Four animal science graduates from the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) have joined forces to establish a Livestock Innovations and Business Incubation Center.
The center aims to promote animal feed production and provide high-quality, low-cost dairy mash for smallholder farmers in Malawi.
According to Alfred Gadama, the group leader, the development center is in line with the government of Malawi’s vision to revamp the livestock sector for economic growth and development.
Gadama emphasized that the center aims to counter the soaring costs of livestock feed and provide affordable options for smallholder farmers.
“We are producing affordable feed with support from the Catholic Relief Services (CRS), our main goal is to utilize the expertise of graduates and faculty to develop viable livestock units, enhance the practical application of skills, and improve knowledge transfer,” Gadama said.
The center has already spent over 30 million kwacha to get off the ground, and Gadama is appealing to well-wishers and non-governmental organizations for further support.
“The local market is currently flooded with various animal feeds, and to penetrate the market is not easy, lack of financial resources has been a major setback, and we need help to take this project to the next level,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Gadama is optimistic about the future of the center.
“Our tailored future plan is to make it big, have our own office, and reach out to small-scale farmers in all districts across the country,” he said. “
Gadama and his colleagues plans to offer jobs to fresh graduates in the form of internships.
For more information about the Livestock Innovations and Business Incubation Center, contact Alfred Gadama on +265 881 34 19 39.
