Agriculture in Malawi holds special significance, both as a means of household food security and household livelihood, as well as being a revenue-generating sector for the nation. As such, legislation surrounding the governance of Malawi’s agricultural sector holds a place of importance.
A recent study conducted by IFPRI and NAPAS:Malawi offers a critical review of two of the principal agricultural laws in Malawi: the Special Crops Act and the Agriculture (General Purposes) Act. Both laws are frequently used to justify interventions by the government in agricultural marketing and trade activities. The review assesses whether this legislation is effective in promoting Malawi’s goals around agricultural commercialization, and if not, to provide recommendations for revisions to the laws. As a secondary task, the review considers whether either law could be used as an appropriate legal framework for contract farming regulation and oversight.
The review was based on a thorough desk review of the legislation as well as interviews with over 230 key informants involved in agricultural production, marketing, and trade. The interviews focused on the laws and how their application by the government has affected the commercial activities of the informants for better or for worse.
Authors: Andrew Comstock, Todd Benson, Flora Nankhuni, Joseph Kanyamuka, Zephania Nyirenda, Christone Nyondo
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