By Burnett Munthali
The Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) has unveiled a new e-market platform aimed at revolutionizing the way farmers in Mzimba and Dedza districts sell their products. Introduced through the Zakudimba project, this initiative enables farmers to market their produce and connect with agricultural extension workers via mobile phones, a shift expected to modernize local agricultural practices.
During a results dissemination workshop on Friday, LUANAR lecturer and researcher Robertson Khazata highlighted the significance of this digital platform. “The results showcase a major shift from traditional local marketing to technology-driven marketing, allowing farmers to expand their reach and conduct transactions using mobile phones,” Khazata said.
Dedza’s Chief Agricultural Officer, Maltilda Mtambo, praised the initiative for boosting farmers’ incomes and supporting their operations. “The project has greatly empowered our farmers, enabling them to secure higher profits,” she stated. However, she emphasized the need for more government support to recruit additional agricultural extension workers, who are essential for helping farmers maximize the benefits of the platform.
The Zakudimba e-market project marks an important step in leveraging technology to enhance Malawi’s agricultural sector, promising improved efficiency and profitability for farmers in the participating districts.
