Our Experience

Malawi Technology for Extension to Smallholders (TEXTS)

Project Description
The 18-month Government of Flanders-funded TEXTS project is supporting Malawi’s Department of Agriculture and Extension Serves (DAES) to improve food security and smallholder agricultural revenue by improving the quality and reach of agricultural extension. While this is an age-old development approach, in this case DAES will use SMS-based texting on mobile devices.       

Project Approach
ASI is helping conceptualize, set-up and manage an SMS text-messaging system and is training DAES Management Staff and Extension Officers on maintenance, use and impact of SMS technology. To ensure sustainability, ASI is working closely with designated DAES staff to transfer knowledge of both content generation and system operation.

In conjunction with DAES technical experts, ASI is creating an extension messaging calendar for various crops that will assist extension officers with timing and content of SMS messages to smallholders. In addition to direct training on use of the SMS platform, ASI is conducting training of trainers (TOT) to over 2,000 field-based extension officers and additional technical assistance to facilitate the further training of 16,000 smallholder farmers. 

Impact and Accomplishments
TEXTS will create a long-term SMS extension platform and operational plan that will help DAES:

• Increase outreach to smallholder farmers by maximizing use of technology
• Disseminate technologies on good agricultural practices (GAP) to increase agricultural productivity
• Improve capacity to manage government and donor investments in agriculture
• Improve coordination and partnership mechanisms

By designing and implementing an SMS messaging system, ASI will greatly enhance the government’s ability to convey specific and timely agricultural information. Through direct assistance and training the TEXTS project will impact approximately 2,000 DAES rural extension staff, 400 public and private sector partners, 16,000 smallholder lead farmers and ultimately up to 400,000 farmers. This new capacity will have far-reaching implications for Malawi’s broad-based economic growth and food security.

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