Smallholder-centered agricultural development strategies have had limited success in Malawi over the past several decades. Policy makers are now increasingly looking for alternative ways to accelerate agricultural and rural development. One emerging approach involves larger farms or agri-business firms partnering with smallholder farming households, in what we will refer to as an anchor enterprise model. Support for such partnerships is growing, but there is still little clarity on what they involve, what they aim to achieve and the conditions they need for success.
Against this background, we conducted a study that examines the potential and limitations of anchor enterprise models in promoting sustainable agricultural and rural economic development in Malawi. Insights from study are intended to assist the government, development partners, and other stakeholders in leveraging the opportunities offered by larger agrifood enterprises working with smallholders, while also recognizing the constraints of this approach.
We are pleased to invite you to a dissemination event where the results of the study will be presented and discussed.
Venue: Ufulu Gardens Hotel & Conference Center
Date: Tuesday, 2 December 2025
Program
Coffee and Networking
Opening Remarks
- Fredrick Changaya, Director General, NPC
- Sarah McCan, Head of Cooperation, Embassy of Ireland
Presentation of Research Findings
- Lara Cockx, Research Fellow, IFPRI
Panel Discussion
- Betty Chinyamunyamu, CEO, NASFAM (TBC)
- Henry Msatilomo, Director, Mega-farm Support Unit
- Ignatious Majamanda, Director of Primary Production, Malawi Mangoes
- Tadala Rambiki, Commercial Production Manager, Pyxus
- Teddie Nakhumwa, National Coordinator, AGCOM
Audience Discussion
Closing Remarks
- Readwell Musopole, Deputy Director of Planning, Ministry of Agriculture
- Joachim De Weerdt, Malawi Country Program Leader, IFPRI
Moderator: Joseph Nagoli, Senior Research Coordinator, IFPRI
