Malawi: Step Changes Increase Farmer Incomes

Sharing the benefits of hybrid corn over open pollinated varieties (OPVs) was the focus of a workshop and field day hosted by Pioneer with Chemicals and Marketing Malawi.

The event addressed the underlying problem of food insecurity in Malawi, as well as the need to assist farmers in improving their economic well-being through increased maize productivity. With key food security and farmer influencers in attendance, the workshop and field tours increased awareness of hybrid advantages over OPVs with these stakeholders.

The workshop emphasized the importance of a step-change in Malawi maize production - through increased hybrid introduction, improved management practices, better technology and optimizing the use of fertilizer and irrigation. Information also was shared about maize production basics, the factors critical to yield and profitability, characteristics of quality seed and how farmers typically make input purchase decisions.

Farmer interviews provided honest and candid discussions that focused on how Pioneer, the farmers and the public and nonprofit sectors can partner to help facilitate the step-changes needed in Malawi.