UNIMA Showcases Agricultural Innovations at the 22nd National Agriculture Fair

The University of Malawi, through the Centre for Resilient Agri-Food Systems (CRAFS) and the Food Innovation and Technology Hub (FIT-Hub), showcased a range of research-based agricultural innovations at the 22nd National Agriculture Fair (NAF), held at the Chichiri Trade Fair Grounds in Blantyre from 27 to 29 August 2026. Held under the theme “Transforming Agriculture Through Innovation, Value Addition and Market Linkages,” the fair brought together stakeholders from across the agricultural industry, including manufacturing and trade sectors, to showcase technologies, products and services contributing to agricultural transformation and improved livelihoods in Malawi and the continent.

This year’s NAF theme closely aligned with UNIMA’s work through CRAFS Community Actionable Research Projects for Enterprise (CARP-E) and FIT-Hub, which support the development, incubation and commercialisation of research-based innovations. 

Through these initiatives, the University is translating research into practical solutions that strengthen local enterprises, create market opportunities and contribute to sustainable agricultural development.

UNIMA’s exhibition featured innovations from university staff, CRAFS-supported enterprises and FIT-Hub incubatees, covering food processing, nutrition, livestock, soil health and digital agricultural products. 

Among the products showcased were Thanzi Sorghum Flour-immune-boosting products made from sorghum, sesame and beans, Chirunga biscuits made from Bambara nuts and pumpkin seeds, dehydrated mushroom products, peanut butter, cookies and oyster mushroom spawn.

Livestock innovations included fortified mineral blocks and dairy concentrate feeds, while the Mwambo Tomato Soil Inoculant demonstrated an approach to improving soil health, crop yields and environmental restoration.

The exhibition also featured Zammunda, an online market application connecting agricultural producers with buyers, and the Smart Precision Farming System, which supports greenhouse and field production through water and temperature control, trend prediction, pest and disease detection, and AI-supported data analysis.

UNIMA further showcased a locally made food grinder for baobab milk and peanut butter production designed to be affordable, durable and easy to clean.

The fair provided an opportunity for UNIMA and participating enterprises to engage with farmers, businesses, policymakers and other stakeholders, receive feedback on their innovations and explore potential partnerships and market linkages.

The UNIMA delegation comprised Dr Victoria Ndolo, Dr Chipo Kanjo, Dr Elias Mwakilama, Dr Placid Mpeketula, Dr Dalitso Kafumbata, and Mr Blessings Katuma, alongside CARP-E grantees and FIT-Hub incubatees.