Strengthening crop protection: the example of Ramsay Agriculture

As part of the Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) programme, COLEAD provided technical assistance to Ramsay Agriculture, a small but dynamic farming enterprise based in Mzuzu (Malawi), through the Horticultural Production and Marketing Consortium (HOPMAC).

Towards a safer and more sustainable production model

The support aimed to help the company put into practice the knowledge acquired during the training course “Developing a Crop Protection Strategy”. Over four intensive days, the COLEAD expert assessed existing pest management practices, trained field staff in the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and supported the team in developing a tailored and functional crop protection strategy.

Tangible results in the field

The mission achieved several key outcomes: the design of a new crop protection model incorporating IPM principles; strengthened staff skills in crop observation, pest identification, and field hygiene; the introduction of a data collection and monitoring tool; and the identification of gaps in data analysis and aflatoxin risk management, paving the way for targeted follow-up support.
The assignment also highlighted the need for access to certified seeds, mechanisms to retain skilled staff, and ongoing learning to ensure the sustainability and resilience of Ramsay Agriculture’s crop protection system.

Strong ownership by the company

Ramsay Agriculture expressed great satisfaction with the quality and relevance of the support:

“It was excellent and very well conducted. The expert knew exactly what needed to be done. My employees gained valuable skills in pest management and now know which chemicals or natural methods to use. […] We have already started implementing what we learned, and everything is well documented in the manual we now share with local rural farmers.”

Continuing the improvement process

The next steps include quarterly remote follow-up, additional training in data analysis and aflatoxin management, and an on-site evaluation within 12 months to assess progress.
This support illustrates how COLEAD, through the FFM+ programme, helps agricultural enterprises implement safer, more sustainable, and more resilient practices, contributing to a competitive and responsible agriculture sector.

This activity is supported by the Fit For Market Plus (FFM+) programme, implemented by COLEAD within the Framework of Development Cooperation between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union. This publication receives financial support from the European Union and the OACPS. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of COLEAD and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union or the OACPS.