Christian Thierfelder

CIMMYT scientist inspecting soil health in a farmer plot (Photo: CIMMYT) For many smallholder farmers in Central Malawi, the challenge is no longer only about producing more but about producing under increasingly difficult conditions. From unpredictable rainy seasons, declining soil fertility, rising input costs, and dry spells that can reduce crop performance even when farmers have done everything right.

Mother trial farmer inspecting the groundnut field in Lunte, Eastern Zambia (Photo: CIMMYT). When Zaccheus Mwale first looked at the four-row strip cropping system, its appeal was practical as it was easier to lay out, easier to manage, and less complicated than other crop arrangements he had seen. During the 2024/25 cropping season, his one-hectare plot produced 3,150 kg of maize and 700 kg of soybeans.

Smallholder mechanization out scaling depends upon the availability of skilled mechanics who are fully oriented with machinery operation. However, this crucial skillset is often identified as a missing link. In many instances, lack of care or regular checks and the absence of readily available mechanics has led to the failure of mechanization projects in sub-Saharan Africa, with frequent machine breakdowns and equipment left sitting idle long after a project intervention.