REGISTRATION, PROFILING AND GEO-MAPPING OF FARMERS PROJECT BY CENTER FOR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (CARD) IN ALL EPAS IN MALAWI ARE NOW OUT.

 

Figure 1. Temporary Enumertor advert from CARD-LUANAR.

On 26 June, 2024 was like any other day when shortlisted candidates were moving to their respective EPAS they applied for to sit for their aptitude test interviews on Agricultural Commercialization (AGCOM) project that the government of Malawi through Ministry of Agriculture is implementing. The project aims at conducting digital registration, profiling and geo-mapping of farmers across all districts in Malawi that will be done at an EPA level starting from 01-30 July, 2024. The results were expected to be out on 27 June, 2024 morning but have been given to candidates at 2 pm the same day.

Figure 2. A list of successful candidates at Madisi EPA in Dowa.

Center for Agricultural Research and Development (CARD) is a research institute of Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources running this project including the aptitude test conducted on 26 June, 2024. The test was online making it more confidential as even leaders at each EPA were not aware of questions that were on the ground and specific time to start and end the aptitude test as all these roles were in hands of CARD officials who were giving updates on time and instructions applied through WhatsApp platform. The test starts at 11 am and allowable time was 50 minutes up to 12:30 pm. This time was quiet enough to most candidates as some were submitting their responses before the real time set to them.

Number of candidates in some EPAs encountered problems during the aptitude test time like, power issues, network issues, population of candidates, personal issues and inability to tackle some question which was difficult to answer according to the nature and type of their Smartphone they were using. Personal issues, population of candidates and nature of some question were the common problems that were limiting candidates to access and tackle the aptitude test questions properly. For example, on personal issues at Kafulu EPA one candidate failed to access the test because of not having email address and some were lacking digital literacy skills to navigate online interviews. On the nature and of questions, some candidates failed to tackle a question which was about type of smartphone used as some were using Itel yet there was no option for them. Due to lack of employment, most EPAs faces population challenge where the applicants were more than those successfully chosen to do the actual work. For example, at Madisi EPA about 100 candidates took the aptitude test but only 13 candidates were successfully chosen leaving about 87% out. Situation was also similar at Mkwinda EPA in Lilongwe, Bembeke EPA in Dedza, Emfeni EPA in Mzimba and Dzaone EPA in Zomba. 

Figure 3. Candidates at Mkwinda EPA in Lilongwe waiting for aptitude test.

The main objective of this digital farmer profiling exercise is to create a comprehensive database of smallholder farmers and their farm assets. This information can then be used by CARD LUANAR and other agricultural stakeholders for various purposes such as Targeted Interventions: The detailed farmer profiles allow for the design and delivery of customized agricultural extension services, inputs, credit, and other support tailored to the specific needs of individual farmers. Second purpose is Access to Finance: The geo-mapped farm data can be used to formally document land ownership, which helps farmers gain better access to formal financial services like loans and insurance. Next purpose is Supply Chain Integration: The farmer registry enables better coordination and integration of smallholders into structured agricultural value chains and markets. And last purpose is Policy Planning: The aggregated data provides policymakers and researchers with valuable insights to inform evidence-based agricultural policies and programs.

The enumerators undergo a brief training program on 28 June, 2024 that covers: Use of digital data collection tools and apps, techniques for farmer engagement and consent collection, Protocols for geo-mapping farm boundaries, Data quality assurance procedures and Reporting and data submission requirements so that during the actual work there will be no problems related to data correction and submission.

Since during the aptitude test candidates faced a lot of challenges there is a need for all relevant stakeholders to come together and address these challenges and prevent similar issues in the future. The ministry of agriculture and relevant stakeholders like MACRA could consider the following interventions and strategies: Improve technical infrastructure (Ensure reliable power supply and stable internet connectivity at all test centers, Provide backup power sources and redundant network connections and Optimize the testing platform to work seamlessly across a wider range of devices and operating systems), Enhance digital literacy support (Offer digital skills training programs to prepare candidates for online assessments, Provide on-site technical assistance and troubleshooting support during the tests and Simplify the testing interface and navigation to be more user-friendly), Expand access and inclusivity (Allow alternative methods of registration and test access, such as paper-based applications or in-person sign-ups, Provide loaner devices or internet-enabled devices to candidates who lack access to necessary technology and Ensure that test questions and formats are inclusive and do not disadvantage candidates based on the type of device they use),  Improve communication and stakeholder engagement (Clearly communicate test requirements, expectations, and support resources to all candidates well in advance, Engage with local communities, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to identify and address potential barriers to participation and Collect feedback from candidates and test administrators to continuously improve the assessment process), Pilot and test new approaches (Conduct small-scale trials of the testing process to identify and address issues before the main assessment and Experiment with different test formats, delivery methods, and support mechanisms to find the most effective and inclusive approach) and Ensure that there is job creation and business opportunities to reduce number of applicants in future exercise.

By implementing these interventions and strategies, the ministry of agriculture and relevant stakeholders can work to ensure a more accessible, equitable, and successful temporary enumeration aptitude test in the future.