Page 82 - AFAP Success Stories 2020

Establishment of winter demos organised study circles. A study circle is a diverse small
group of seven to 15 individuals who meet once a
Winter demos are also affected because not many week for not more than an hour.
companies are as forthcoming as usual. At the moment it - AFAP has adopted this approach to work with
is only Seed Co, which has given Mawindo Enterprise 2kg Lead Farmers (LFs) in a small group set up to
each of two varieties of maize seed and 90g of vegetables discuss post-harvest and winter cropping best
(nine varieties at 10g each) to establish winter demos.
practices. The LFs are entrusted to impart this
knowledge in a similar setup to Community
Agribusiness Advisors (CAAs) where applicable, or
Mitigating factors
to use Radio Listening Groups (RLGs) and Village
Not all is lost with the pandemic. Agriculture will have Loan Saving groups (VLSs). The CAAs and other
to continue. April to June is the peak time for post- club leaders then organize smaller groups to
harvest crop-protection products (CPPs), vegetable seed impart the same
and chemicals and winter-cropping inputs. Mawindo • The other method being used is the distribution of
Enterprise is using an approach recommended by AFAP leaflets from various companies but the approach is
to enable them to carry on business as usual while limited by literacy levels.
practicing social distancing. • Since they are used to approaching and working
with Mawindo Enterprise, other farmers are asking for
• Mawindo Enterprise is providing extension to farmers assistance through an individual meeting or by phone,
on a one-on-one basis at the shop and through should they face any challenges in their farming.

Mawindo Enterprise in good times