Reflections on the need for technology packaging to ensure the success of technological initiatives for agricultural development: experiences from Malawi

Abstract

The Malawi Government's policy to increase smallholder agricultural production and productivity has been, among others, through the provision of necessary inputs in forms of loans. Results of the study have shown that, in most cases, Government's efforts have been constrained by low loan repayment rates as a result of (i) sub-optimal application of inputs, (ii) incomplete technology packages loaned and (iii) minimal increases in land holding sizes for loaned items such as draught animals, implements and sprayers. It is therefore imperative that technological inputs that are provided to improve agricultural production and productivity should be packaged to ensure maximum returns to the beneficiaries.

UNISWA Jnl of Agric Vol 10 2001: pp71-75