THE Foundation for a Smoke-Free World (FSFW) has reaffirmed its commitment to assisting farmers in Malawi, the world’s most tobacco-dependent country, in exploring sustainable alternatives to tobacco farming. The FSFW has commenced construction on the Centre for Agricultural Transformation (CAT) physical facility at the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) campus in Malawi’s capital with funding from a five-year grant.
The CAT aims to revolutionise agriculture systems in Malawi and improve the lives of smallholder farmers by providing them with access to inclusive innovation in agricultural science and technology through various commercialisation channels. Previously, the CAT had been managing its programmes without a centralised location, establishing CAT smart farms at LUANAR and Makoka research station. These smart farms have explored more than 10 value chains, including groundnuts, soybeans, dairy, mushrooms, and bananas, which have gained popularity among smallholder farmers. The new physical hub, with support from FSFW’s affiliate, the Agricultural Transformation Initiative (ATI), will serve as a centre of excellence and build upon these achievements.
‘World No Tobacco Day highlights the importance of helping farmers transition away from growing tobacco. Malawi is ready, willing, and able to move away from tobacco as one of its main exports, but the work must start at the ground level,’ emphasised Candida Nakhumwa, Vice-President and Malawi Country Director of the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World. She further expressed the need to support tobacco farmers and find competitive and sustainable alternative livelihoods, highlighting the CAT’s approach and activities as essential in promoting long-term resilience and diversification away from tobacco production.
Malawi is one of the largest tobacco-producing countries globally, with tobacco accounting for more than 60 percent of its foreign exchange earnings and 13 percent of its GDP. However, tobacco exports have experienced a significant decline, dropping by 42 percent between 2016 and 2021, according to the World Bank.
Mwatitha Braynati, a Malawian groundnut farmer since 2020, shared her positive experience working with the CAT, saying, ‘Before the CAT came to partner with us, my groundnut harvest totaled just 30 bags. Two years later, in 2022, from the same 1-hectare of land, my harvest increased to 120 bags with technical guidance from the CAT. Next year, I expect it to increase to 150 bags by applying the new practices and technologies demonstrated through the CAT smart farms. The proceeds from the sale of this harvest have ensured my family of 7 children and 4 grandchildren is happy and does not lack a good variety of food at home.’
The CAT’s technical programme serves as a hub for science, technology, innovation, and incubation, offering support for smallholder farmers and businesses to explore agricultural technology, exchange ideas, develop partnerships, and advance sustainable livelihoods. It also supports the creation of markets for alternative commodities and research institutions dedicated to agricultural diversification. Additionally, the CAT provides customised technical assistance, access to soil and food testing laboratories, and connections to networks for farmers to improve productivity and quality.
The Centre for Agricultural Transformation (CAT), supported by the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World and the Agricultural Transformation Initiative, aims to empower Malawian smallholder farmers to make economically viable decisions for diversifying their incomes and reducing their reliance on tobacco farming.
The Foundation for a Smoke-Free World is an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) grantmaking organisation dedicated to improving global health by ending smoking within a generation. Its work encompasses health and science research, agricultural diversification, and industry transformation. The Foundation operates independently from any commercial entity and receives annual gifts from PMI Global Services Inc. (“PMI”). For more information, visit www.smokefreeworld.org.