Abstract

Geographical Information System is widely used in agriculture production and service delivery in developed countries but in Malawi, like most developing countries, its application in agricultural service delivery and farm production is limited. Using the case of MZADD, this study assesses the adoption of a client-server GIS application as an innovation of reducing institutional challenge and facilitating spatial data sharing among subject matter specialists. Using mixed method research approach and an explanatory research design the study collected data using a framed field experimental approach. In the study spatial data of MZADD from the Department of Land Resources Conservation and non-spatial data of hybrid maize from Department of Crops with conditions for producing optimum hybrid maize yield were used to produce a map showing areas most likely to produce optimum yield for hybrid maize to assist subject matter specialist to know which areas are in need of their agricultural advice. The study found that in MZADD areas that are less likely to have optimum hybrid maize yield are parts of Mzenga, Emsizini, Bolero and Malidade. This information would help subject matter specialists introduce necessary interventions in these areas to stimulate production of the optimum yield to ensure food security. If MZADD is to adopt a GIS client-server application it would mean training members of staff in basic GIS and that it should have reliable connection between personal computers and the central repository housing the application.

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School	: School of Natural and Applied Sciences
Issued Date	: 2015

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