Search Results

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 Working Papers Lessons Learnt: Promises, Achievements, Shortcomings and Pitfalls of Malawian Input Subsidies September 7, 2021 Malawian governments have spent substantial resources on agricultural input subsidies over the years. We highlight successes, factors hindering impact, and options for improving subsidies. In this, updated full paper version, we also discuss the explicit and implicit costs of subsidies in greater detail. A Rapid Assessment of the Implementation of the 2020/21 Affordable Inputs Program in Malawi June 1, 2021 The 2020/21 AIP reached 4 times as many farmers as did FISP in 2019/20 and used innovative delivery mechanisms. However, numerous major challenges led to delays in availability and other problems. Using data collected in December 2020, we take a critical look at the AIP and offer a path to improvements. 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 April 14, 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. Food Imports in Malawi: Trends, Drivers, and Policy Implications January 5, 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. The Past, Present, and Future of Land Use in Malawi: A Background Review November 24, 2020 The history of land use, ownership, and development in Malawi is traced from the colonial era to the present. Juxtaposing challenges faced by estate holders and smallholders highlights potential for mutually beneficial partnerships. Examples of land use schemes are probed to explore options for Malawi. Manufacturing and Industrialization in Malawi: Trends, Opportunities, and Strategies October 8, 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 16, 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 20, 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 4, 2020 The study 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 paper 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. Farm Level Analysis of the Impact of COVID19 on Agrifood Systems in Malawi July 7, 2020 Nearly 300 farmers were interviewed to assess the impact of COVID-19 and the Government efforts to combat the disease on agricultural production and marketing during the 2019-2020 agricultural season. Farmers were also asked how they expect the effects will last into the 2020-2021 season.

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 . ​ Highlights New Research Stay informed on research releases ​ The Inorganic Fertilizer Price Surge in 2021: Key Drivers and Policy Options ​ Lessons Learnt: Promises, Achievements, Shortcomings and Pitfalls of Malawian Input Subsidies ​ 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 ​ Food Imports in Malawi: Trends, Drivers, and Policy Implications ​ 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! More Resources 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 Event Pictures Mr. William Chadza, MwAPATA Executive Director Giving opening remarks Mrs. Erica Maganga, Principle Secretary, MoA Making official opening remarks Mr. William Chadza Following deliberations Mr. William Chadza, MwAPATA Executive Director Giving opening remarks 1/18 New! 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

Capacity Building Seminars Building the capacity of researchers is a core component of the MwAPATA mission. This page provides materials from seminars hosted by the Institute, given by experienced researchers covering a wide range of subjects. Making Compelling Maps and Other Data Visualizations August 31, 2021 Slides Slide1 Slide2 Slide47 Slide1 1/47 Dr. Ayala Wineman shares her knowledge and advice on creating maps using various software packages. She also discusses some general principles for presenting data in documents and presentations. Additional Materials: ​ Editable maps for Malawi, Africa and the World (in Powerpoint) ​ Example - Making maps in Stata (.zip file containing .do file) ​ Fish farms in Malawi (data in Excel) ​ Malawi shapefiles (.zip file containing data for mapping programs)

Capacity Building Seminars Building the capacity of researchers is a core component of the MwAPATA mission. This page provides materials from seminars hosted by the Institute, given by experienced researchers covering a wide range of subjects. Making Compelling Maps and Other Data Visualizations August 31, 2021 Dr. Ayala Wineman shares her knowledge and advice on creating maps using various software packages. She also discusses some general principles for presenting data in documents and presentations. In addition to the presentation video and slides, Dr. Wineman has provided Stata .do files, shapefiles, and editable maps for Powerpoint that could have practical value for the audience. All materials are available here . The Joys and Sorrows of Variable Construction July 29, 2021 Dr. Ayala Wineman has extensive experience working with household survey data from around the world. For example, her team led the development of standardized variable construction across LSMS data sets for several countries and years. In this seminar she shares her experience of the "Joys and Sorrows" of variable construction. Click here for video, slides and supplemental material Questionnaire Design for Surveys April 28, 2021 Dr. William Burke has participated in the design and implementation of numerous surveys in Southern Africa and around the world, and previously taught survey design at Stanford University. In this one-hour seminar he touches on some of the major considerations that should go into planning a survey and highlights some common mistakes designers make when writing questions. Click here for video, slides and supplemental material Randomized Control Trials March 18, 2021 Tabitha Nindi discusses using Randomized Control Trials (RCTs) to measure intervention impacts in a developing country context. She builds on an example of a study she led in Malawi on the introduction of PICS bags for legume storage. The presentation is followed by a Q&A with MwAPATA. Using Auctions in Agricultural Development Economics February 16, 2021 Professor Jacob Ricker-Gilbert , based on his experience and several peer-reviewed publications, summarizes the different types of auctions that can be used to gather data on revealed or stated preferences (willingness to pay). He also discusses when each is appropriate, how to setup and conduct auctions, and how to present and interpret findings. Several examples from the literature are reviewed. Click here for video, slides and links to reviewed material. Giving an Effective Presentation January 12, 2021 Dr. William Burke presents his recommendations for "do's and don'ts" for preparing and presenting a slideshow when sharing the results of analysis. The presentation is followed by a brief introduction MwAPATA's PowerPoint template. There are occasional additional comments and questions from the MwAPATA research staff. Click here for video and slides. Pre-Analysis Plans, Registries, Power Calculations and Preparing to do Research December 10, 2020 Professor Jacob Ricker-Gilbert shares his experiences with Pre-Analysis Plan registration and discusses the pros and cons. The presentation is followed by a Q&A with MwAPATA and LUANAR researchers. Click here for video, slides and extra material. Writing Working Papers and Journal Articles November 24, 2020 Professor Jacob Ricker-Gilbert has published dozens of working papers and journal articles with thousands of citations, and he is on the editorial boards of several major journals. In this seminar he shares his insights on what makes up a successful working paper or journal article. The presentation is followed by a Q&A with MwAPATA and LUANAR researchers. Click here for video, slides and extra material. How to write a compelling Policy Brief October 20, 2020 Professor Thom Jayne has over 30 years experience writing for and communicating with policy makers. In this seminar he discusses how to distill research in ways that are accessible and impactful. The presentation is followed by a Q&A with MwAPATA and LUANAR researchers. Click here for video, slides and extra material.

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.

The Inorganic Fertilizer Price Surge in 2021: Key Drivers and Policy Options First release: August 27, 2021 Retail prices for commonly used fertilizers have risen 60-75% in Malawi versus one year ago, threatening the Government's planned level of support via the Agricultural Inputs Program and adding to farmers' burdens. In this brief we examine the root causes driving up fertilizer prices. We estimate at least 90% of the increases can be attributed to changes in global markets for food, fuel, and fertilizer. We explain why we believe t he fertilizer price surge is most likely a temporary phenomenon but one that will not recede before the upcoming agricultural season. We outline near-term and longer-term options we believe are feasible to distribute the burden of high prices and reduce Malawi's vulnerability going forward. We also highlight some options - such as circumventing the private sector - that are not likely to succeed given global nature of price drivers. Browse more research Subscribe! Stay up to date on all our new research announcements! Contributors Christone Nyondo Zephaniah Nyirenda Milu Muyanga William J. Burke

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.

Capacity Building Seminars Building the capacity of researchers is a core component of the MwAPATA mission. This page provides materials from seminars hosted by the Institute, given by experienced researchers covering a wide range of subjects. Questionnaire Design for Surveys April 28, 2021 Slides Slide1 Slide2 Slide21 Slide1 1/21 Dr. William Burke has participated in the design and implementation of numerous surveys in Southern Africa and around the world, and previously taught survey design at Stanford University. In this one-hour seminar he touches on some of the major considerations that should go into planning a survey and highlights some common mistakes designers make when writing questions. Supplementary Material ​ This document , prepared by Chris Wolf (Michigan State University), offers some timelessly useful insights on data (and thus questionnaire) design. It is referenced on slide 4. ​ Salant & Dillman discusses common mistakes when writing survey questions. Appendix 6A is particularly valuable. Please email me to request use of my copy. ​ ​

Capacity Building Seminars Building the capacity of researchers is a core component of the MwAPATA mission. This page provides materials from seminars hosted by the Institute, given by experienced researchers covering a wide range of subjects. Using Auctions in Agricultural Development Economics February 16th, 2021 Slides Page_01 Page_02 Page_68 Page_01 1/68 Professor Jacob Ricker-Gilbert , based on his experience and several peer-reviewed publications, summarizes the different types of auctions that can be used to gather data on revealed or stated preferences (willingness to pay). He also discusses when each is appropriate, how to setup and conduct auctions, and how to present and interpret findings. Several examples from the literature are reviewed (links below) . Extra material Mahmud, M., Gutierrez, I.A., Kumar, K.B. and Nataraj, S., 2020. What aspects of formality do Workers value? Evidence from a choice experiment in Bangladesh . The World Bank. ​ Prieto, S., Ricker-Gilbert, J., Bauchet, J. and Sall, M., 2019. Incomplete information and product quality in rural markets: Evidence from an experimental auction for maize in Senegal . Economic Development and Cultural Change . ​ Channa, H., Ricker-Gilbert, J., De Groote, H., Marenya, P. and Bauchet, J., 2018. Willingness to Pay for a new farm technology given Risk Preferences. Evidence from an experimental auction in Kenya . Papaer presented at the 2018 Triennial Conference of the International Association of Agricultural Economists, Vancouver.

Capacity Building Seminars Building the capacity of researchers is a core component of the MwAPATA mission. This page provides materials from seminars hosted by the Institute, given by experienced researchers covering a wide range of subjects. Randomized Control Trials in Malawi March 18, 2021 Slides Slide1 Slide2 Slide49 Slide1 1/46 Tabitha Nindi discusses using Randomized Control Trials (RCTs) to measure intervention impacts in a developing country context. She builds on an example of a study she led in Malawi on the introduction of PICS bags for legume storage. The presentation is followed by a Q&A with MwAPATA . Click the red PDF icon to download her presentation. Extra material The presentation discusses some of the many benefits of the RCT approach to measuring impacts. There are also drawbacks, or caveats. These are also acknowledged in the presentation, but I thought it would be useful to also provide these references. -WJB ​ Barrett, C.B. and Carter, M.R., 2020. Finding our balance? Revisiting the randomization revolution in development economics ten years further on . World Development , 127, p.104789. (Download the authors' version here ) ​ Barrett, C.B. and Carter, M.R., 2010. The power and pitfalls of experiments in development economics: Some non-random reflections . Applied economic perspectives and policy , 32(4), pp.515-548. (Download the authors' version here )