Trainers from Organic Farming Academy (OFA) got further training and learning on various sustainable farming practices at an agroecology conference held in Malawi from August 12th to 16th. The national agroecology conference, hosted in Bvumbwe, Thyolo, and Blantyre, brought together several experts in agroecology.
OFA training consultant Tatenda Manyadza described the conference as a valuable learning experience providing the opportunity to engage with various organizations and gain first-hand knowledge of sustainable farming practices. “We met and networked with numerous organizations in the agroecology sector, including ActionAid and GIZ. One highlight was a field visit to a farm where permaculture is practiced, intercropping marigold (considered a weed) and using it as a natural pesticide”.
He also identified the potential for OFA to expand its reach into Malawi, noting the lack of organic certification training available in the country. “While organic farming is practiced in Malawi, it’s largely aimed at the local market, and no organization is currently offering organic certification training for export as we do. There is a lot of naturally growing Rosella in the forests, which presents an untapped opportunity,” Manyadza added.
OFA senior training consultant Doreen Ngwenyama highlighted how the trip could foster collaborations with like-minded organizations, which align with some of OFA’s key initiatives. “We discovered that Scope Malawi is doing significant work in schools, including water harvesting and establishing organic gardens. After discussions with them, we realized that Scope Zimbabwe is implementing a similar concept, which aligns perfectly with our ‘Green Education’ initiative,” Ngwenyama explained.
During the conference, one of the keynote speakers, Dr. Keston Njira, delivered an insightful presentation on agroecology, climate-smart practices, resilience, and adaptation strategies. He recommended promoting technologies such as conservation agriculture and agroforestry to enhance resilience and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
Meanwhile, the OFA trainers also attended a week-long workshop on ‘Pfumvudza’ (conservation farming practices) facilitated by Foundations For Farming in September with extension executives of Organic Africa and some farmers from Mbire and Binga.
OFA makes efforts to continuously equip its staff with in-demand, new skills in an ever-changing environment to keep activities and programs relevant and fit for the future.