In a strategic effort to strengthen agricultural extension services and empower farmers with tools for food security and financial resilience, CUB International, an agriculture-focused research institution, has partnered with Malawi’s Ministry of Agriculture to roll out two transformative initiatives: the plant clinic approach and the Plant Wise Digital Tools.

These programs equip extension workers with the skills to diagnose plant health threats such as pests and diseases, and to recommend timely, effective treatments.

The digital component enhances this support by leveraging mobile technology and artificial intelligence.

Dora Shimbwambwa, a research officer at the Southern Africa Center in Lusaka, Zambia, explained that the plant clinic model was first introduced in Malawi in 2014.

It enables farmers to bring affected crops to designated clinics for expert diagnosis and treatment advice.

“After identifying gaps in the traditional plant clinic model, we’re now introducing digital tools to complement what plant doctors are doing and ensure farmers receive timely assistance,” Shimbwambwa said.

Through the Plant Wise Digital Tools, farmers can use their smartphones to photograph affected crops and receive AI-generated insights on possible threats and solutions. These findings can then be verified by extension officers for accuracy and action.

“If a farmer notices pest or disease damage, they simply take a picture. AI analyzes the image and suggests solutions—making extension services more accessible,” she added.

Madalitso Banda, a plant doctor at Bilila EPA, shared that the most common issues he encounters are fall armyworms in maize and fusarium wilt in tomatoes. Clinics are typically held on market days, allowing farmers to conveniently seek help while attending the market.

“The response has been encouraging,” Banda noted.

Michael Steven, a lead farmer from Kamonga Village in Dedza District, echoed Banda’s enthusiasm. He emphasized the importance of these initiatives in the face of increasing plant health challenges driven by climate change.

“We grow tomatoes, cabbage, onions, and more. Before plant clinics, we suffered losses because our extension worker couldn’t visit regularly—he covers a large area,” Steven said.

Beyond crop protection, the digital tools are expected to save farmers time and reduce costs associated with seeking agricultural support.

However, connectivity remains a challenge. A farmer from Gwedeza Village in Ntcheu District praised the initiative but urged the government to improve internet access in rural areas.

“Buying a smartphone isn’t the problem. It’s finding reliable internet that’s difficult—and it’s crucial for this initiative to work,” he said.

According to CUB International, the Plant Wise Digital Tools include a Knowledge Bank with country-specific resources in local languages, and the CUBI Academy, which offers tailored training courses for extension officers to further enhance their capacity.