Farmers Baseline Survey in Mchinji

In September 2025, AgriTech Enterprise conducted a data collection exercise in Mchinji District to establish a baseline for its upcoming Input Credit Program. Led by William Banda (CEO), the research team visited four farmer cooperatives — Miwawa, Ulira, Gomani, and Mavwere — from 10th to 12th September 2025.

The baseline survey aimed to gather critical data on the organizational capacity of farmer cooperatives, their readiness to participate in AgriTech’s input credit initiative, and the logistical challenges that may affect program implementation.

Data Collection Overview

Approach: A mix of structured interviews and field observations for both quantitative and qualitative insights.
Coverage: Four cooperatives across Mchinji District, representing varied organization levels and accessibility.
Focus Areas: Leadership, participation, access to inputs and markets, and perceptions of AgriTech’s credit model.

Key Insights from the Data

Miwawa and Gomani showed strong organization and leadership.
Ulira Cooperative has great potential but faces logistical barriers.
Mavwere Cooperative needs capacity-building support to strengthen cohesion.
All sites emphasized early seed delivery as crucial for program success.

Research Achievements

Baseline data collected from all four cooperatives within three days.
Generated valuable datasets for program design and targeting strategy.
Built understanding of farmer dynamics, input demand, and cooperative performance.
Strengthened engagement with local farmer groups, improving data accuracy and trust.