Evidence Matters for Transformational Impact
Worrking papers
Journal Articles
Policy Briefs
Policy Perspectives
MwAPATA was established with a grant from the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World via Michigan State University, and continues with the support of the Foundation, the United States Agency for International Development and several other partners.
Sign up here for new research announcements
Your comments on our research are most welcomed
Submit a proposal to share your perspective
Any opinions or viewpoints offered in the Policy Perspectives series are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of MwAPATA, its donors or its partners.
The Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome Outbreak in Fish is a Threat to Malawi's Economy
Maggie G. Munthali - Research Fellow, MwAPATA Institute
July 15, 2021
Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome (EUS) is an invasive, aggressive, and destructive disease that affects both farmed and wild fish in freshwater and estuarine ecosystems. The management and control of this disease stands as a primary challenge to the development of sustainable aquaculture and capture fisheries in Malawi. A major outbreak of EUS in Malawi was first report-
ed in mid-July 2020, and despite measures taken, the disease continues to spread. In this perspective, Dr. Munthali discusses the impacts of EUS on the Malawi’s economy if the disease is not contained.
Address Underlying Economic Problems to Enable Youth, Not Vice Versa
Louise Fox - Non-resident Senior Fellow, Brookings Institute
April 29, 2021
Dr. Fox argues key focus areas should include increasing regional trade, investing in land reform and developing land markets so that youth can be productive working in agriculture, and expanding educational opportunities so that youth can work productively in nonfarm sectors. Increasing opportunities for young women to go to school, stay in school, and work afterwards should get particular attention
Agricultural Transformation in Ethiopia: Policy Lessons for Malawi
Khalid Bomba - Founding Chief Executive Officer, Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Agency
February 17, 2021
Most sub-Saharan African farmers still struggle to create wealth through farming and agrifood system development. Malawi has devoted considerable effort to promote agricultural transformation initiatives, but productivity growth in agriculture has remained low and most farming households continue to be food insecure and poor. Relying on experiences from leading
Ethiopia’s Agricultural Transformation Agency (ATA), this Perspective highlights several key lessons that could be useful in Malawi’s pursuit of growth and transformation.
Daimon Kambewa - Associate Professor, Department of Extension, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources
October 5, 2020
As governments continue to support smallholder farmers with affordable farm inputs to improve agricultural productivity, there are growing concerns about the effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability of the programs. In this perspective, Dr. Kambewa advocates for using agricultural
extension structures in the successful design, implementation, and monitoring of agricultural input support programs, and for the use of Integrated Soil Fertility Management practices for the efficiency and sustainability of the programs.