INFORMATION
Of our trust
AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND EXTENSION TRUST
- The Agricultural Research and Extension Trust (ARET) was established in September 1995 under the Trustees Incorporation Act.
- It is Malawi’s major institution in tobacco research, extension and training.
- It evolved from the amalgamation of the then Tobacco Research Institute of Malawi (TRIM) and Estate Extension Services Trust (EEST).
- The decision to create the Trust was taken at the Council Meeting of the Tobacco Association of Malawi (TAMA) held on 24th November 1994.
- It was formally incorporated on 8th December 1998 under the Trustees Incorporation Act (Cap. 5:03) of the Laws of Malawi and is a non-profit making institution
Mandate
To provide agricultural research, technical assistance and training to tobacco farmers and other beneficiaries in Malawi.
Our Mission
To promote the sustainable production of high-quality tobacco for the realization of improved farm profits while conserving natural resources and encouraging agricultural diversification
Our vision
To be the centre of excellence in tobacco research and technology dissemination
ARET'S Objectives
To develop appropriate technologies and acquire information to support and sustain high production levels of good quality tobacco by all farmers.
To develop appropriate technologies and acquire information to support and sustain high production levels of good quality tobacco by all farmers.
To provide technical services to tobacco farmers and other stakeholders for sustaining the profitability of their farming enterprise
To generate technologies that reduce cost of production and minimize deterioration of natural resources such as land, soil, trees and water.
To strengthen linkages between researchers, extension agents, farmers, policy makers and agro-input dealers.
Governance
ARET is overseen by a Board of Trustees which includes
Malawi Government (MoA and DARS)
The National Smallholder Farmers’ Association of Malawi (NASFAM)
The Tobacco Association of Malawi (TAMA)
TOBACCO PROCESSORS ASOCOATION (TPA)
Research Centers
Kandiya (Head Office) in Lilongwe, Central Region
Mwimba Research Station in Kasungu, Central Region
Kabwafu Research Station in Mzimba, Northern Region