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Trends in Tobacco Production and Prices in Malawi First release: April 14, 2021 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. Browse more research Subscribe! Stay up to date on all our new research announcements! Contributors Ayala Wineman Lemekezani Chilora Thom Jayne

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. The Joys and Sorrows of Variable Construction July 29, 2021 Slides Slide1 Slide2 Slide23 Slide1 1/23 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. References: ​ Ali, D. A., K. Deininer, and A. Harris. 2017. Using national statistics to increase transparency of large land acquisition: Evidence from Ethiopia. World Development, 93: 62–74. ​ Ango, T. L. 2018. “Medium-scale” forestland grabbing in the Southwestern Highlands of Ethiopia: Impacts on local livelihoods and forest conservation. Land, 7 (1), DOI:10.3390/land7010024. ​ Anseeuw, W., Jayne, T., Kachule, R., and Kotsopoulos, J. 2016. The quiet rise of medium-scale farms in Malawi. Land, 5 (3): 19. ​ Bachewe, F. N., and B. Minten. 2020. Efficiency and profits of emerging medium-scale farms in Africa: Evidence from Ethiopia’s commercial horticultural sector. Strategy Support Program Working Paper 156. International Food Policy Research Institute: Washington, D. C. ​ Carletto, C., S. Gourlay, and P. Winters. 2015. From guesstimates to GPStimates: Land area measurement and implications for agricultural analysis. Journal of African Economies, 24 (5): 1-36. \ ​ Deininger, K., and F. Xia. 2016. Quantifying spillover effects from large land-based investment: The case of Mozambique. World Development, 87: 227–241. ​ Houssou, N., A. Chapoto, and C. Asante-Addo. 2016. Farm transition and indigenous growth: The rise to medium- and large-scale farming in Ghana. Discussion Paper No. 01499. International Food Policy Research Institute: Washington, D.C. Jayne, T. S., J. Chamberlin, L. Traub, N. Sitko, M. Muyanga, F. K. Yeboah, W. Anseeuw, A. Chapoto, A. Wineman, and C. Nkonde. 2016. Africa’s changing farmland ownership: The rise of medium-scale farms. Agricultural Economics, 47S: 197–214. Jayne, T. S., M. Muyanga, A. Wineman, H. Ghebru, C. Stevens, M. Stickler, A. Chapoto, W. Anseeuw, D. Vanderwesthuisen, and D. Nyange. 2019. Are medium-scale farms driving agricultural transformation in sub-Saharan Africa? Agricultural Economics, 50 (S1): 75–95. Jayne, T. S., M. Muyanga, J. Chamberlin, F. K. Yeboah, and A. Wineman. 2021. Changing farm size distributions and rural transformation in sub-Saharan Africa. Mimeo. Michigan State University: East Lansing. Lay, J., K. Nolte, and K. Sipangule. 2018. Large-scale farms and smallholders: Evidence from Zambia. GIGA Working Papers, No. 310. German Institute of Global and Area Studies (GIGA): Hamburg. ​ Wineman, A., C. L. Anderson, T. Reynolds, and P. Biscaye. 2019. Methods of crop yield measurement on multi-cropped plots: Examples from Tanzania. Food Security, 11 (6): 1257–1273. Wineman, A., T. S. Jayne, E. Isinika Modamba, and H. Kray. 2020. Characteristics and spillover effects of medium-scale farms in Tanzania. European Journal of Development Research, DOI: 10.1057/s41287-020-00323-7. Wineman, A., T. Njagi, C. L. Anderson, T. Reynolds, D. Alia, P. Wainaina, E. Njue, P. Biscaye, and M. Ayieko. 2020. A case of mistaken identity? Measuring rates of improved seed adoption in Tanzania using DNA fingerprinting. Journal of Agricultural Economics, 71 (3): 719-741.

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. Giving an Effective Presentation January 12, 2021 Slides Slide1 Slide2 Slide22 Slide1 1/22 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.

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. 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.

About MwAPATA 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 applied policy analysis, policy outreach, capacity building, and policy coordination. ​ Please take 5 minutes to learn about us in this video. Then scroll further to learn more! Rural poverty, malnutrition, inequality and social exclusion remain major challenges in Malawi. It is widely understood that sustained agricultural productivity growth will be necessary to address these challenges, transform the economy, and raise living standards because of extensive forward and backward linkages between agriculture and the rest of Malawi’s economy. We have a plan to attain the level of agricultural growth that can transform the country’s economy. Learn more Background Meet Our Team Mr. William Chadza - Executive Director William is a policy researcher and analyst specializing in agriculture, environment and natural resources for sustainable livelihoods. William has had a successful career in program management with local and international institutions on donor and Government of Malawi funded programs in food security, climate change, environment, natural resources and human capital development. He has a Master of Business Administration specializing in Corporate Governance from Malawi Institute of Management. Mrs. Elizabeth Nyanja - Finance & Administration Manager Elizabeth is a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CIMA), a holder of a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from University of Derby and a member of Institute of Chartered Accountants in Malawi (ICAM). At MwAPATA, she is primarily responsible for the management of financial, accounting and human resource operations. She has over 12 years of experience in financial management and operations, grants management and administration that has been gained through working with both public and private entities in local as well as International organization settings. Lemekezani Chilora - Research Assistant Lemekezani holds a first degree in Agricultural Economics from Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources. He is currently pursuing a Collaborative Master of Science degree in Agricultural and Applied Economics (CMAEE) specializing in environment economics from Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources and University of Pretoria. Prior to Joining MwAPATA, Lemekezani worked with Japanese Tobacco International (JTI) as a graduate trainee. Mrs. Ndidza Chisanu - Communications Specialist Ndidza has 15 years' experience in mass communication, Public and Media Relations, designing and managing Campaigns, Community Engagement, Brand and Events Management, Graphic Designing, Photography, and Writing Skills. She holds a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Mass Communications from African Bible College-Malawi, and is currently studying towards a Master of Science in Gender and Development with the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) in Lilongwe. Dr. Makaiko Khonje - Research Fellow Makaiko is an agricultural economist who holds a PhD in Agricultural Economics from the University of Goettingen in Germany. He obtained his Master of Science degree in Agricultural and Applied Economics from Makerere University, Uganda and University of Pretoria, South Africa. Previously, he worked for the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture in Malawi as a research associate for impact assessment from 2012 to 2017. He has published in several peer-reviewed journals in agricultural and development economics as well as nutrition. Prof. Julius H. Mangisoni - Adjunct Senior Research Fellow Prof. Mangisoni is an agricultural economist and graduate of the University of Malawi (BSc and MSc) and the University of Minnesota, USA (PhD). He has worked with the Ministry of Agriculture, Planning Division and taught courses at the University of Pretoria in South Africa. He is currently Professor of Agricultural Economics at the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR). He has published research in top journals related to land tenure systems, agricultural and food policies, forestry, water & irrigation, poverty, market & price analysis, agricultural risk, soil and water conservation, and rural & social development. Dr. Greenwell Matchaya - Adjunct Senior Research Fellow Greenwell is an International Economics Researcher at the International Water Management Institute and a Coordinator for the Regional Strategic Analysis and Knowledge Support systems for Southern Africa Greenwell has previously worked at the University of Reading-UK where he worked as Research Fellow exploring the nexus between agricultural policy, intellectual property rights, and agricultural research and investment. Greenwell provides technical assistance for MwAPATA's research and outreach efforts. Dr. Maggie Munthali - Research Fellow Maggie holds a PhD in Geography from University of Pretoria, South Africa. She has vast experience in natural resource management, forest management, agroforestry and integrated soil fertility management (ISFM). Prior to joining MwAPATA Institute, she worked with the Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining as Principal Forestry Officer. She is a member of the African Forest Forum (AFF), African Association of Remote Sensing of the Environment (AARSE), International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) and American Society of Agronomy(ASA), among others. Ernest Mfune - Finance & Administration Assistant Ernest is an experienced Administration & Finance Officer with over 7 years of progressive experience working with local and international Organizations. He is responsible for all accounting transactions and day to day administrative operations for the Institute. Ernest has a strong accounting and administrative background with vast knowledge in project and contract management. Prior to joining MwAPATA Institute, He worked with Sightsavers International as the Finance and Support Service Officer. He is a member of Institute of Chartered Accountants in Malawi (ICAM) and Malawi Accountants Board (MAB) Mrs. Clara Nsena - Program Assistant/Receptionist Clara holds a Diploma in Business Management (ABE) and Secretarial Studies (City n Guilds). She has experience working for international institutions like Management Sciences for Health (MSH) where she worked as Administrative Coordinator before joining MwAPATA. Her role supports all program activities and managing the front desk. Clara also provides support to the office of the Executive Director by managing his diary among others. Previously, she also worked for Med Health as Personal Assistant to Managing Director. Currently, Clara is studying Bachelors of Commerce in Tourism Management with UNIMA- Polytechnic. ​ Zephaniah Nyirenda - Research Assistant Zephania is an agricultural economist holding a Master’s Degree in Agricultural and Applied Economics from the University of Malawi and University of Pretoria. Previously, he worked as a Policy Research Analyst for the New Alliance Policy Acceleration Support (NAPAS) project in the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development and as a Research Analyst at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). He has vast experience in development of data collection tools, field data collection, data management and analysis and report writing. His research focuses on poverty, land tenure, agricultural and food policy, and nutrition. Dr. Christone Nyondo - Research Fellow Christone holds a PhD in Economics and an MSc. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Kent (UK). He has a first degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Malawi. Prior to joining MwAPATA, Christone worked as a Policy Analyst in the New Alliance Policy Acceleration Support (NAPAS) project in the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development (MoAIWD). He joined the NAPAS project, from the MoAIWD where he worked as a Chief Economist. Dinah Salonga - Research Assistant Dinah is an agriculture economist holding of Masters Degree in Agriculture and Applied Economics majoring in Agricultural Policy Analysis from Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) and the University of Pretoria. Dinah has worked with Opportunity International Bank of Malawi (OIBM) and GIZ before joining the MwAPATA Institute. In addition, she also worked as a freelance research assistant on various consultancies. She has experience in research, project management and banking. Garnet Sibo - Driver/Office Assistant Garnet provides support to all staff in the area of transportation and general duties in the office. He is responsible for driving the Institute vehicles on official business and ensuring that Institute vehicles are always in good running condition. He is responsible for providing administrative support for the smooth operation of the office among other duties. Technical Support Team Prof. Thom Jayne - Principal Investigator Thom is University Foundation Professor of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics at Michigan State University (MSU), a Fellow of the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association and Distinguished Fellow of the African Association of Agricultural Economists . He is a board member of the Regional Network of Agricultural Policy Research Institutes in Eastern and Southern Africa, and was a founding Co-Director of the Alliance for African Partnership at MSU. As the Principal Investigator for MwAPATA Institute, he provides overall technical strategic direction by working with the Institute's senior management. Dr. Milu Muyanga - Co-Principal Investigator Milu is professor of international development in the Department of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics, Michigan State University (MSU). He holds a PhD in Agricultural Economics from MSU, and MA and BA degrees in Economics from the University of Nairobi. Milu worked as a Research Fellow with Tegemeo Institute, Egerton University in Kenya (2004-07), and as an Economist in the Ministry of Planning and National Development in Kenya (1997-2003). As Principal Investigator at MwAPATA, Milu is the Coordinator of MSU sub-grants with MwAPATA, PolSAT, ORG and Purdue University. At MSU, he is principal investigator of DFID-funded Agricultural Policy Research in Africa in Nigeria, and the USAID-funded SERA BORA project in Tanzania. Dr. William Burke - Acting Research Director Bill is an agricultural economist with nearly 20 years of experience working in Africa. He has lived in The Gambia as a Peace Corps Volunteer, in Zambia while working with the Indaba Agricultural Policy Research Institute, and in Malawi working with Africa RISING and MwAPATA. He has been an Assistant Professor at Michigan State University, a Research Scholar at Stanford University, and lectured at the University of Zambia. Bill provides technical assistance for MwAPATA's research and outreach efforts. Dr. Ayala Wineman - Senior Research Fellow Ayala join holds a M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics from Michigan State University and has worked as a Research Associate at the Daniel J. Evans School of Public Policy and Governance at the University of Washington and as a Research and Survey Specialist at the Global Child Nutrition Foundation. Her research relates broadly to rural development in sub-Saharan Africa, spanning topics such as agricultural transformation, the operation of rural land markets, and the effects of climate variability and climate change. Kevin Cox - Finance Kevin is an accountant for the MSU Food Security Group (FSG) responsible for all accounting transactions and processes. He works hand in hand with the business manager as well as providing technical support to the MwAPATA Institute Finance and Administration Manager. Scott Frump - Business Development Scott is the MSU Food Security Group (FSG) Business Manager responsible for HR Transactions, Pre-award proposal submissions, sub-awards, transition to Share-Point-based reporting system and administrative oversight of FSG business activities. Currently he works hand in hand with MwAPATA Institute Finance and Administration Manager in her role to oversee all Finance and Administration of the institute. James Monahan - Communications Jim is the Communications Manager for Michigan State University Food Security Group responsible for all communication work including developing and managing websites as well as overall communication support for the group. He works hand in hand with the MwAPATA Institute Communications Specialist to manage the communication work including website development and management among others. Strategic Plan In this Strategic Plan, we are committing ourselves to conducting policy research with a view to guide agriculture productivity and commercialization now and in the future, and support the development of the National Transformation 2063 document. The Strategic Plan defines the direction to be taken in the short, medium and long terms and it provides direction on the Institutional and Research Development Agendas of MwAPATA. ​ Download the full document to learn more about our mission and how we go about making the changes we want to see. Click here to download our Strategic Plan Governance MwAPATA Institute is headed by a Board of Directors that is led by the Chairperson. The Board gives strategic guidance to the Executive Director and Secretariat of the Institute for implementation of the strategic plan and work plan. The Executive Director also receives guidance from the Advisory Board and is supported by the Director of Research and the Finance & Administration Manager in the running of day to day operations of the institute while receiving technical support from Michigan State University. Learn More MwAPATA Institute’s commitment to long-term, inclusive, and transformational partnerships is of paramount importance to its success and sustained policy influence. Partners Read More

Past Events 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.

Past Events "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.

Past Events 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 Media Advisory 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. In the News Daily Times, 15 April 2021 by Audrey Kapalamula Nation Publications Ltd 16 April 2021 by Steve Chilundu 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

Past Events The Future of Smallholder Farming in Malawi Policy Research Seminar Thursday, February 11, 2021 Hon. Lobin Lowe, Minister of Agriculture Guest of Honor Speeches/Presentations Summary report 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... 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 .. . ​ 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