The TAGDEV 2.0 program in Malawi on November 17, 2025 commenced a training of trainers (ToT) training for extension workers across Malawi to support the program’s work.

The TAGDEV 2.0’s implementation in Malawi is led by the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) with partners such as Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), Mzuzu University (MZUNI) and University of Livingstonia (UNILIA) and other TVET institutions.  

About 30 extension workers are attending the two-day training at LUANAR in Lilongwe and the aim is for them to update their skills and knowledge, and understand the TAGDEV programming and train fellow extension workers in their areas to ably offer support, especially in the program’s two focus crops of maize and soybean.

Speaking during opening ceremony, guest of honour and LUANAR’s Director of Center for Continuing Education and Professional Development (CCEPD), Associate Professor Tasokwa Kakota Chibowa, urged the participants to utilize the knowledge and skills beyond the TAGDEV 2.0 program.

“It is rare that you get to meet your colleagues from across Malawi, so make sure you share knowledge and experiences and come out better than before. The nation relies on your to advance agriculture through support to farmers with technology, knowledge and skills on modern farming methods,” she said.

Dr Chibowa described extension staff as vital bridges between university research and the field, saying a blend of theory and hands-on sessions—such as soybean handling and good agricultural practices—will enable innovations to reach farmers.

One of the participants, Gloria Mtepa, who works in Dowa, hailed the training as timely and that it will equip them with modern techniques to support farmers facing crop production challenges, leading to increase yields and income in households.

Apart from the general extension service training and other topics related to maize and soybean to be facilitated by Associate Professor Joseph Chimungu, the participants were also briefed on the whole TAGDEV 2.0 program, components, players, objectives, focus areas, and targets.

Specific topics during the training include good agricultural practices for soybean, soil health and fertility management, integrated pest and disease management for soybean, the new extensionist in the era of AI and digitalization, gender dynamics in maize and soybean value chains, role of extension in supporting agricultural value chains, and postharvest handling of soybean.

Introducing TAGDEV 2.0 program, Entrepreneurship and Business Manager Dr Bonnet Kamwana said extension workers are critical in the program’s implementation because of the influence they have on agriculture and farmers.   

TAGDEV 2.0 is implemented by 12 universities across Africa with coordination partnership from RUFORUM and Mastercard Foundation.