Farmers in Mzimba District have been urged to embrace radio listening clubs as an effective platform for accessing agricultural information to improve productivity and livelihoods.
The call was made by Vibangalala Extension Planning Area District Agriculture and Extension Officer, Rodgers Nkhoma, during the formation of radio listening clubs in Vibangalala and Enfeni Extension Planning Areas under Traditional Authority Mzukuzuku.
The initiative is being implemented under the Sustainable Agricultural Production Programme Phase II (SAPP II), which aims to promote agricultural development while strengthening food and nutrition security among smallholder farmers.
Nkhoma said access to timely and reliable agricultural information is key to improving farming practices and increasing crop yields in rural communities.
He noted that radio remains one of the most accessible and affordable sources of information in rural areas, making listening clubs an important tool for sharing knowledge and encouraging farmers to adopt improved technologies.
“Radio listening clubs allow farmers to learn from experts and from each other. When people listen and discuss information together, they are more likely to understand and apply it,” said Nkhoma.
He added that the clubs will help farmers follow agricultural programmes, discuss key messages and adopt better farming practices.
Chairperson of the Vibangalala Radio Listening Club, Zebron Nyirenda, welcomed the initiative, saying it will help bridge the information gap among farmers.
“By listening together, we can discuss and better understand farming tips that will help improve our yields,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mzimba District Food and Nutrition Officer, Mervis Mkhalipi, said SAPP II aims to commercialise agricultural production and strengthen the resilience and productivity of smallholder farmers, including men, women and youth, by 2030.
She said the programme focuses on increasing productivity and climate resilience so farmers can meet household food needs while producing surplus for the market.
Mkhalipi added that radio listening clubs will empower communities with knowledge on improved agricultural practices, helping to enhance productivity and livelihoods.
