A team of researchers from the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture on Wednesday, 30th April, 2025 held a dynamic field day today at Mombezi EPA in Chiradzulu. The event, themed “Strengthening Food Security through Farmer-led Seed Systems of Neglected and Underutilised Crops,” aimed to showcase the progress of a project focused on enhancing food security through improved seed systems.

The field day is part of the ongoing project titled “Strengthening Farmer-Managed Seed Systems for Improved Seed Quality and Access to Preferred Varieties in Malawi,” which is funded by the McKnight Foundation through its Collaborative Crop Research Program (CCRP). The project seeks to empower smallholder farmers by promoting local seed systems for neglected and underutilized crops (NUS), with a particular emphasis on finger millet and bambara groundnut. These crops are not only nutritious but are also resilient to climate change, making them vital for food security and economic growth.

Professor Moses Maliro, the Principal Investigator for the project, expressed his satisfaction with the progress achieved so far. “We are excited by the enthusiasm and commitment shown by the farmers. Today, we saw over eight varieties of each crop, including bambara groundnut varieties like Kadziunde and Chikope cha Nyani, which farmers have successfully multiplied after receiving small seed quantities from the project in the past two or three years,” he said.

Mr. Lewis Yalaukani, a plant breeder with the Department of Agricultural Research Services (DARS), highlighted the strategic importance of these crops in addressing climate change. “Crops like bambara groundnut and finger millet are essential for Malawi’s future food security. As DARS, we are conserving the genetic materials of these crops and evaluating their varieties in different agroecological zones,” he explained. He also emphasized the value of the collaboration with LUANAR, ensuring that the research has practical, field-based applications.

On behalf of the Chiradzulu District Agriculture Office, Mr. Philmon Nguluwe, the District Planning Officer, welcomed the initiative and underscored the significance of these crops. “These crops play a crucial role in improving household food security. With LUANAR’s support, we aim to increase the number of farmers cultivating these crops and expand the area under cultivation across the district,” he said.

Farmers involved in the project have already started to reap the benefits. One of the farmers, Ms. Yusuf, the Chairperson of Tadala Farmers Club, shared her group’s positive experience. “We decided to grow finger millet, particularly the Katope variety. It’s great for both food and income. This project has taught us better farming practices, and we are grateful to LUANAR for their support,” she said.

Now in its second phase, the project continues to build on its initial success, working with farmer research networks and extension officers in selected EPAs. By strengthening local capacity in seed production, storage, and distribution, the initiative is helping to create sustainable food systems across Malawi.