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Co-design and deployment of AgroTutor: A participatory digital advisory tool for sustainable intensification in Malawi
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Co-design and deployment of AgroTutor: A participatory digital advisory tool for sustainable intensification in Malawi

Kamaluddin Tijjani Aliyu, Satish Nagaraji, Jonathan Odhong, Chima Rickards, Blessing Mhlanga, Gudeta Weldesemayat Sileshi, Paswel Marenya, Christian Thierfelder and Sieglinde Snapp
Computers and electronics in agriculture, Vol.246, 111557
05/2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compag.2026.111557

Abstract

Digital advisory Farming systems Participatory co-development Soil health Sustainable practices Malawi
Context Declining soil fertility, climate variability, and a high extension-to-farmer ratio continue to constrain productivity and adoption of sustainable practices in Malawi’s maize-based farming systems. Objective To co-develop a participatory offline-capable digital advisory tool, to overcome extension capacity constraints and bridge the gap between research outputs on sustainable intensification (SI) and extension delivery. Methods We developed AgroTutor, a participatory digital advisory tool designed primarily for use by frontline extension agents to deliver context-specific sustainable intensification advisories to smallholder farmers. Using Sustainable Intensification Assessment Framework (SIAF), 17 validated SI technologies such as Conservation Agriculture, improved legume rotation using doubled-up legume system, organic soil amendments, soil fertility management, and agroforestry options were evaluated by experts across six agroecological zone × soil-texture combinations for Malawi. This resulted in a technology suitability index that anchors the tool’s decision support logic of the AgroTutor. The tool was implemented as an offline-capable Progressive Web Application (PWA) with embedded training materials, enabling extension agents to facilitate both individual and group-based advisory sessions to farmers in environments with limited internet connectivity. Results and conclusions Results revealed strong environmental sensitivity in the tool’s recommendations: ripping emerged as the best tillage option on sandy soils across all agroecological zones, whereas permanent raised beds performed better in High-Altitude clayey soils. Doubled-up legume rotations (pigeon pea + groundnut and pigeon pea + soybean) were highly suited to Lakeshore and Mid-Altitude zones. Integrated soil fertility management combining high-quality manure and synthetic fertilizer (NPK + urea) was consistently effective, while the performance of green manuring and biomass transfer were context dependent. A pilot involving 320 farmers confirmed AgroTutor’s suitability, its accuracy, and ability to generate contextualized recommendations. Significance AgroTutor demonstrates how digital tools can translate expert knowledge into adaptive, farmer-centered advisories, providing a scalable pathway for integrating context-specific SI recommendations into national extension systems. By supporting both individual and group-based outreach, the tool can substantially reduce the high extension-to-farmer ratio while enhancing the efficiency and last-mile delivery of agricultural advisory services.

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