Monitoring public participation processes at local government level: With specific reference to agricultural processes in Ntcheu District

Agriculture is the greatest source of economic development in Malawi. With decentralisation, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food security through the Department of Agriculture Extension Services sector, established the New Agricultural Extension policy to create participatory processes to address farmers' needs. This is against the background that research has shown that the more people participate in developmental issues the more their needs are prioritised, especially if the participatory structures have legal backing and are respected by stakeholders, including government officials. This research engaged the established participatory structures in agricultural processes and the extent of their efficiency. It emerged that these structured were not as effective because committees that could allow for the participation of farmers in planning and decision making at Area and District level are in fact not operational as expected.