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Top Working Papers Policy Briefs Policy Perspectives Presentations Journal Articles Data Data Policy Subscribe Sign up here for new research announcements Be part of the solution! Your comments on our research is most welcomed. Subscribe! Give feedback Policy Briefs The Inorganic Fertilizer Price Surge in 2021: Key Drivers and Policy Options August 27, 2021 Retail prices for commonly used fertilizers have steeply risen in recent months. In this brief we break down the drivers and estimate that at least 90% of the increases can be attributed to changes in global markets for food, fuel, and fertilizer. Policy action requires difficult choices on how to distribute this imposed burden. Assessing Alternatives to Tobacco Farming for Smallholders in Malawi May 31, 2021 We assess the profitability of Malawian tobacco and potential alternatives. Over the past 10 years the share of smallholders growing tobacco has declined from 16% to just 5%. Improving value chains for alternative crops is likely more cost-effective than moving the few remaining smallholders out of tobacco. Trends in Tobacco Production and Prices in Malawi May 6, 2021 Diversification away from tobacco production is regarded as a priority for Malawi. This paper characterizes broad trends in production since 2000 in order to understand whether Malawi is shifting away from tobacco and how production and the prices received by farmers have changed over time. Exploring Adoption Effects of Subsidies and Soil Fertility Management in Malawi May 3, 2021 Malawi has implemented input subsidies for decades, yet key crop yields remain low. Low crop response to subsidized inputs is partly attributable to poor soil health and low adoption of soil and water conservation. This brief examines joint adoption of subsidized fertilizer and other fertility management practices. Lessons Learnt: Promises, Achievements, Shortcomings and Pitfalls of Malawian Input Subsidies April 12, 2021 Malawian governments have spent substantial resources on agricultural input subsidies over the years. While achievements can be celebrated, improvements could be made to increase the impact of money spent on subsidies. We highlight successes, factors hindering impact, and options for improving subsidies. Food Imports in Malawi: Trends, Drivers, and Policy Implications January 29, 2021 Malawi has huge agricultural potential but, Malawi's food demand outpaces domestic production, making the nation a heavy net food importer. Drawing on several data sources, this paper provides an in-depth analysis of food import trends and their drivers, and explores policy options for shifting the trade balance. Manufacturing and Industrialization in Malawi: Trends, Opportunities, and Strategies October 21, 2020 We review experiences from other fast-growing economies in sub-Saharan Africa and newly industrialized economies in East Asia to draw out lessons for Malawi’s industrialization strategy to promote employment, wealth creation, and reduced economic vulnerabilities associated with primary agricultural products. An Early Assessment of the Impact of COVID-19 in Malawi September 23, 2020 The COVID-19 crisis has impacted every facet of Malawi's agricultural value chains. We present and evaluate new data from across the spectrum to begin to allow policy makers to make decisions with information on how the country has been affected and discuss the importance of continued monitoring. Unlocking Implementation Challenges: Lessons from the Agricultural Sector August 27, 2020 This study investigates the causes of challenges in programs, policies and strategies implementation in agricultural sector and draw lessons that can inform the ministries responsible for agriculture and rural development address these challenges. The Future of Smallholder Farming in Malawi August 26, 2020 The brief characterizes smallholder farming in Malawi, projects the consequences of a ‘business as usual’ strategy and identifies promising government strategies to support smallholder livelihoods and contribute to wealth creation. Agricultural Transformation in Malawi: A Call to Action July 7, 2020 This brief seeks to 1) highlight the urgent need for change in Malawi’s economic management and performance, 2) highlight policy interventions that Malawi could adopt to achieve significant economic development, and 3) address the question of how the necessary transformation may be brought about.

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. Learn More Recent Events 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: Honoring the Maputo declaration Developing national agricultural innovation systems Digitizing of the agri-food system Facilitating public private partnerships to invest in markets and agricultural research and development 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 . ​ More Resources Highlights New Research Stay informed on research releases ​ A Rapid Assessment of the Implementation of the 2020/21 Affordable Inputs Program in Malawi ​ Assessing Alternatives to Tobacco Farming for Smallholders in Malawi ​ Trends in Tobacco Production and Prices in Malawi ​ Lessons Learnt: Promises, Achievements, Shortcomings and Pitfalls of Malawian Input Subsidies ​ Food Imports in Malawi: Trends, Drivers, and Policy Implications ​ The Past, Present, and Future of Land Use in Malawi: A Background Review ​ ​ In the News ​ 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 ​ ​ ​ ​ Subscribe! Event Pictures Speech by Principal Secretary for Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs. Erica Maganga Speech by Mr. William Chadza, Executive Director for MwAPATA Institute If there is anything that you cant find, please contact us by email or phone TWZ_8865 Describe your image TWZ_8883 Describe your image _DSC8185 TWZ_8865 Describe your image 1/20 Malawi Annual Agriculture Policy Conference (MAAPC) on Supporting Agriculture Transformation in Malawi: Beyond Research to Implementation 1st & 2nd June 2021 || BICC, Lilongwe || Virtual via Zoom Guest of Honor Right Honorable, Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima Vice President, Republic of Malawi Keynote Address Prof. Ronald Mangani University of Malawi "Agriculture Transformation for Wealth Creation: Call to Action" More events information

Top Working Papers Policy Briefs Policy Perspectives Presentations Journal Articles Data Data Policy Subscribe Worrking papers Journal Articles Policy Briefs These are commentaries submitted by experts in their fields to discuss salient policy issues. All are welcomed to submit short essays (fewer than 3000 words) for consideration. Submit a proposal to share your perspective Sign up here for new research announcements Your comments on our research are most welcomed Submit Subscribe! Give feedback Policy Perspectives 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, The 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. Rethinking Agricultural Input Subsidy Programs and the Role of Agricultural Extension: Lessons for Future Programming ​ 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.

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. Learn More Upcoming Events The 6th Nd zotheka Eminent Speaker Series: Wednesday, August 25th, 2021 || 5:00 - 7:00 pm CAT || Virtual via Zoom (details ) MwAPATA and its partners, the National Planning Commision (NPC) and the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), are proud to present: 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 If you are planning to attend the free event , kindly RSVP by email or phone Highlights New Research Stay informed on research releases ​ A Rapid Assessment of the Implementation of the 2020/21 Affordable Inputs Program in Malawi ​ Assessing Alternatives to Tobacco Farming for Smallholders in Malawi ​ Trends in Tobacco Production and Prices in Malawi ​ Lessons Learnt: Promises, Achievements, Shortcomings and Pitfalls of Malawian Input Subsidies ​ Food Imports in Malawi: Trends, Drivers, and Policy Implications ​ The Past, Present, and Future of Land Use in Malawi: A Background Review ​ ​ In the News ​ 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 ​ ​ ​ ​ Subscribe! Recent Event Malawi Annual Agriculture Policy Conference (MAAPC) on Supporting Agriculture Transformation in Malawi: Beyond Research to Implementation 1st & 2nd June 2021 || BICC, Lilongwe || Virtual via Zoom Guest of Honor Right Honorable, Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima Vice President, Republic of Malawi Keynote Address Prof. Ronald Mangani University of Malawi "Agriculture Transformation for Wealth Creation: Call to Action" More events information

Past Events The 2021 Malawi Annual Agricultural Policy Conference Thursday & Friday, June 1-2, 2021 MwAPATA and CISANET agree on Policy Transformation Wednesday, April 14th, 2021 If Not Tobacco, Then What? A Roundtable Discussion on Alternatives to Tobacco Thursday, May 20th, 2021 MwAPATA Interfaces the Parliamentary Committees on Agriculture, Natural Resources & Trade and Industry Tuesday, March 23rd , 2021 "MwAPATA's research work worth supporting" says AGRA's Vice President Wednesday, March 24th, 2021 The Future of Smallholder Farming in Malawi Policy Research Seminar Thursday, February 11, 2021 MwAPATA Institute Official Launch October 1, 2020 MwAPATA signs a Memorandum of Understanding with National Planning Commission September 17, 2020

Past Events If Not Tobacco, Then What? A Roundtable Discussion on Alternatives to Tobacco Thursday, May 20th, 2021 || 5pm to 7pm (CAT) Left to Right: Dr. Rodwell Mzonde - Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Ronald Ngwira - PYXUS Agriculture Limited, Dr. Betty Chinyamunyamu - NASFAM, Mr. Boyden Ndhlovu - Kampala Estate Presentation by Dr. Khonje Presentation by Prof. Chimsinga MwAPATA Institute organised a roundtable discussion to answer the question, If not Tobacco, Then What? This discussion came barely few weeks after the State President of Malawi, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera told Malawians to begin to find alternatives to Tobacco which is around the world declining sharply. ​ The discussion had two presentations generated from a study that MwAPATA Institute has undertaken on "Alternatives to Tobacco" which was presented by Dr. Makaiko Khonje, a Research Fellow at MwAPATA Institute. To concretize the discussion was a presentation by Prof. Blessings Chinsinga of APRA when he presented on "Analyzing Pathways to inclusive commercialization" In the News Daily Times, 24 May 2021 by Taonga Sabola Nation Publications Ltd 25 May 2021 by Dumbani Mzale Nyasa Times 22 May 2021 by Watipaso Mzungu A four member Panel discussion followed where experiences were shared by a Farmer, Mr. Boyden Ndhlovu of Kampala estate. He is doing Tobacco Farming but has now started to diversify to other crops like groundnuts and now he is beginning to do bee keeping. Dr. Betty Chinyamunyamu, the Chief Executive Officer of National Smallholder Farmers Association also shared challenges and opportunities that are available in exporting other crops. While Mr. Ronald Ngwira, the Managing Director of PYXUS Agriculture Limited shared more on their work in groundnuts production which is another better alternative to Tobacco. Dr. Rodwell Mzonde who is the Director of Planning in the Ministry of Agriculture provide the policy options available. ​ The guest of honor at this event was Dr. Alexander Bulirani who is the Director of Technical Services in the Ministry of Agriculture and an Advisory Board Member for MwAPATA. In Pictures Out of gallery MwAPATA and CISANET agree on Policy Transformation Wednesday, April 14th, 2021 || 9am to 10am (CAT) MwAPATA ED, Mr. William Chadza & CISANET National Director, Mrs. Pamela Kuwali MwAPATA Institute and the Civil Society Agriculture Network (CISANET) on Wednesday, 14th April 2021, officially signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as a commitment gesture to work together in promoting agriculture policy for transformation. Together, the two institutions will be collaborating on agriculture policy research, advocacy, and stakeholders’ mobilization to build consensus on policy issues and needed reforms for agricultural transformation in Malawi. The MoU was signed by Mr. William Chadza, Acting Executive Director for MwAPATA Institute and Mrs. Pamela Kuwali, National Director for CISANET. Find More details from the links on the left. Daily Times, 15 April 2021 by Audrey Kapalamula Nation Publications Ltd 16 April 2021 by Steve Chilundu Media Advisory Capital FM Radio 15 April, 2021 By John Namalenga Jnr. Nyasa Times 16 April 2021 by Watipaso Mzungu Atlas Newspaper 14 April 2021 by Chimwemwe Njoloma MwAPATA Interfaces the Parliamentary Committees on Agriculture, Natural Resources & Trade and Industry Tuesday, March 23rd , 2021 From left: Mr. William Chadza (ED MwAPATA), Hon. Werani Chilenga (Chairperson - Natural Resources Committee) & Hon. Ulemu Chilapondwa (Vice Chairperson - Agriculture Committee) Event photos MwAPATA hosted a meeting between members of three Parliamentary Committees on Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Trade with an objective of encouraging members of parliament t rely on MwAPATA as a resource for developing evidence-driven policies to catalyze agriculture transformation. Among others, key issues from the meeting included: Political will remains a crucially missing ingredient to jumpstarting and sustaining a transformation process. MwAPATA pledged to provide parliamentarians with empirical evidence to elevate the quality of parliamentary debates and provide critical reviews of analyses done by the ministries themselves. The committee members requested that MwAPATA regularly produce analyses of the state of agricultural transformation and to facilitate their agricultural sector oversight roles. The committees proposed MwAPATA to develop a memorandum of understanding with clear terms of reference to govern the working relationship between MwAPATA and the committees. In the News In Print MwAPATA Institute urge Malawi parliament to address policy gaps for Agriculture Production, Productivity By Watipaso Mzungu, Nyasa Times 24 March 2021 ​ The Malawi Agriculture Policy Advancement Transformation Agenda (MwAPATA Institute) has challenged that unless Malawi addresses challenges that affect agricultural production and productivity, the country will face teething hitches to transform its economy. Read more Revitalize agriculture sector, institute urges By Mathews Kasanda, Times Newspaper 25 March 2021 ​ Independent policy think tank, MwAPATA Institute says the country's agriculture sector continues facing myriad challenges which require fresh policy direction to address. It says a rejig of agriculture supply chains could help the sector regain its charm to remain afloat as Malawi economic backbone Read more On Television Rainbow TV News Report, by Leah Malekano, 24th March 2021 "MwAPATA's research work worth supporting" says AGRA's Vice President Wednesday, March 24th, 2021 Photos of AGRA visit to MwAPATA Out of gallery The AGRA Vice President Dr. Apollos Nwafor emphasizes the importance of supporting MwAPATA's research work. He said this during an official visit to MwAPATA where the teams discussed the intention AGRA and MwAPATA working together on analysis and evidence building. During the discussion, the two institutions expounded more on their relationship revolving around AGRAs Hub for Agriculture Policy Action (HAPA). HAPA responds to government requests that come through Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Trade. MwAPATA research will improve the responses to these requests. In his remarks, MwAPATA Institute's Board Chairperson, Prof. Richard Mkandawire, said the existence of MwAPATA Institute in Malawi is anchored on a set of core values, beliefs and principles of professionalism, relevance, independence, mutual respect and excellence. He added MwAPATA's partnership with AGRA would revolve around these values. Dr. Nwafor said they were impressed with the work that MwAPATA did previously on COVID19 study, stating "your work is worth support and we hope to do more work together on policy and evidence" ​ Joining the Vice President from AGRA were Chris Chibwana, Head of HAPA at AGRA; Paul Thangata, Senior HAPA Officer; and Daniel Njiwa, Head of Regional Food Trade Program. In the News: Print Smallholder Farmers Need Solutions - Minister By Chimwemwe Njoloma, Malawi News Agency 15 January 2021 Minister of Agriculture, Lobin Lowe has asked Policymakers to pursue policies and strategies that will help to address challenges the agriculture sector is facing and help develop resilience. Read more... Smallholder Farming Future Bleak - Experts By Dumbani Mzale , The Nation: 15 January 2021 Agriculture Experts have called for a rethink of the country's policy on smallholder farming to make it viable to boost socio-economic development, warning the future of smallholder farming is bleak. Read more... Lowe says low productivity blocking farmers’ participation in markets By Martha Chikoti, Malawi24 15 February 2021 Minister of Agriculture Lobin Lowe says smallholder farmers fail to participate in markets, agro-processing and value addition as they do not harvest enough produce. Read More... Experts Discuss Future of Smallholder Farmers By Taonga Sabola, Times Newspaper 12 February 2021 Agriculture experts Thursday banged heads on the future of smallholder farmers in the country during a virtual Policy Research Seminar which MwAPATA Institute and National Smallholder Farmers’ Association of Malawi (NASFAM) organized. Read More... Lowe says Agricultural Transformation Strategy in Malawi Facing Challenges By Watipaso Mzungu, Nyasa Times 12th February 2021 The Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, Lobin Lowe, has admitted that the viability of the smallholder-led agricultural strategy in Malawi is facing several challenges. Lowe cited low productivity, dependence on rain-fed production systems with only one growing season, and limited use of irrigation as some of the impediments. Read More... Stakeholders Strategize on Future of Smallholder Farming in Malawi By Aston Gondwe, MBC Friday, 12th February 2021 Stakeholders to a solution focused policy virtual seminar have come up with 24 resolutions aimed at redefining the future of smallholder farming in Malawi. ​ Party to them are issues of promoting irrigation agriculture, value addition, agricultural investment, and domestic industry growth. Read More .. . ​ The Future of Smallholder Farming in Malawi Policy Research Seminar Thursday, February 11, 2021 Hon. Lobin Lowe, Minister of Agriculture officially opened the Policy Research Seminar on "The Future of Smallholder Farming in Malawi". The virtual seminar brought together over 100 policy and decision makers and stakeholders involved in formulation and implementation of policies targeted at transforming the smallholder sub-sector. These included Technicians in the Agriculture Sector, Academicians, Researchers, Development partners, International NGOs, Civil Society Organizations (CSO), among many others. Read More... Hon. Lobin Lowe, Minister of Agriculture Guest of Honor Speeches/Presentations Summary report In the News: On Radio Capital FM English Report MwAPATA 00:00 / 02:02 Voice of John Namalenga Junior, Capital FM English Report. Aired -Friday, 12 February 2021, 1pm Capital FM Chichewa Report MwAPATA 00:00 / 01:40 Voice of John Namalenga Junior, Capital FM Chichewa Report. Aired -Monday, 15 February 2021, 2pm MwAPATA Institute Official Launch October 1 , 2020 Guest of Honor, Hon. Lobin C. Lowe, Minister of Agriculture Hon. Lobin C. Lowe, Minister of Agriculture, joined by his Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Agnes Nkusankhoma and Principal Secretary of Agriculture, Mrs. Erica Maganga and other Directors from other Ministries, Development Partners, Civil Society, International NGOs, Local NGOs, members of the media, Academicians, and the general public took time to join us on 1st October 2020 from 8am to 1pm physically and virtually. Summary report can be accessed here . Highlights video Research Agenda Presentation Slide1 Slide2 Slide17 Slide1 1/17 In Print News Nation Newspaper ​ On TV Zodiak TV Rainbow TV Launch in Pictures Out of gallery MwAPATA Institute signs a Memorandum of Understanding with National Planning Commission September 17, 2020 On September 17, 2020, MwAPATA Institute officially ratified a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the National Planning Commission (NPC). The signing ceremony was held at NPC offices in Lilongwe. The MoU provides a framework for long term collaboration between the MwAPATA Institute and the National Planning Commission in outreach and research that will inform the ongoing visioning process for the country and contribute to progress towards realizing the Transformation 2063. Read More.. Mentions in print... On Televison Rainbow TV News Report by Leah Malekano On the Radio MOU signed with NPC MwAPATA 00:00 / 05:22 The voice of Grace Donga, Capital FM Radio, Day Break Malawi Program for 18th September, 2020. Reported by John Namalenga Jnr.

1st MAAPC - Presentations Day 1 Agricultural Transformation in Malawi: A Call to Action - Mangani Evidence and Options for Improving the Input Subsidy Programs - Nyondo Narrowing the Maize Yield Gap in Malawi - Chikowo Building Farmer Agency Capacity in Malawi: A Comparison of Four Extension Approaches in Six Combinations - Mthinda Assessing Alternatives to Tobacco - Khonje Agricultural Commercialization: a Key Driver of Transformation - Nakhumwa Are the drivers of production and sales of maize, groundnut and soyabean by farming households in Malawi changing ? - Jolex Supporting Agricultural Transformation in Malawi: Beyond Research (and Policy) to Implementation - PYXUS Day 2 Proposed Changes to Customary Land Laws - Kambewa Land Markets Policy Issues in Malawi - Muyanga The Potential for Black Soldier Fly Farming in Malawi: Recent Progress and Future Directions - Benbow Operation Groundnuts: Application of Behavioral Economics & Innovation to Improve Smallholder Farmer's Incomes - Brod Building Resilience to Random External and Internal shocks in the Agriculture Sector - Mokiwa

The 2021 Malawi Annual Agricultural Policy Conference Supporting Agriculture Transformation in Malawi: Beyond Research to Implementation ​ 1st-2nd June 2021 || Bingu International Conference Center || via Zoom || Lilongwe, Malawi Guest of Honor Right Honorable Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, Vice President, Republic of Malawi Keynote Address "Agriculture transformation in Malawi: A Call to Action" ​ Prof. Ronald Mangani, University of Malawi Background Click here to access presentations MwAPATA Institute, in partnership with the National Planning Commission (NPC), the Ministry of Agriculture, the Center for Agricultural Research and Development (CARD) of the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), Donor Committee in Agriculture and Food Security (DCAFS) and Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI), is organizing the Malawi Annual Agricultural Policy Conference (MAAPC). The Inaugural Conference will be held from 1st to 2nd June 2021 in Lilongwe, Malawi. The objective of the annual agricultural policy conference is to create a platform for strategic dialogue and evidence based policy guidance and implementation support for agricultural transformation. This annual conference will provide a platform for disseminating new evidence to stakeholders, exploring partnerships in research, harmonizing policy messaging to stakeholders, and increasing uptake of new research findings in policymaking processes. The theme of the inaugural MAAPC is: Supporting Agriculture Transformation in Malawi: Beyond Research to Implementation. The expected output from the conference is integration of new research findings into Malawi’s agricultural policymaking to support agricultural transformation in line with the Malawi 2063 Vision. The conference will comprise presentations and panel discussions by key Malawian experts and stakeholders, to identify successful and scalable innovations that achieve agricultural transformation, wealth creation, and improved livelihoods. Conference Thematic Areas Theme 1: Agricultural productivity: Sharing research findings and identifying and promoting new innovations that can be scaled up. Theme 2: Agriculture commercialization: Sharing research findings and identifying viable agricultural value chains for investments and policy support. ​ Theme 3: Resilience in action: Support agri-food systems to absorb and recover from random shocks and stresses that affect agricultural production and livelihood. ​ Theme 4: Supporting Malawi 2063 Vision: Role of research in informing medium- and long- term strategies for implementing the Malawi 2063 Vision. Call for Paper Submissions The conference organizers will accept the submission of high-quality papers describing original and innovative results of conceptual, constructive, experimental and theoretical work or research in all of the thematic areas mentioned. ​ All manuscripts will be subjected to double blind peer-review and are expected to meet the scientific criteria of novelty and academic excellence. The submitting author is responsible for ensuring that the paper has been approved by all other co-authors and takes responsibility for the paper during submission and peer review. The publisher will not be held legally responsible should there be any claims for compensation . The paper should contain the Title, Author and contacts (include Affiliation), Introduction, Purpose/Objectives, Methodology, Findings/Results, Conclusion/Implications/Recommendations, Acknowledgements (when appropriate), References and Appendices (when appropriate). Find detailed guide here

A Rapid Assessment of the Implementation of the 2020/21 Affordable Inputs Program in Malawi First release: June 1, 2021 Although the agriculture sector is dominant in the Malawian economy, it is bedeviled by low agricultural productivity. To address this challenge, the Government of Malawi administered the Farm Inputs Subsidy Program (FISP) from 2004/05 to 2019/20, which the new government replaced in the 2020/21 agricultural season with the Affordable Inputs Program (AIP). This rapid assessment, conducted in December 2020, was carried out to gauge the extent to which the AIP has been able to achieve its goals at the implementation phase of the program. We highlight some successes, such as reaching the target of dramatically increasing the number of farmer recipients. However, we also identify many challenges that were faced, leading to delays and difficulty for farmers accessing the subsidized inputs. We catalogue these issues and their root causes, along with proposing steps to improve farmer input use. Electronic delivery and expansion of beneficiary rolls marke some of achievements of AIP, but delays and other problems hampered the 2020 rollout. Browse more research Subscribe! Stay up to date on all our new research announcements! Contributors Zephania Nyirenda Farai Chigaru Christone Nyondo Makaiko Khonje Ayala Wineman Milu Muyanga

Trends in Tobacco Production and Prices in Malawi First release: April 14, 2021 This is a Policy Brief version of a full-length working paper available here . Diversification away from tobacco production has been framed as a priority for Malawi. This paper characterizes broad trends in production to understand whether Malawi is shifting away from tobacco and how production has changed over time. From 2004 to 2019, the share of Malawian crop farmers producing tobacco fell from 16% to 5%, and tobacco’s share of the total value of crop production declined sharply. Tobacco farms are generally growing larger over time. However, land productivity remains low, with net returns of 93,000 MWK (128 USD) per hectare at the median. Farm-gate prices for tobacco have declined relative to the prices of maize or fertilizer, rendering tobacco less lucrative than it had been. In addition, the share of the export price received by farmers has declined over time, with the median farm-gate price representing 32% of the export price in 2004 and 18% in 2019. A sector transforming? Malawi's tobacco farms are fewer and larger than in the past, while the share of export price received by farmers has declined. Full Working Paper and more available here Subscribe! Stay up to date on all our new research announcements! Contributors Ayala Wineman Lemekezani Chilora Thom Jayne