Development expert, Nasfam call for National Farmers’ Day

National Smallholder Farmers Association of Malawi (Nasfam) has supported calls for the introduction of National Farmers Day to recognise, celebrate and honour contributions the farming community makes towards the socio-economic development of the country.

Nasfam deputy chief executive officer Bettie Chinyamunyamu said the day will also provide a platform for stakeholders to take stock of the gains and losses in farming and to propose alternatives that amplify farmer successes.

She made the remarks in Lilongwe last weekend at the close of the Malawi Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (MaFAAS) 2017 extension week.

Chinyamunyamu stressed that the proposed day will provide an opportunity for all those concerned with farmers to come together to reflect, dialogue and provide recommendations for further development of farmers’ capacities.

Socio-economist and rural development expert Professor Richard Mkandawire first made the proposal in Lilongwe last week at MaFAAS 2017 extension week.

Mkandawire, who is vice-president of the African Fertiliser and Agribusiness Partnership (Afap), emphasised the need to recognise, celebrate and honour the contributions farmers make to Malawi’s economy. n