About US
OUR BACKGROUND
The Malawi Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services (MaFAAS) is the umbrella body for Agricultural Advisory Services (AAS) in Malawi, working in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture through the Department of Agriculture Extension Services. It was established in 2010 and works to ensure there is standardization and professionalism in agriculture extension service delivery among farmers in Malawi.
Contact UsThe MaFAAS overall objectives is to
Strengthening knowledge management
i. Disseminating best practices
ii. Documenting available technologies
iii. Promoting partnerships with other networks, partners, stakeholders;
iv. Adding value to ongoing initiatives in AEAS.
Improve the capacity of AEAS partners and members
i. Promoting capacity building;
ii. Enhancing professional growth of the AEAS providers and providing further training for members.
Influence policies and programs related to agricultural advisory services
i. Documenting such policies in Malawi
ii. Identify, encourage and support operational research in AEAS
iii. Coordinate donor efforts and input in AEAS
OUR MISSION AND VISION
Mission: To create harmonization, standardization and add value to initiatives in agricultural advisory services.
Vision: To be a leading organization in promoting agricultural advisory excellence.
Our Core Values
Our dedicated core values include:
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Transparency and Accountability
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Impartiality and Professionalism
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Coalition Building
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Evidence Building
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Empowerment and Participatory Approach
Membership
Membership of MaFAAS is open to public and private sector providers of the agricultural advisory services, namely, government departments, Civil Society Organizations (NGOs Farmer Organizations), Agriculture Training Institutions (Universities and Colleges), banks, media, research institutions, agro-processors, farmers, input and produce traders, transporters.
Overall Activities
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Identification of gaps in extension policy through capacity needs assessments
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Providing trainings to MaFAAS members on extension delivery
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Establish linkages between government and private sector in agriculture extension
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Conduct policy revie and promote for better policies towards extension
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Promoting policy briefs through district level policy dialogues with both extension officers and the last mile
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National training on Knowledge management
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Identification and recognition of innovations that promote climate-smart agriculture
The Steering Committee
The Steering Committee was established in 2008 during stakeholder’s workshop. The MaFAAS has over 70 committed organizations who participate in various activities organized by the forum. Among the organizations, the following stand out: Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), Self Help Africa, National Smallholder Farmers Association of Malawi (NASFAM), Greenbelt Initiative, Farm Radio Trust, Ministry of Agriculture, Flemish Government, Care Malawi, Farmers Union of Malawi, Agricultural Commodity Exchange, and World Vision. MaFAAS has not yet registered as a legal entity however, lawyer has been engaged to facilitate the registration of MaFAAS as a legal entity. The forum has developed strategic plan and stakeholders validated the strategic plan in the July 2012 General Assembly meeting. The strategic plan focuses on: Establishment of institutional structures, Resource mobilization, Standardization, quality assurance and capacity building, Networking, coordination, research and knowledge management, Advocacy, lobbying and crosscutting issues, and Publicity and communication.