The Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) has received a state-of-the-art Agricultural Transformation Centre building, valued at over $3 million (over K5.1 bullion), from the Global Action to End Smoking.
LUANAR’s Natural Resources College (NRC) Campus Smart Farm in Lilongwe, the Centre, referred as “The Global Action Agricultural Transformation Centre, has a laboratory for soil testing and a food processing to help entrepreneurs add value to root and tuber crops such as sweet potatoes and cassava before certification by the Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS).
Designed by ORG Urbanism and Architecture and constructed by SR Nicholas Construction
Company, the landmark facility is part of the six-year Centre for Agricultural Transformation (CAT) project implemented in Malawi by Land O’Lakes Venture37 with generous funding from the Global Action to End Smoking.
CAT Executive Director, Macleod Nkhoma, described the Centre as a “game-changer” in Malawi’s agricultural transformation journey.
“After six years of working directly with over 100,000 and indirectly with over 860,000 smallholder farmers, we are proud to see this Centre come to life. Its establishment, being part of our donor’s agreement with LUANAR, ensures that the legacy of CAT lives on. This Centre arrives at a critical time as we conclude our project with confidence, knowing it will continue to serve farmers, students, and researchers. It stands as a lasting symbol of impact,” said Nkhoma.
LUANAR Vice Chancellor, Professor Emmanuel Kaunda, welcomed the development, calling it a milestone investment that aligns with LUANAR’s mission and long-term strategic goals.
“This Centre positions LUANAR as a regional hub for agricultural research, teaching, and outreach. It will not only enhance our academic capacity but also offer direct support to the surrounding farming communities. We are grateful to the Global Action to End Smoking for this timely and strategic investment,” said Kaunda.
He emphasised that the university is committed to ensuring the centre remains affordable for all farmers seeking innovative solutions to improve soil fertility and crop yields, while sustaining the momentum built by CAT.
“We want to ensure that the university continues to make an impact on the farming community and the agriculture sector at large by keeping laboratory services affordable. We have the Centre for Innovation, Excellence, Research and Commercialisation, which will oversee the daily operations of the facility to ensure that no farmer is left behind,” said Kaunda.
Global Action to End Smoking Vice President and Country Director for Agricultural Transformation Initiative (ATI), Dr Candida Nakhumwa, emphasized that the purpose-built and fully equipped and furnished Centre is designed to support cutting-edge research, particularly in response to the global decline in tobacco demand.
“It will also promote sustainable agricultural and nutritional alternatives, serving as a vital hub for farmers, students, researchers, and other stakeholders in agricultural value chains. Among other facilities, the soil analysis laboratory at the Centre is especially key in supporting farmers to address soil health challenges which is key for increasing agricultural productivity. The rooms and open spaces are purposefully furnished to promote networking and innovation,” noted Nakhumwa.
The Centre is the result of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between LUANAR and Global Action to End Smoking, aimed at accelerating agricultural transformation in Malawi.
Under the agreement, LUANAR committed to provide land for the Centre’s construction and for CAT project to establish Smart Farms at both its Bunda and NRC campuses.
With the new Centre, LUANAR is expected to scale up its research and outreach activities, broaden student training opportunities, and deepen partnerships with the private sector, government, and development actors in transforming Malawi’s agriculture.
