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.

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Recent Events

Roundtable Dialogue on Mega Farms

Date: Wednesday, 10th August 2022 || Time: 8:00am -12:30pm (CAT) ||
Venue: Sunbird Capital, Lilongwe, Malawi
Find event recording from Facebook here

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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.

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Presentations:

The Ministry of Agriculture's Mega Farms Project:

By Mr. Martin Kausi,

Deputy Director of Crop Development, Ministry of Agriculture

Mega-farms: Lessons from regional experiences and national experts:

By Dr. Anderson Gondwe,

Research Fellow, MwAPATA Institute

Panelists

Mr. Taziona Chaponda, Managing Director, Malawi Agricultural and Industrial Investment Corporation (MAIIC)
Mr. Christopher Beya, Chief Executive Officer, Press Agriculture Limited
Mr. Eric Chidzungu, Chief Executive Officer, Greenbelt Authority
Mr. Ronald Ngwira, Managing Director, Pyxus Agriculture Limited
Mr. Kristian Moller, Chief Executive Officer, Agriculture Commodity Exchange for Africa
Mrs. Iness Malemia, Commercial Farmer, Farmers Union of Malawi

Highlights

Malawi Data Portal online

New Research

Stay informed on research releases

2022 Malawi Agricultural Productivity and Commercialization Conference Proceedings and Summary Report

Transforming the Aquaculture Sector in Malawi: Key Lessons from the 2022 SADC Regional Fisheries Dialogue Side Event

Economic Viability of Small-Scale Aquaculture in Malawi

Cyclone Ana Impacts on Livelihoods and Agricultural Systems: Experiences and Voices from Chikwawa and Nsangje Districts

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

Think tank proposes reforms to avert war impact on food

MwAPATA Tips Government on the Affordable Inputs Programme

Experts Search for Tobacco Alternative

Experts Recommend Expedited Replacement to Tobacco

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Day 1: Key Presentations

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:

Impacts of Russian Invasion of Ukraine on Malawi:

By Mr. Adwell Zembere,

Deputy Director of Economic Planning (Regional Cooperation and International

Organizations), Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Development

Strategy and Responses to the Impacts of the Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Harnessing the Opportunities:

By Dr. Anderson Gondwe,

Research Fellow, MwAPATA Institute

Panelists

Rev. Fr. Dr. Wilfred Sumani, Director of Academic Affairs, Catholic University
Dr. Kisu Simwaka, Director, Economic Policy and Research, Reserve Bank of Malawi
Mr. Boyd Luwe, Deputy President, Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry
Mr. Chris Connelly, Programme Director, Concern Worldwide
Mrs. Victoria Mwafulirwa, Secretary General, Cross-border Traders Association of Malawi

Event in Pictures

Event in Pictures

President of the Republic of Malawi, Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera graced the official opening of the 2022 Malawi Agricultural Productivity and Commercialization Conference on 9th June 2022. During his opening remarks, Dr. Chakwera emphasized on action hence instructing the Ministry of Agriculture whose Minister was present during the official opening to produce results on implementation of Mega farms within six months.

The conference took two days and key themes contributing to driving agricultural diversification in support of the aspirations of Malawi2063 were discussed. Practical experiences and exhibitions were part of the conference.