extension Planning Area, during the formal inauguration of several clubs across the Vibangalala and Enfeni regions under Traditional Authority Mzukuzuku.
The initiative forms a core component of the second phase of the Sustainable Agricultural Production Programme (SAPP II). This strategic framework aims to drive agricultural development and strengthen food and nutrition security for small-scale producers. By formalising collective listening, the programme seeks to institutionalise the exchange of modern farming techniques within communities that have historically faced barriers to technical expertise.
Addressing the newly formed groups, Mr Nkhoma emphasised that the democratisation of information is the fundamental precursor to improving farming practices and escalating crop yields. He noted that despite the rise of digital alternatives, the radio remains the most cost-effective and resilient medium for information dissemination in rural landscapes. These clubs, he argued, transform a passive medium into an active forum for peer-to-peer learning and technological adoption.
“Radio listening clubs allow farmers to learn from experts and from each other. When people listen and discuss information together, they are more likely to understand and apply it,” said Mr Nkhoma. He further explained that these organised sessions ensure that key seasonal messages are not merely heard but are scrutinised and adapted to local contexts, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful implementation on the farm.
The sentiment was echoed by Zebron Nyirenda, Chairperson of the Vibangalala Radio Listening Club, who noted that the initiative addresses a long-standing information deficit. He remarked that the collaborative nature of the clubs allows farmers to demystify complex agricultural tips through group dialogue, ensuring that no member is left behind as the sector moves towards more sophisticated methodologies.
Providing a broader economic perspective, Mervis Mkhalipi, the Mzimba District Food and Nutrition Officer, stated that SAPP II is geared towards the commercialisation of smallholder agriculture. The programme’s 2030 vision involves building a resilient production base that empowers men, women, and youth to transition from subsistence farming to market-oriented enterprises. By integrating climate-resilient practices through these clubs, the district aims to ensure that households can satisfy their own nutritional requirements while consistently producing a surplus for domestic and regional markets.
