STUDENTS: BARBRA BEHIELS & ASHLEY SPENCER

Malawi is one of the word’s least developed and most densely populated countries. These elements, combined with a subtropical climate, motivate many people to support themselves through agriculture. In fact, about 80% of Malawi’s population is engaged in subsistence farming.

For years, the staple crop in Malawi has been maize, but as Malawi faces challenges in land use, climate change, food production and income generation, many people are now turning to dairy production. Thanks to the relatively high milk prices, dairy production is now the most lucrative form of smallholder farming in Malawi.

Veterinary students Barbra Behiels and Ashley Spencer are heading to Malawi this summer to work with the Central Region Milk Producers Association (CRMPA) to help farmers and staff improve cow husbandry and management techniques, and promote methods for disease and parasite prevention and control.