Page 41 - Green knowledge 2025

Photo: Siri Elise Dybdal
How Malawi farmers get plant health advice
Access to reliable information is a major challenge for smallholder farmers in Malawi,
especially in areas with low literacy and limited internet access. The MaDiPHS project, led
by NIBIO, is developing new ways to deliver vital plant health guidance.
A key aim is to ensure that farmers receive clear and
practical advice to protect their crops, using commu-
nication formats beyond smartphones. Interactive
voice messages, radio jingles, animations and locally
rooted materials are tested to make information
accessible to all.
A central tool is VIAMO’s “321” service, which offers
short voice messages on pests, diseases and agron-
omy via basic mobile phones in local languages such
as Chichewa. With around five million users and up
to one million active each month, it provides
roundtheclock information ranging from agriculture
to health. Content is developed with researchers,
extension staff and communication specialists, and
tested with farmers to ensure clarity and relevance.
Within MaDiPHS, 30 key message trails were
launched on the 321 platform in June 2025. Around
30,000 unique callers now use the plant health con-
tent monthly, confirming strong demand. Messages
are also designed for radio and TV, ensuring broader
access for farmers, advisers and stakeholders.
The next step is to add visual tools such as illustra-
tions, graphics and short videos, helping farmers
better understand and act on plant health advice
regardless of location.
Purpose: Collaboration: Funding: Norad.
Contact: Establish a digital plant health service that supports targeted, effective pest and disease management,
increases yields and reduces reliance on pesticides.
Malawi Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change, LUANAR,
international research partners and the Norwegian Meteorological Institute.
Research Scientist Karl Thunes, Division of Biotechnology and Plant Health.
Email: karl.thunes@nibio.no | Tel: +47 456 00 856.
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