Take AIM: Take AIM: AAgro-ecological gro-ecological IIntensification in ntensification in MMalawi through action research with alawi through action research with

smallholder farmerssmallholder farmers

Team composition Regis Chikowo, Robby Richardson & Sieg Snapp -MSU Wezi Mhango – LUANAR Agronomy Fanny Chigwa –LUANR Animal Science Department Agness Mangwela –LUANAR Nutrition Department Isaac Nyoka & Aston Mulwafu & Sileshi W –ICRAF Desta Lulseged & Rowland Chirwa– CIAT Owen Kumwenda & Anilly Msukwa – DAES WUR IFPRI .. and graduate students

Research questions1. What are the current biophysical and socio-

economic constraints to increased quality, quantity and diversity of crop and livestock products, especially for women farmers? (RO1)

2. How effective are the different technological options under different biophysical and socioeconomic conditions in enhancing food security, nutrition and ecosystem stability? (RO2)

Research questions3. What are the determinants of farmer participation

in field-based learning platforms and subsequent influence on their use of soil fertility and livestock production intensification technologies? (RO2/RO3)

4. What are the food processing and utilization technology options that could be suitable for adoption by the targeted households to improve human nutrition? (RO2 and RO3)

Work packagesWP0: Project coordination: (MSU+IITA)

WP1: Participatory action research and on-farm experimentation: (MSU + LUANAR+ CIAT)

WP2: Integration of climbing beans: (CIAT+MSU).

WP3 Livestock intensification: (LUANAR and ICRAF

WP4: Nutritional status improvement and diversification: (LUANAR Human Nutrition Department and DAES Nutrition Departments).

WP5 Dissemination, impact and networking (MSU + IFPRI+ DAES)

Field surveysParticipatory on-farm experimentation

Reflection workshopsSystems modelling

Methodologies

Deliverables (outputs - outcomes-impact)1. Role and decision making capacity of women in

technology development, evaluation and application increased

2. Soil degradation reduced and soil fertility improved 3. Research for development platforms strengthened

and functional at district level (to drive the sustainable intensification agenda)

4. Food security, nutrition, and ecosystem stability in smallholder farming systems enhanced

5. Indicators: >900 farmers using SI technologies, crop yields increase by >15%, milk yields increase by 20%

Thank you