The extension and specialist function provides on farm and extension services to tobacco farmers and other stakeholders to maximize returns on investment in tobacco production in Malawi. Through this function ARET has strategically placed Extension Agents in tobacco producing areas of the country. The Extension Agents get technical support from highly qualified and well experienced Subject Matter Specialists and Research Scientists

The extension function involves:

Designing and implementing appropriate extension methods, systems and programs in a participatory manner

 Disseminating extension messages to tobacco growers through contact group sessions, Farmer Field Schools (FFS), individual farmer visits, on-farm trainings, filed days, result demonstrations, newsletters, brochures, leaflets, radio programs, video films, and outreach seminars

 Grower profiling and information management to ensure traceability and compliance with sustainable tobacco production and good agricultural labour practices. Grower information such training participation, purchase and usage of certified seed is collected.