| dc.description.abstract | The lead farmers initiative in Malawi is an agricultural extension service based on a bottom-up approach that seeks to assist farmers on their own merits. The farmer-to-farmer approach has a big role in improving the livelihood of the rural poor, as most of the rural population in Malawi are farmers. The Lead Farmers initiative is a model where farmers are chosen by the village to voluntarily undergo training in agricultural techniques/practices. Their task is to voluntarily lead other farmers and encourage them to learn and adopt these agricultural technologies. The Lead Farmers initiative has proven to have a positive effect in Malawi, but the model also has its limitations. This thesis found that for the farmer-to-farmer approach in agricultural extension services to be as effective and sustainable as possible one should also implement elements from other models. This thesis studied the effect of supplementing the Lead Farmers model with positive elements of the Barefoot Doctor’s model. These are both models that focuses on training farmers in techniques that will assist them in helping other farmers, enhancing their life quality, and working towards resilience and self-reliance. The thesis found that implementing practices from the Barefoot Doctor’s model like, longer and more comprehensive education/training, continued in-service trainings and livestock management training would effectively improve the outcomes and long-term sustainability of the farmer-to-farmer method. | |
