MUST, through the African Drone and Data Academy (ADDA), on May 29, 2026, held an engagement meeting with Farmers Organisation Limited (FOL) to explore partnership opportunities that can contribute to the growth and modernization of Malawi’s agricultural sector.

The meeting brought the two organizations together to deliberate on possible ways of working together, especially focusing on the application of emerging technologies for the advancement of agriculture.

Speaking during the meeting, Farmers Organisation Limited Sales and Marketing Manager, Ronald Chilumpha, commended the MUST delegation for taking the initiative to engage with stakeholders in advancing agriculture in Malawi.

He explained that Farmers Organisation Limited, which started operating in 1980, supplies farm inputs and agricultural equipment to farmers across the country, helping them improve production and efficiency.

During the meeting, ADDA Manager, Emmanuel Chinkaka, presented the academy’s mission and outlined the vision of the Ndata School of Climate and Earth Sciences (NSCES), under which ADDA operates. 

He highlighted the school's commitment to developing innovative solutions that address national and regional development challenges.

The meeting also featured a presentation by ADDA Instructor, Rachel Sibale, who highlighted the importance and practical applications of drone technology in agriculture. 

She explained that drones can help farmers monitor crop health, assess field conditions, identify pest and disease outbreaks, optimize fertilizer application and collect accurate data for informed decision-making.

The use of drone technology in farming has the potential to increase productivity, reduce production costs, improve resource management and support climate-smart agricultural practices.

The discussions concluded with both institutions expressing interest in strengthening collaboration. 

The two parties agreed to begin working on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will provide a framework for future joint activities and initiatives aimed at supporting agricultural development in Malawi.