Abstract

The main focus of this study was to investigate factors that contribute to continued dependence on family food and income among graduate farmers of School of Agriculture for Family Independence (SAFI) in Malawi. The study used two step sampling approach where purposive sampling was used in the first place to select SAFI graduates and secondly, systematic sampling was used to select 35 SAFI graduate farmer families for direct interviews using a semi structured questionnaire. Results of the study showed that factors responsible for reduced crop production were directly correlated to increased dependence of the graduate farmers on the institution. The findings highlighted that inputs from SAFI, primary education, increase in years after graduating from SAFI, and extension services from SAFI were the main factors responsible for increased dependence on family food and income among SAFI graduates. The study recommended that SAFI graduates be affiliated with government agriculture extension workers, and field workers of other available service providers (partners) in their communities to keep the farmers refreshed on modern methods of farming and monitor implementation of modern technologies. In addition, SAFI should introduce age limit and minimum entrance academic qualifications in order to train the right caliber of farmers who are likely to increase agricultural productivity and eliminate dependence on food and family income.

Key words: School of Agriculture for Family Independence (SAFI) graduates, dependence, crop production, primary education.