Malawi’s training programme links horticulture and dairy skills to farming
The programme was conducted under the International Labour Organization’s Global Skills Programme and focused on a common curriculum for horticulture and dairy training. Its participants represented technical and vocational education and training institutions, universities, non-governmental organisations, private businesses, and public agricultural and veterinary services.
The 52 participants came from nine districts across Malawi’s three regions. Women accounted for 30 per cent of the group. The programme’s stated objective was to turn the harmonized curriculum into a practical instrument aligned with the requirements of farmers, enterprises and young people.
Dairy production
Training in dairy farming covered animal nutrition, livestock health, breeding, milk handling and farm management. The knowledge has been used to improve farming methods, and some farmers have reported production increases of up to 150 per cent.
The Chisitu Bulking Group in Mulanje District and the Thunga Bulking Group in Thyolo District were among the groups reporting improved results. The programme also linked these practices with household earnings, including the case of a woman beneficiary whose dairy income tripled after training.
Horticulture instruction
The Corporate Institute for Horticulture is using the curriculum to reinforce Competency-Based Education and Training. Its approach gives greater weight to practical instruction and is intended to equip young people with skills relevant to horticultural work and enterprise management.
The Training of Trainers model has extended the programme beyond its initial participants. Within five months, Clara Kamlomo and Thoko Mweneungu had passed the knowledge and skills they received on to more than 200 young people. A practical trainer session at the Corporate Institute for Horticulture was held in Malawi in September 2026.
The Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Labour and the Technical, Entrepreneurial and Vocational Education and Training Authority are supporting the harmonized curriculum. The Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation is also supporting the initiative. Results reported by the programme include higher dairy output, practical training in horticulture, and the continuation of the curriculum through national institutions.
