An assessment of the potential for scaling Malawi’s wheat production for domestic consumption and export

First release: November 15, 2022

​

Despite having potential, Malawi’s wheat sector has been characterized by low production and yields. The prospects for scaling up wheat production in Malawi are based on the availability of suitable areas for wheat production, increase in global prices of wheat and existence of large and growing domestic and regional export markets. However, the scaling of wheat production will fail unless the challenges limiting production and yields are addressed. These include overreliance on rainfed production, limited access to improved varieties for wheat, fertilizers, capacity building in best agronomic practices, and lack of access to existing lucrative markets. This Policy Brief provides recommendations to begin improving Malawi's wheat sector.