Malawi Agricultural Commercialisation - AGCOM Project

30/09/2026

After completing class sessions, pre‑operation checks and tractor servicing practices yesterday, participants in the ongoing tractor operators’ training at Mzuzu RTC were ploughing the RTC field today as part of their practical exercises.

29/09/2026

Participants in the ongoing tractor operators' training at Mzuzu RTC are now undertaking practical lessons on tractor servicing and maintenance.

The week-long training, which began on Monday and will end on Friday, aims to strengthen the knowledge and skills in farm machinery management among participants from farmer groups that procured tractors with support from AGCOM 2.

The practical session focuses on daily and routine maintenance procedures, including cleaning or replacing the air cleaner, checking and changing engine oil, inspecting coolant levels and topping up water in the radiator, replacing the oil filter, and conducting other pre-operation checks to ensure the tractor remains in good working condition.

One of the facilitators, Cosmas Chikapa, emphasized the importance of using the operator's manual that accompanies every new tractor saying that the manual provides valuable guidance on maintenance schedules, servicing procedures, and operational checks that help improve machine performance and extend its lifespan.

Topics being covered include safe and efficient tractor operation, proper use of implements, routine servicing, preventive maintenance, basic troubleshooting, occupational health and safety, environmental management practices, machinery record keeping, maintenance planning, and asset security.

29/09/2026

A week-long training for tractor operators, Operations Committee Chairpersons from farmer groups that procured tractors through AGCOM II matching grants, and Farm Mechanization Officers (FMOs) from Agricultural Development Divisions (ADDs) and districts is underway at Mzuzu and Mponela Residential Training Centres (RTCs).

The training aims to strengthen the capacity of tractor operators and farmer groups to safely, efficiently, and sustainably operate, manage, and maintain agricultural machinery acquired with support from AGCOM 2.

Speaking during the training, Englishman Nguluwe from Mzimba said the knowledge gained will help extend the lifespan of the machinery.

He says participants have learned the importance of ensuring that tractors operating on public roads are roadworthy possessing a valid Certificate of Fitness (COF), insurance, and being operated by a licensed driver.

Farm Mechanisation Officer for Rumphi district under Mzuzu ADD, Lusungu Kayira, emphasised that the use of agricultural machinery such as tractors contributes significantly to increased production and productivity among farmers.

John Mhango of Green Future Cooperative in Rumphi said the training has enhanced participants' understanding of tractor safety. He highlighted that operators should avoid stepping on muddy mounting steps when boarding tractors and should never jump when dismounting.

“Operators must always use tractor handrails when mounting or dismounting,” he said.

The training also includes practical sessions to reinforce the skills and knowledge acquired in the classroom.

29/08/2026

Producers and off-takers under the Productive Alliances initiative are showcasing their products at this year’s National Agriculture Fair with support from AGCOM 2.

Wilfred Kasitomu, chairperson of Mtendere Tea and Horticulture Producers Cooperative, said that exhibiting at the fair will help them secure new markets, learn new ways of doing business, and expose their products to more customers.

Stanley Saliwa from Kwithu Kitchen noted that as an offtaker and processor, they are pleased to participate in this year’s NAF, as it provides an opportunity to expand their customer base.

This year’s National Agriculture Fair is being held under the theme: “Transforming Agriculture through Innovation, Value Addition and Market Linkages.”

05/08/2026

14/07/2026

A delegation from the European Union (EU) today visited Mbalame Dairy Cooperative in Dowa, one of the cooperatives that benefited from matching grant support under AGCOM Program.

The visit was aimed at appreciating how supported groups continue to thrive after receiving support from the Program.

AGCOM 2 National Program Coordinator, Teddie Nakhumwa, emphasized the importance of such visits, noting that the EU, as one of the funders of the Program under the World Bank managed Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF), needed to witness firsthand the impact of their investment on rural communities.

Chairperson of the cooperative, Mr. Pistorious Msonthi, highlighted remarkable progress achieved through AGCOM support. Daily milk production has increased from 80 litres to an average of 300 litres following the acquisition of 97 dairy animals, a feed mixer, and a chuff cutter. The cooperative also constructed a feed processing house to strengthen its operations.

Among its sustainability initiatives, the cooperative introduced a pass-on program for dairy animals, ensuring that the benefits of the 97 cows extend to more members. This has expanded membership and multiplied the number of beneficiaries.

The EU joins other contributors to the MDTF, including Norway, Ireland, and the Government of Flanders, in supporting AGCOM’s mission to transform rural livelihoods.

06/07/2026

AGCOM 2 hands over tractors to Producer Organizations across the country

29/06/2026

AGCOM 2 Program – Call for Concept Notes (Window 1)

The Agricultural Commercialisation (AGCOM 2) Program invites eligible Producer Organisations (POs) that intend to access the Matching Grants for the first time to submit their Concept Notes under Window 1.

Key Details:

- Applications are open exclusively for Producer Organisations (POs) involved in Productive Alliances (PAs).
- Concept Notes must be submitted collaboratively by POs and their off-takers.
- Please use the official AGCOM 2 Window 1 format, including all required annexes.
- You can request the format via email at [email protected] or download it from the program's website.
- When preparing your Concept Notes, seek technical guidance from your District Council Agribusiness Officers and Trade Officers.

Apply using one of these different ways:
To apply online, download the concept note template on the AGCOM 2 website under the downloads link on forms and templates link and prepare all required attachments as separate files. Complete your application on the AGCOM website via this link https://www.agcom.gov.mw/node/390. The link is also on the website's home page.

In case of challenges with submitting the application online, a Concept Note clearly marked “Window 1 Concept Note for AGCOM 2 Matching Grant” can be submitted by hand at the AGCOM 2 Office, off Paul Kagame Highway, opposite MRA in Area 4, Lilongwe.

Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your agribusiness through AGCOM 2 Matching Grants!

The deadline for submitting the concept notes is 24th July, 2026. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be assessed.

26/06/2026

On Thursday, the AGCOM II Programme handed over 15 tractors to farmer organizations across Malawi that are receiving matching grants, a milestone aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and strengthening food security nationwide.

Speaking when she officially handed over the tractors at Capital Hill in Lilongwe, Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, Hon. Roza Fatchi Mbilizi, MP, said that the tractors will expand cultivated land, lower production costs, and increase yields, progress that aligns with the country’s Malawi 2063 development aspirations.

AGCOM II National Program Coordinator, Dr. Teddie Nakhumwa, commended farmer organizations for successfully making their cash contributions toward the procurement of the tractors. He said that this collective effort demonstrates farmers’ commitment to advancing agricultural productivity.

Nakhumwa further announced that 60 more tractors are set to be procured soon. He noted that mechanization is a critical pillar of commercialization, enabling farmers to work more efficiently.

Representing farmer groups, Jenina Chokotho, Chairperson of Anzanga Producers and Marketing Cooperative, said the tractors will empower farmers to increase production and venture into value addition.

Each tractor comes equipped with essential implements such as plough, ridger, harrow, and in some cases, a trailer, ensuring farmers have the tools they need to transform their operations.