The MwAPATA Institute is an independent agricultural policy think tank in Malawi. The Institute is engaging the Government of Malawi, private sector, and civil society stakeholders in a program of applied policy analysis, policy outreach, capacity building, and policy coordination. MwAPATA was established with a grant from the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World via Michigan State University and continues with the support of various strategic partners.
MwAPATA Institute
RECENT EVENTS
MwAPATA Participates in the AGRA Media Onboarding Meeting
MwAPATA Research Analyst, Mr Lemekezani Kingston Chilora, participated in the Media Onboarding Meeting organised by AGRA-Sustainably Growing Africa’s Food, held at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe on 16th March 2026. The meeting aimed to strengthen the capacity of journalists from different districts and institutions to better understand AGRA’s mandate, strategic priorities, and country-level interventions in Malawi.
In addition, the meeting aimed to build informed and long-term partnerships between AGRA plus its partners with the media as well as to enhance accurate and evidence-based reporting on agriculture and food systems, in order to increase the visibility of AGRA-supported initiatives that contribute to inclusive agricultural transformation.
Representing the MwAPATA institute, Mr Chilora delivered a 5-minute presentation pitch on the Enhancing Inclusive Youth-Led Platform for Evidence-based Agricultural policymaking and implementation in Malawi (LEAP4YOUTH Project), which the MwAPATA Institute is implementing in partnership with National Youth Council of Malawi (NYCOM), supported by AGRA.
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Find Chilora's Presentation here.
NEW RESEARCH
Stay Informed on Research Releases
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​Do Land Reforms Promote Equity in Land Rental Market Participation? Evidence from Malawi​
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​Does accessing multiple social support programmes improve household resilience and food security?
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​Policy Lessons for Localising the Food Systems Transformation Agenda in Malawi
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​Malawi Public Agricultural Expenditure Review
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Healthy foods cost more and differ by Region in Sub-Saharan Africa: A meta-analysis
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Assessment of agricultural diversification strategies and rural household food security in Malawi
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​In the News
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Research urges Malawi to bundle social support programmes to boost food security
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MwAPATA urges urgent action on Malawi’s soil crisis
Malawi needs to enhance organic fertilizer usage
Outdated forestry fees limit Malawi’s potential
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Conference calls for agri-food systems boost
Youth participation in agriculture still a pain-point for Malawi
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​Banana faces uncertain future, study shows
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Land reform pace affects agriculture
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HIGHLIGHTS
Representing the MwAPATA Institute, the Executive Director, Mr William Chadza, participated in the Launch of the 2025 National Census of Agriculture (NACA) by the National Statistical Office (NSO) held at BICC in Lilongwe on 16th March 2026.
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The launch brought together various stakeholders in the agriculture research sector as well as development partners. The Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, Hon. Rosa Mbilizi, was the Guest of Honour.
Among other objectives, the 2025 NACA findings aim to support evidence-based agricultural planning, implementation and evaluation. The findings are also expected to support policymaking aimed at strengthening national food security, increasing employment opportunities and improving national development informed by data.
