The Agri-Labs are a key component of the SPARK project, which aims to economically empower people with disabilities.
This will provide an opportunity for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) to design equipment, tools and work processes that are accessible and easy to use.
In addition, the Agri-Labs bring different actors together to work on challenges, which act as barriers to participation of people with disabilities, using a hands-on experimental approach.
By combining the knowledge of persons with disabilities and technical experts, it is possible to design bespoke equipment that makes work processes less labour intensive and more time efficient.
In this case, the Agri-Lab have helped to resolve challenges which farmers with disabilities face in the value chain.
During the three-day sessions, the participants worked together to develop prototypes to assist with farming.
Mr. Akafaamveka Mbewe, a beneficiary under Programme for Rural Irrigation (PRIDE) from Chiwawa village, Traditional Authority Kabunduli expressed satisfaction over the training received through the SPARK project, stating that the knowledge acquired would help him produce assistive technologies using the Agri-Lab model.
"These technologies will aid my mobility as I can't walk without support, now I will be able to work in the farm just like any other person," said Mr. Mbewe, who is also the chairperson for Tizidalire Farmers Club.
The Disability Inclusion Facilitators approach is a core component of the SPARK programme. It positions young persons with disabilities as agents of change in rural economies in the SPARK project countries of Malawi Burkina Faso, India, Malawi and Mozambique.
