Historical background

Lunyangwa Agricultural Research Station (LARS) was originally one of the six Viphya Tung Estates under the Commonwealth Development Corporation since 1940, but was later handed over to the Malawi Government in 1969. The government subsequently decided to establish an Agricultural Research Station on the newly acquired land on 1st September 1969. Since then, the station has grown and formed the headquarters for agricultural research and service activities in the northern region of Malawi.

It is responsible for Mkondezi Experimental Research Station, Bolero, Mbawa and Nchenachena substations in Mzuzu Agricultural Development Division, and Baka and Meru substations in Karonga ADD.

Location

It has a total area of 656 hectares of which 230 ha is under natural pastures and woodland. 

Climate

The mean annual rainfall at Lunyangwa is 1270 mm of which 173 mm falls during the cool period from May to October. Rainfall during this period ranges between 50 - 500 mm. Rainfall confidence limits for 9 out 10 years ranges from 787 to 1854mm. The mean annual temperature for Lunyangwa is 20⁰C. The absolute maximum temperature recorded is 32⁰C. The hottest month is November while the coldest month is July.