The impact of Government Policy on the performance of agricultural extension services in the Groundnut value chain in Kasungu and Mzimba districts of Malawi

Abstract

Although extension services play a crucial role in agricultural commercialisation and diversification, the capacity of extension workers to support value chain-based and market-oriented production remains underexplored, particularly for crops such as groundnuts. This study assessed the effectiveness of extension services within the groundnut value chain in Kasungu and Mzimba districts, focusing on extension workers' capacity, the impact of extension support, and the challenges encountered. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining farmer surveys with key informant interviews conducted with extension staff. Findings revealed that while extension workers actively support production practices, they often lack the capacity to assist in the more advanced stages of the value chain, such as value addition, processing and marketing. As a result, farmers reported improved productivity due to production-focused extension support, but noted limited impact beyond the harvest phase. The study also found that, despite policies advocating for the pluralistic provision of extension services, government officers are the predominant source of agricultural information, with minimal involvement from NGOs or private-sector actors. This limits farmers’ access to an adequate and diversified extension service. The study, therefore, concludes that although extension services have contributed to increased groundnut productivity, there is a critical need to enhance support in post-harvest handling, value addition, and market access. It provides valuable insights for public policymakers, development partners, and various stakeholders to spearhead the reorientation of extension services from a production-centric model to a holistic value chain approach, including capacity building for extension workers and improved stakeholder coordination across the production-to-consumption continuum.