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 Event
A Roundtable on Key Drivers of the Fertilizer Price Surge and Policy Options
Thursday, September 16th, 2021 || 5:00 - 7:00 pm CAT || Sunbird Capital, Lilongwe
The MwAPATA Institute and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) organized a roundtable to initiate a conversation around the drivers of the fertilizer price surge and key policy options. About 70 people joined physically with nearly as many joining via Zoom.
Present were key government officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Trade; Members of Parliament from 4 committees of Agriculture, Trade, Natural Resources as well as Budget and Finance. Development partners were also in attendance, as well as international and local NGO's, Civil Society Organizations, Academia and others.
Key issues from the discussion included:
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Fertilizer price increases are driven by global market, with rising food prices as a key root cause. In turn, food prices are related to the recovery in some parts from Covid-19, production shortages in key global regions, and rising fuel and transportation costs.
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The upsurge in fertilizer prices hinders Malawi's ability to achieve the national food security. There is going to be a serious food security crisis next year if we do not act today.
Presentations:
Highlights
New Research
Stay informed on research releases
The Codependence Between Nutrition, Resilience, and Sustainable Food Systems
Does Subsidizing Legume Seeds Improve Farm Productivity and Nutrition in Malawi?
Lessons Learnt: Promises, Achievements, Shortcomings and Pitfalls of Malawian Input Subsidies
The Inorganic Fertilizer Price Surge in 2021: Key Drivers and Policy Options
A Rapid Assessment of the Implementation of the 2020/21 Affordable Inputs Program in Malawi
Assessing Alternatives to Tobacco Farming for Smallholders in Malawi
In the News
MwAPATA Tips Government on the Affordable Inputs Programme
Experts Search for Tobacco Alternative
Experts Recommend Expedited Replacement to Tobacco
Malawi Tobacco Faces New Threat
MwAPATA Institute urges Malawi Parliament to address policy gaps
Stakeholders Strategize on Future of Smallholder Farming in Malawi
The Inorganic Fertilizer Price Surge in 2021: Key Drivers and Policy Options
Dr. Christone Nyondo, Research Fellow, MwAPATA Institute
Why are fertilizer prices in Malawi high? and What can be done?
Dr. Jan Duchoslav, Research Fellow, IFPRI -Malawi
Event in Pictures
Panelists:
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Mr. Giannakis, Chairperson - Fertilizer Association of Malawi
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Mr. Jacob Nyirongo, Chief Executive Officer - Farmers Union of Malawi
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Hon. Gladys Ganda, Chairperson - Budget and Finance Committee of Parliament
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Hon. Rhino Chiphiko, General Manager - ADMARC
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Mr. Levi Chirwa, Director of Budgets - Ministry of Finance
The panel discussion revolved around how fertilizer prices surge can be addressed to avoid longterm negative effects. The members brought in their experiences and expertise depending on the institutions /bodies that they represented.
Should you require further information regarding the roundtable, please do not hesitate to contact us.
The 6th Nd zotheka Eminent Speaker Series:
Wednesday, August 25th, 2021 || 5:00 - 7:00 pm CAT || Sunbird Capital, Lilongwe & Virtual via Zoom
Prof. Kevin Chika Urama
Senior Director, African Development Institute
African Development Bank
Theme:
The importance of Human and Institutional Capacity Enhancement in Building Resilient Agri-Food Systems in Africa
Prof. Kevin Chika Urama gave an overview of the food systems in Africa, and shared recommendations on how to address gaps identified in the system. He highlights the importance of:
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Honoring the Maputo declaration
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Developing national agricultural innovation systems
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Digitizing of the agri-food system
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Facilitating public private partnerships to invest in markets and agricultural research and development
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Developing and strengthening local think tanks to ensure evidence-based policy design.
The seminar was followed by comments from discussant, Prof. Richard Mkandawire, Director of the Alliance for Africa Partnership, and Board Chair of both MwAPATA and NPC, and a panel comprised of Prof. Address Malata, Vice Chancellor of the Malawi University of Science and Technology, Dr. Agnes Mwangwela, Bunda College Director, LUANAR, and Dr. Rodwell Mzonde, Director of Planning and Services in the Ministry of Agriculture.
In case you missed it, you can watch the full event, or read the summary report.
Event Pictures
Giving opening remarks
Making official opening remarks
Following deliberations
Giving opening remarks
More Resources
