Glaring mismatch in the demand and supply of technical, entrepreneurial, vocational education and training (TEVET) skills in the agricultural sector: An analysis of the oil seeds and sugar industries in Malawi

Abstract

Several studies and strategic papers point out a general clamour from industries on a limited supply of technical, entrepreneurial, vocational education and training (TEVET) skills in Malawi. In the oil seeds and sugar industries, organisations lament as regards the quality and quantity of experts available in the local market. This paper analyses the availability of TEVET skills in the two industries from the perspective of employers in response to the industrial complaints. The study adopts the mixed-methods approach and uses semi-structured interviews, questionnaires and document analysis as tools for collecting data. The results indicate great disparities in the availability of TEVET skills against the demand from the industries. While critical skills is absent in the two industries, there is also need to promote multi-skilling at the artisan and technician levels to enable graduates to perform multiple-related functions once they are employed. The shortfall in the availability of skills in the two sectors has resulted in human resource shortfalls which are affecting production processes. The study suggests the facilitation of academia-industry linkages to promote harmonious working relationships which would ensure that curricula are informed by industrial needs. Key words: Technical, entrepreneurial, vocational education and training (TEVET) skills, agriculture sector, sugar industry, oilseeds industry, Malawi.