Evidence Matters for Transformational Impact
MwAPATA Institute
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.
Recent Events
MwAPATA Executive Director participates in the launch of The 16th Malawi Economic Monitor
Friday, 9th December 2022
In a wide-ranging panel discussion, the MwAPATA Executive Director was asked to comment on many things, including the role of agricultural commercialization in transforming Malawi’s economy. He argues commercialization, be it by “mega” farms or smallholders, is essential, “but the difficult question now to ask is the why has not that occurred in this country all along?”
He further explains, “we have, perhaps, not accepted the complexity of challenges which are before us, and the complexity of challenges which the smallholder farmers are facing, that [hinders] commercialization. Over the years we have looked for ‘one cause’ to low agricultural productivity and commercialization, which has been low use of inorganic fertilizers. We have given all attention to that, hoping that [fertilizer] is going to solve our problems. But farmers are facing multiple challenges for them to move into commercialization.”
The Executive Director goes on to highlight issues of land access, declining farm size, low crop response to inorganic fertilizers, under-funded agricultural research and extension, access to financing, links to markets, and under-investment in public infrastructure. Any too narrowly focused agenda carries risk because “there is a whole host of challenges which the farmers are facing.”
See the full panel discussion.
MwAPATA Executive Director, William Chadza, participates in a panel discussion launching the 16th Malawi Economic Monitor in Lilongwe on December 9th.
Policy Prioritization through Value Chain Analysis Launch
Date: Tuesday, 12th September 2022 || Time: 8:00am -13:00pm (CAT) ||
Venue: BICC, Lilongwe, Malawi
Organizers: MwAPATA Institute, BFAP (Data Driven Insight), IFPRI & AGRA
Presentation is available here
Highlights
Malawi Data Portal online
New Research
Stay informed on research releases
Agricultural Diversification Challenges and Opportunities in the Malawian Groundnut Value Chain
The Potential for Mega-Farms to Transform Malawian Agriculture
Economic Viability of Small-Scale Aquaculture in Malawi
How Russia's Invasion of Ukraine Will Affect the Food Security Situation in Malawi: Implications for Malawian Policy Response
In the News
MwAPATA Institute Tips Government on Ukraine Russia War Effects
MwAPATA Institute warns of dire effects of Russia-Ukraine war on Malawi's food security situation
For Malawi, Russia's invasion of Ukraine presents challenges and opportunities
MwAPATA Tips Government on the Affordable Inputs Programme
Experts Search for Tobacco Alternative
Day 1: Key Presentations
Event in Pictures
Transforming Malawian Agriculture Through
Mega-Farms Roundtable Discussion
Date: Wednesday, 10th August 2022 || Time: 8:00am -12:30pm (CAT) ||
Venue: Sunbird Capital, Lilongwe, Malawi
Find event recording from Facebook here
Read Policy Options and Recommendations here
Agriculture is the cornerstone of Malawi’s economy, contributing about 23% to the GDP, 85% to foreign export earnings, and the main employer of the labor force (Malawi Government, 2022). Despite being pivotal to the economy, the sector has been facing numerous challenges. Through the MW2063, Malawi government has envisioned shifting away from low productivity and subsistence-oriented agriculture to a more commercialized manufacturing-linked agricultural system. Mega Farms is one of the strategies being employed.
MwAPATA Institute, in partnership with the National Planning Commission, Farmers Union of Malawi, and Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, organized a Roundtable discussion to initiate a conversation around the transforming Malawian agriculture through Megafarms, Read More.
Event Video Highlight
Presentations:
By Mr. Martin Kausi,
Deputy Director of Crop Development, Ministry of Agriculture
By Dr. Anderson Gondwe,
Research Fellow, MwAPATA Institute
All Videos
Panelists
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Mr. Taziona Chaponda, Managing Director, Malawi Agricultural and Industrial Investment Corporation (MAIIC)
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Mr. Christopher Beya, Chief Executive Officer, Press Agriculture Limited
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Mr. Eric Chidzungu, Chief Executive Officer, Greenbelt Authority
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Mr. Ronald Ngwira, Managing Director, Pyxus Agriculture Limited
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Mr. Kristian Moller, Chief Executive Officer, Agriculture Commodity Exchange for Africa
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Mrs. Iness Malemia, Commercial Farmer, Farmers Union of Malawi (FUM)
Strategy & Responses on the Impact of Russia-Ukraine Conflict on Malawi
Roundtable Dialogue
Date: Wednesday, 20th July 2022 || Time: 02:00pm - 05:00pm (CAT) ||
Venue: Sunbird Capital, Lilongwe, Malawi
Event Recording from Facebook available here
Dr. Mafuta Mwale
Secretary to the Treasury,
Guest of Honor
The Russian Federation invaded Ukraine on the 24th of February 2022. In response, several countries have imposed sanctions targeting Russian individuals and the broader economy. As of this writing, the future duration and scope of this conflict remain largely uncertain.
However, the potential ‒ even likely ‒ detrimental impact on Malawian livelihoods will be massive, and steps need to be taken now to mitigate against the effects as well as harness the opportunities that arise from the Russo-Ukraine conflict
Based on this MwAPATA Institute, the National Planning Commission of Malawi (NPC) and UNDP collaborated in organizing a roundtable discussion where stakeholders would begin to deliberate on possible strategies to address the situation at hand. Read More
Presentations:
By Mr. Adwell Zembere,
Deputy Director of Economic Planning (Regional Cooperation and International
Organizations), Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Development
By Dr. Anderson Gondwe,
Research Fellow, MwAPATA Institute
Panelists
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Rev. Fr. Dr. Wilfred Sumani, Director of Academic Affairs, Catholic University
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Dr. Kisu Simwaka, Director, Economic Policy and Research, Reserve Bank of Malawi
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Mr. Boyd Luwe, Deputy President, Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry
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Mr. Chris Connelly, Programme Director, Concern Worldwide
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Mrs. Victoria Mwafulirwa, Secretary General, Cross-border Traders Association of Malawi