This paper argues for an expansion and consolidation of nonformal education in rural Malawi. Where many rural people for various reasons cannot access formal education and training institutions, nonformal education represents a flexible and often more cost effective way of transferring useful knowledge and skills for self, family and ultimately community improvement. It discusses four areas where nonformal Education can be effective: Literacy and numeracy education, Agricultural extension, Skills development, and Welfare improvement Nonformal education has an important role to play in providing the requisite skills and knowledge, especially in situations where levels of education are low and access to formal training institutions is limited. Its programmes are generally better adapted to realistic needs, have lower costs, probably have better cost/benefit ratios than formal training programmes and are adaptable to the convenience of learners.