IFPRI’s projects in Malawi are committed to producing high quality, evidence-based outputs that contribute to agriculture development, food security, nutrition, and poverty alleviation. In particular, IFPRI’s policy research has produced technical reports, peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, donor reports, impact assessments, briefs, and more.
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IFPRI Malawi Monthly Maize Market Report, September 2024
International Food Policy Research Institute. 2024
International Food Policy Research Institute. 2024
An approach for assessing whether agricultural projects help smallholders transition to better livelihood strategies: A Malawian case study
Timu, Anne G.; Hazell, Peter; Savastano, Sara. 2024
Food Policy
Timu, Anne G.; Hazell, Peter; Savastano, Sara. 2024
Food Policy
Abstract | View
Agricultural projects typically aim to promote the uptake of project components amongst targeted small farm populations to improve their farm productivity and welfare. While this approach can be an important first step towards improving smallholder livelihoods, it ignores alternative and often superior livelihood options that might arise within the rural transformation process, particularly in commercial agriculture and the rural nonfarm economy. We argue that the design of smallholder projects implemented within regions already undergoing a dynamic transformation and/or projects which have significant value chain components, should be broadened to assist smallholders in making successful transitions to their best livelihood options. For such projects, monitoring and evaluation activities should track livelihood transitions as well as the usual assessments of productivity and welfare outcomes. To help operationalize such an approach, we propose a typology of smallholder livelihood strategies that can track transitions over time and illustrate its use with data from the Sustainable Agricultural Production Program (SAPP), an agricultural value chain project in Malawi. Using available household panel data and quasi-experimental econometric approaches, we find that the project helped smallholders transition out of subsistence farming to market-oriented farming and helped already existing market-oriented farmers remain as such. Even though the project did not have any specific components designed to promote off-farm incomes, nevertheless, it facilitated many farm household transitions to off-farm diversified livelihoods, possibly due to spillover benefits generated within the local nonfarm economy. All SAPP facilitated transitions led to increases in household incomes. We conclude with some lessons for designing, monitoring, and the evaluation of future agricultural projects.
IFPRI Malawi monthly maize market report, August 2024
International Food Policy Research Institute. 2024
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
International Food Policy Research Institute. 2024
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
IFPRI Malawi monthly maize market report, April 2024
International Food Policy Research Institute. 2024
International Food Policy Research Institute. 2024
Abstract | Link
The Monthly Maize Market Report was developed by researchers at IFPRI Malawi with the goal of providing clear and accurate information on the variation of maize prices in selected markets throughout Malawi. The reports are intended as a resource for those interested in maize markets in Malawi, namely producers, traders, consumers, policy makers, and other agricultural stakeholders.
IFPRI Malawi monthly maize market report, June 2024
International Food Policy Research Institute. 2024
International Food Policy Research Institute. 2024
Abstract | Link
The Monthly Maize Market Report was developed by researchers at IFPRI Malawi with the goal of providing clear and accurate information on the variation of maize prices in selected markets throughout Malawi. The reports are intended as a resource for those interested in maize markets in Malawi, namely producers, traders, consumers, policy makers, and other agricultural stakeholders.
Africa RISING impact assessment report
Haile, Beliyou; Boukaka, Sedi Anne; Azzarri, Carlo. 2024
Haile, Beliyou; Boukaka, Sedi Anne; Azzarri, Carlo. 2024
Abstract | Link
This report summarizes lessons from cross-country analyses of the impact of the Africa RISING (AR) program. Implemented in six countries—Ethiopia, Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, Mali, and Ghana—AR aimed to provide pathways out of hunger and poverty for smallholders by sustainably intensifying their farming systems in order to enhance income and food security, particularly for women and children, while conserving or enhancing the natural resource base. Phase I (2012–2016) focused on the validation of demand-driven sustainable intensification (SI) innovations, while Phase II (2016–2022) focused on the scaling of a subset of validated SI innovations in partnership with development partners.
Impacts of Africa RISING in Malawi
Haile, Beliyou; Azzarri, Carlo; Boukaka, Sedi-Anne; Chikowo, Regis; and Vitellozzi, Sveva. 2024
Haile, Beliyou; Azzarri, Carlo; Boukaka, Sedi-Anne; Chikowo, Regis; and Vitellozzi, Sveva. 2024
Abstract | Link
This study evaluates the impact of Africa RISING, a large-scale sustainable intensification (SI) program that has been implemented in Central Malawi’s Dedza and Ntcheu districts beginning in 2012. Using a participatory action research framework, the program validated and promoted alternative SI options including fertilized maize, maize-legume intercropping, intercropping of two compatible legumes, cereal-legume rotation, and double-row planting of legumes. Impact is estimated on several SI indicators and domains using two rounds of panel data and difference-in-differences techniques. The unique study design allowed us to estimate impact by comparing outcomes among program beneficiaries with two different counterfactual groups—one located inside program villages (within village comparison) and another in non-program (control) villages (out-of-village comparison). We also conduct a placebo test comparing non-beneficiaries in the two counterfactual groups. The within-village comparison shows positive impact on several agricultural and economic indicators including access to agricultural information, value of harvest, on-farm diversity, labor profitability, annual net household income, per capita household consumption expenditure, household wealth, and household dietary diversity score. We do not find a statistically significant impact on human indicators such as child and maternal nutrition. Estimates based on within-village, out-of-village, and placebo comparisons suggest important insights about the challenges in assessing the impact of agricultural programs in general and, specifically, participatory multi-intervention programs in the presence of sample (self-)selection and spillovers. Our study highlights important lessons learned to inform future program design and impact assessments.
IFPRI Malawi maize market report, May 2024
International Food Policy Research Institute. 2024
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
International Food Policy Research Institute. 2024
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
Revisiting development strategy under climate uncertainty: case study of Malawi
Mukashov, Askar; Thomas, Timothy; Thurlow, James. 2024
Climatic Change
Mukashov, Askar; Thomas, Timothy; Thurlow, James. 2024
Climatic Change
Abstract | View
This paper analyzes the effectiveness of agriculture-led versus non-agriculture-led development strategies under climate-induced economic uncertainty. Utilizing Malawi as a case study, we introduce the application of Stochastic Dominance (SD) analysis, a tool from decision analysis theory, and compare the two strategies in the context of weather/climate-associated economic uncertainty. Our findings suggest that an agriculture-led development strategy consistently surpasses its non-agriculture-led antagonist in poverty and undernourishment outcomes across almost all possible weather/climate scenarios. This underscores that, despite increasing exposure of the entire economy to weather/climate uncertainty, agriculture-led development remains the optimal strategy for Malawi to reduce poverty and undernourishment. The study also endorses the broader use of SD analysis in policy planning studies, promoting its potential to integrate risk and uncertainty into policymaking.
The importance and determinants of purchases in rural food consumption in Africa: implications for food security strategies
Dzanku, F.M.; Liverpool-Tasie, Saweda Lenis Onipede; Reardon, Thomas. 2024
Dzanku, F.M.; Liverpool-Tasie, Saweda Lenis Onipede; Reardon, Thomas. 2024
Abstract | View
We analyze rural households’ purchases of food (cereals and non-cereals) in Sub-Saharan Africa using nationally representative data with 65,000 observations covering 7 countries over a decade. We distinguish between three strata of countries: lower stratum in income and urbanization, middle stratum, and upper stratum. The paper breaks ground by the breadth and time length of the sample. We find that purchases form the majority of rural food consumption whether in favorable or unfavorable agroecological zones and over country and income strata and for most food products. Rural nonfarm employment (as a cash source) plays an important role in household food purchases across all study countries and food products. Policy implications include the importance of food purchase markets and supply chains to and in rural areas as well as nonfarm employment.
IFPRI Malawi monthly maize market report, March 2024
International Food Policy Research Institute. 2024
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
International Food Policy Research Institute. 2024
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
IFPRI Malawi Maize Market Report December 2023
International Food Policy Research Institute. 2024
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
December 2023
International Food Policy Research Institute. 2024
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
December 2023
IFPRI Malawi Maize Market Report February 2024
International Food Policy Research Institute. 2024
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
February 2024
International Food Policy Research Institute. 2024
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
February 2024
IFPRI Malawi Maize Market Report January 2024
International Food Policy Research Institute. 2024
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
International Food Policy Research Institute. 2024
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
Gender, deliberation, and natural resource governance: Experimental evidence from Malawi
Clayton, Amanda; Dulani, Boniface; Kosec, Katrina; Robinson, Amanda Lea. Washington, DC 2023
IFPRI Discussion Paper
2232
Clayton, Amanda; Dulani, Boniface; Kosec, Katrina; Robinson, Amanda Lea. Washington, DC 2023
IFPRI Discussion Paper
2232
Abstract | PDF (2.9 MB)
Initiatives to combat climate change often strive to include women’s voices, but there is limited evidence on how this feature influences program design or its benefits for women. We examine the causal effect of women’s representation in climate-related deliberations using the case of community-managed forests in rural Malawi. We run a lab-in-the-field experiment that randomly varies the gender composition of six-member groups asked to privately vote, deliberate, then privately vote again on their preferred policy to combat local over-harvesting. We find that any given woman has relatively more influence in group deliberations when women make up a larger share of the group. This result cannot be explained by changes in participants’ talk time. Rather, women’s presence changes the content of deliberations towards topics on which women tend to have greater expertise. Our work suggests that including women in decision-making can shift deliberative processes in ways that amplify women’s voices.
Associations between women’s empowerment and maternal depressive symptoms: A cross-sectional analysis from Balaka and Ntcheu districts in Malawi
Becker, Karoline; Bliznashka, Lilia; Doss, Cheryl; Gelli, Aulo; Kachinjika, Monice; Munthali, Alister; Mvula, Peter; Nwabuikwu, Odiche; Quisumbing, Agnes R.. Washington, DC 2023
IFPRI Project Note
December 2023
Becker, Karoline; Bliznashka, Lilia; Doss, Cheryl; Gelli, Aulo; Kachinjika, Monice; Munthali, Alister; Mvula, Peter; Nwabuikwu, Odiche; Quisumbing, Agnes R.. Washington, DC 2023
IFPRI Project Note
December 2023
Abstract | PDF (277.9 KB)
Enhanced women's empower ment has been linked to im provements in various areas of women's lives, such as in creased access to resources, decision-making power, and a manageable workload. It can also have posi tive effects on child health out comes, including nutritional sta tus and early childhood develop ment. However, there can also be trade-offs for women, such as their own nutritional outcomes. While the relationship between women's empowerment and child health outcomes has been extensively studied, there is limited research on the relationship between women's empowerment and their own mental health, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). One aspect of mental health, maternal depressive symptoms is prevalent in these countries and can have a negative impact on both the moth ers and their children. In Malawi, Stewart et al. (2010) find that 30 percent of mothers of young children, attending a child health clinic grapple with depressive epi sodes. In this study, we explore the relationship between women's empowerment, as measured by the pro-WEAI, and maternal depressive symptoms, as measured by the 20 symptom Self-Reported Ques tionnaire (SRQ-20). The Pro-WEAI is particularly useful because it allows us to explore the relationship of various components of women’s empowerment with maternal depressive symptoms.
Lump-sum transfers for agriculture, support services, and household decision making
Ambler, Kate; de Brauw, Alan; Godlonton, Susan. 2023
Gender Equality Initiative Working Paper
December 2023
Ambler, Kate; de Brauw, Alan; Godlonton, Susan. 2023
Gender Equality Initiative Working Paper
December 2023
Abstract | View
We study the impact of one-season transfers framed for agricultural investment combined with agricultural support services on decision making among smallholder households in Senegal and Malawi using data from randomized control trials. In Senegal, we find evidence that the program increased the decision power of male household heads at the expense of other males in the household after two years. We cannot disentangle the impacts of the farm planning program and the lump sum transfer that comprised that program. In Malawi, we observe that over two years male program recipients exhibit increased decisionmaking power, while male non-recipients see reductions in decision-making power. These results are broadly due to both the transfers and the intensive agricultural support services. Changes in decision power seem to flow not just from control of income, but also from shifting household norms linked to program participation. Only in Malawi do we note some suggestive evidence that decision making power increases among female program recipients.
IFPRI Malawi monthly maize market report, November 2023
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2023
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
November 2023
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2023
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
November 2023
Abstract | PDF (465.9 KB)
The Monthly Maize Market Report was developed by researchers at IFPRI Malawi with the goal of providing clear and accurate information on the variation of maize prices in selected markets throughout Malawi. The reports are intended as a resource for those interested in maize markets in Malawi, namely producers, traders, consumers, policy makers, and other agricultural stakeholders.
Africa RISING in Malawi – impact brief
Azzarri, Carlo; Boukaka, Sedi-Anne; Vitellozzi, Sveva. Washington, DC 2023
Azzarri, Carlo; Boukaka, Sedi-Anne; Vitellozzi, Sveva. Washington, DC 2023
Abstract | PDF (441.1 KB)
Interventions/Innovations
The Africa RISING (AR) program in Malawi was implemented in Dedza and Ntcheu districts in the country’s Central region, primarily using an on-farm participatory approach. The program supported cropping system improvements through promotion of improved varieties and quality seeds for beans, soybeans, groundnuts, and pigeon peas. It also aimed to foster the adoption of sustainable and productivity enhancing practices (e.g., legume legume or maize-legume intercropping and consistent grain-legume rotation) and nutrient cycling for soil enrichment (e.g., building soil organic matter, implementing a rainfall responsive nitrogen fertilization strategy). Livestock interventions focused primarily on supplementary feeding of goats to promote animal health and weight gain. Increased agricultural productivity and the processing of more nutritious grain legumes were considered prime channels for improving household income, diet diversity, and overall nutrition.
The Africa RISING (AR) program in Malawi was implemented in Dedza and Ntcheu districts in the country’s Central region, primarily using an on-farm participatory approach. The program supported cropping system improvements through promotion of improved varieties and quality seeds for beans, soybeans, groundnuts, and pigeon peas. It also aimed to foster the adoption of sustainable and productivity enhancing practices (e.g., legume legume or maize-legume intercropping and consistent grain-legume rotation) and nutrient cycling for soil enrichment (e.g., building soil organic matter, implementing a rainfall responsive nitrogen fertilization strategy). Livestock interventions focused primarily on supplementary feeding of goats to promote animal health and weight gain. Increased agricultural productivity and the processing of more nutritious grain legumes were considered prime channels for improving household income, diet diversity, and overall nutrition.
Development of a Women’s Empowerment metric for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WE-WASH)
Heckert, Jessica; Raghunathan, Kalyani; Myers, Emily; Ramani, Gayathri V.; Faas, Simone; Ferguson, Nathaniel; Seymour, Greg; Malapit, Hazel J.; Paz, Flor; Chiwasa, Febbie; Chilalika, Joan; Kamwaba-Mtethiwa, Jean; Chirwa, Gowokani Chijere; Simkoko, Abigail; Chilungo, Abdallah; Upadhyaya, Rachana; Pradhan, Meeta S.; Joshi, Nira; Shrestha, Sanish. Washington, DC 2023
IFPRI Discussion Paper
2207
Heckert, Jessica; Raghunathan, Kalyani; Myers, Emily; Ramani, Gayathri V.; Faas, Simone; Ferguson, Nathaniel; Seymour, Greg; Malapit, Hazel J.; Paz, Flor; Chiwasa, Febbie; Chilalika, Joan; Kamwaba-Mtethiwa, Jean; Chirwa, Gowokani Chijere; Simkoko, Abigail; Chilungo, Abdallah; Upadhyaya, Rachana; Pradhan, Meeta S.; Joshi, Nira; Shrestha, Sanish. Washington, DC 2023
IFPRI Discussion Paper
2207
Abstract | PDF (1.2 MB)
There is a growing focus on gender-sensitive approaches and women’s empowerment in the water, sanitation, and hygiene sectors. At the same time, there is a lack of metrics to measure women’s empowerment in the WASH sector. Such metrics are important for understanding the types of programmatic interventions that are most needed for addressing women’s empowerment, as well as for assessing their impacts on women’s empowerment. In this report, we describe the development of a Women’s Empowerment metrics for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WE-WASH). We collected data from individual women and men in 812 households in Malawi and 826 households in Nepal. Using the data, we develop 14 indicators and establish cutoff thresholds (i.e., whether the individual is empowered) in the areas of intrinsic, instrumental, and collective agency in WASH; instrumental and intrinsic agency in menstrual hygiene management; and the empowerment environment (or resources for empowerment). In each country, we observe differences in empowerment levels between women and men, that favor men on most outcomes. Notably, in both countries, we find that women are much less likely than men to contribute to WASH infrastructure decisions, and most women are spending an undue amount of time contributing to WASH-related labor. In Nepal especially, agency related to menstrual hygiene management is also a substantial area of disempowerment for women.
Impacts of Africa RISING in Malawi
Haile, Beliyou; Azzarri, Carlo; Boukaka, Sedi-Anne; Vitellozzi, Sveva; Chikowo, Regis. Washington, DC 2023
Haile, Beliyou; Azzarri, Carlo; Boukaka, Sedi-Anne; Vitellozzi, Sveva; Chikowo, Regis. Washington, DC 2023
Abstract | PDF (1.1 MB)
This study evaluates the impact of Africa RISING, a large-scale sustainable intensification (SI) program that has been implemented in Central Malawi’s Dedza and Ntcheu districts beginning in 2012. Using a participatory action research framework, the program validated and promoted alternative SI options including fertilized maize, maize-legume intercropping, intercropping of two compatible legumes, cereal-legume rotation, and double-row planting of legumes. Impact is estimated on several SI indicators and domains using two rounds of panel data and difference-in-differences techniques. The unique study design allowed us to estimate impact by comparing outcomes among program beneficiaries with two different counterfactual groups—one located inside program villages (within village comparison) and another in non-program (control) villages (out-of-village comparison). We also conduct a placebo test comparing non-beneficiaries in the two counterfactual groups. The within-village comparison shows positive impact on several agricultural and economic indicators including access to agricultural information, value of harvest, on-farm diversity, labor productivity, annual net household income, per capita household consumption expenditure, household wealth, commercial orientation, and household dietary diversity score. We do not find a statistically significant impact on human indicators such as child and maternal nutrition. Estimates based on within-village, out-of-village, and placebo comparisons suggest important insights about the challenges in assessing the impact of agricultural programs in general and, specifically, participatory multi-intervention programs in the presence of sample (self-)selection and spillovers. Our study highlights important lessons learned to inform future program design and impact assessments.
Food system diagnostics and policy implications: The Malawi case
Matchaya, Greenwell Collins; Guthiga, Paul. Kigali, Rwanda; Washington, DC 2023
ReSAKSS Annual Trends and Outlook Report
Matchaya, Greenwell Collins; Guthiga, Paul. Kigali, Rwanda; Washington, DC 2023
ReSAKSS Annual Trends and Outlook Report
Abstract | PDF (304.9 KB)
Food systems are at the heart of Africa’s economic growth and development plan, Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want. Without ending hunger and improving the food and nutrition status of Africa’s population, the agenda’s first aspiration for a “prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development” cannot be effectively reached. To realize this aspiration, African countries need to progressively implement the seven Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) Malabo commitments while having strategies to address wider food system challenges (AU 2023). The concept of a food system has various definitions, but for the purposes of this chapter, a food system is considered as a network of actors or players and their activities along the entire food value chain from inputs to production, distribution, and consumption. This aligns with the definition espoused by the Scientific Group of the UN Food Systems Summit (UNFSS), that food systems are constitutive of food actors and their interlinked activities from production all the way to consumption or utilization (von Braun et al. 2020).
IFPRI Malawi monthly maize market report, October 2023
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2023
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
October 2023
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2023
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
October 2023
Abstract | PDF (469.5 KB)
The Monthly Maize Market Report was developed by researchers at IFPRI Malawi with the goal of providing clear and accurate information on the variation of maize prices in selected markets throughout Malawi. The reports are intended as a resource for those interested in maize markets in Malawi, namely producers, traders, consumers, policy makers, and other agricultural stakeholders.
The Monthly Maize Market Report was developed by researchers at IFPRI Malawi with the goal of providing clear and accurate information on the variation of maize prices in selected markets throughout Malawi. The reports are intended as a resource for those interested in maize markets in Malawi, namely producers, traders, consumers, policy makers, and other agricultural stakeholders.
Mitigating the impact of El Niño on hunger in Malawi
Anderson, Weston; Chiduwa, Mazvita; De Weerdt, Joachim; Diao, Xinshen; Duchoslav, Jan; Guo, Zhe; Kankwamba, Henry; Jamali, Andrew; Nagoli, Joseph; Thurlow, James; You, Liangzhi. Washington, DC 2023
MaSSP Policy Note
51
Anderson, Weston; Chiduwa, Mazvita; De Weerdt, Joachim; Diao, Xinshen; Duchoslav, Jan; Guo, Zhe; Kankwamba, Henry; Jamali, Andrew; Nagoli, Joseph; Thurlow, James; You, Liangzhi. Washington, DC 2023
MaSSP Policy Note
51
Abstract | PDF (227 KB)
El Niño is a phase in an irregular periodic variation in winds and sea surface temperatures over the Pacific Ocean. It occurs on average every 2 to 7 years and typically lasts between 9 months and 2 years. El Niño affects the global weather patterns, resulting in above-average precipitation in some places and droughts in others. Malawi and its neighbors typically experience drier than usual weather during El Niño, which often leads to poor growing conditions and below-average harvests.
From climate risk to resilience: Unpacking the economic impacts of climate change in Malawi
Detelinova, Iva; Thomas, Timothy S.; Hammond, Wole; Arndt, Channing; Mukashov, Askar. Washington, DC 2023
Detelinova, Iva; Thomas, Timothy S.; Hammond, Wole; Arndt, Channing; Mukashov, Askar. Washington, DC 2023
Abstract | PDF (1.1 MB)
Climate change is not projected to materially alter Malawi’s climate profile. Instead, it is likely to exacerbate existing climate vulnerabilities by increasing the frequency and intensity of cyclones, floods, and droughts. This is largely due to increased uncertainty around future precipitation levels. These adverse effects have already started to materialize and are expected to increase substantially over the next decades, particularly if efforts to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by high emitting countries are insufficient. Climate change is also projected to increase average annual temperatures across the country.
Climate change is expected to significantly affect Malawi’s economy, mainly because of its dependence on climate-sensitive economic sectors and its low capacity to take adaptation measures due to preexisting macroeconomic vulnerabilities. Malawi’s sensitivity to climate shocks is underpinned by significant environmental degradation, in particular deforestation, watershed degradation, and poor soil management.
The two main impact channels are likely to be agriculture and road infrastructure. In agriculture, the increased uncertainty around future precipitation levels in Malawi will likely result in higher variability in crop yields. Climate change is projected to exacerbate preexisting environmental degradation challenges, including soil erosion. These effects are particularly problematic due to Malawi’s high poverty rate, lack of economic diversification (the agriculture sector represents one-third of the economy and employs over 70 percent of the workforce), and significant dependence on rainfed production (about 80 percent of the population). Climate change is likely to significantly impact Malawi’s road infrastructure, mainly due to increased risk of flooding, which would have broader economic and social knock-on impacts.
Climate change is expected to significantly affect Malawi’s economy, mainly because of its dependence on climate-sensitive economic sectors and its low capacity to take adaptation measures due to preexisting macroeconomic vulnerabilities. Malawi’s sensitivity to climate shocks is underpinned by significant environmental degradation, in particular deforestation, watershed degradation, and poor soil management.
The two main impact channels are likely to be agriculture and road infrastructure. In agriculture, the increased uncertainty around future precipitation levels in Malawi will likely result in higher variability in crop yields. Climate change is projected to exacerbate preexisting environmental degradation challenges, including soil erosion. These effects are particularly problematic due to Malawi’s high poverty rate, lack of economic diversification (the agriculture sector represents one-third of the economy and employs over 70 percent of the workforce), and significant dependence on rainfed production (about 80 percent of the population). Climate change is likely to significantly impact Malawi’s road infrastructure, mainly due to increased risk of flooding, which would have broader economic and social knock-on impacts.
MAZIKO - Malawi integrated maternal and child grant project
Roschnick, Natalie. London, UK 2023
Roschnick, Natalie. London, UK 2023
Abstract | PDF (5.5 MB)
MAZIKO (meaning “Foundation” in Chichewa), is a 5-year project that integrates maternal and child grants (cash transfers) with a package of government recommended social and behaviour change and capacity strengthening interventions to improve child nutrition and development. The project was launched in November 2021 and is reaching nearly 42,000 households with pregnant women and children under 5 years, in Ntcheu and Balaka districts in Malawi. It includes a large research component, including a cluster randomized trial to evaluate the impact, cost effectiveness, and scalability of maternal and child grants, delivered alongside an integrated multi-sector social and behaviour change intervention package to address the main drivers of malnutrition. The evidence generated will inform Malawi’s National Social Protection system, and guide improvements to the delivery of Malawi’s multi-sector nutrition strategy.
Maternal and child nutrition and development in Balaka and Ntcheu districts: Findings from MAZIKO inception studies
Save the Children. London, UK 2023
Save the Children. London, UK 2023
Abstract | PDF (1.5 MB)
MAZIKO is a five-year integrated Maternal and Child Grant pilot project targeting mothers and children under five years in eight Traditional Authorities in Balaka and Ntcheu districts. The aim of the project is to improve child growth and development by combining government recommended multi-sectoral social and behaviour change, and capacity strengthening interventions, with monthly cash transfers to improve maternal and child nutrition and development outcomes.
In the first year of the programme, several qualitative and quantitative studies were conducted to inform the design of the project. These included a) a baseline quantitative survey targeting 2,686 households with a pregnant woman or child under 2 years in 262 villages; b) a qualitative study, using immersion research and people centered design approaches in 12 households with a pregnant woman or child under 2 years; c) a district capacity assessment to identify bottlenecks in service provision for nutrition and early child development; and d) a Cost of the Diet study to estimate the cost and affordability of a nutritious diet and the role that cash transfers can play to reduce the affordability gap. All studies were done in Ntcheu and Balaka, while the Cost of Diet study used national data. Key findings across the studies are summarised below, followed by more detailed findings for each study.
In the first year of the programme, several qualitative and quantitative studies were conducted to inform the design of the project. These included a) a baseline quantitative survey targeting 2,686 households with a pregnant woman or child under 2 years in 262 villages; b) a qualitative study, using immersion research and people centered design approaches in 12 households with a pregnant woman or child under 2 years; c) a district capacity assessment to identify bottlenecks in service provision for nutrition and early child development; and d) a Cost of the Diet study to estimate the cost and affordability of a nutritious diet and the role that cash transfers can play to reduce the affordability gap. All studies were done in Ntcheu and Balaka, while the Cost of Diet study used national data. Key findings across the studies are summarised below, followed by more detailed findings for each study.
IFPRI Malawi monthly maize market report, September 2023
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2023
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
September 2023
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2023
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
September 2023
Abstract | PDF (469.9 KB)
The Monthly Maize Market Report was developed by researchers at IFPRI Malawi with the goal of providing clear and accurate information on the variation of maize prices in selected markets throughout Malawi. The reports are intended as a resource for those interested in maize markets in Malawi, namely producers, traders, consumers, policy makers, and other agricultural stakeholders.
Can urban growth reduce rural underemployment?
De Weerdt, Joachim; Van Cappellen, Hanne. Washington, DC 2023
MaSSP Policy Note
50
De Weerdt, Joachim; Van Cappellen, Hanne. Washington, DC 2023
MaSSP Policy Note
50
Abstract | PDF (287.4 KB)
In a recent IFPRI working paper, Van Cappellen and De Weerdt (2023), we show how urban growth reduces underemployment in the rural hinterlands of towns and cities. But leveraging these labor market linkages between urban and rural areas for inclusive growth and poverty reduction will depend on overcoming two barriers. The first is that the jobs created are primarily low-skill, low productivity, and often casual (ganyu). Raising the human capital and productivity of the continually growing pool of rural workers, while simultaneously raising rural incomes to increase demand for the kind of off-farm goods and services they can provide, will be critical. Secondly, the labor market linkages between urban and rural areas operate primarily through the longer-established urban areas. Growth in Malawi’s newer emerging urban centers, while substantial, has not spilled over to rural labor markets yet. This is a missed opportunity and highlights the need for a geographically expansive urban investment strategy that includes fostering growth, agglomeration economies, and strong urban-rural linkages in Malawi’s smaller urban areas. Anchoring the development of smaller urban agglomerations in modernizing value chains, particularly in the agri-food sector, is one practical pathway for leveraging urbanization for inclusive development.
Rural underemployment and urbanization: Insights from a nine year household panel survey from Malawi
Van Cappellen, Hanne; De Weerdt, Joachim. Washington, DC 2023
MaSSP Working Paper
43
Van Cappellen, Hanne; De Weerdt, Joachim. Washington, DC 2023
MaSSP Working Paper
43
Abstract | PDF (1.5 MB)
Rural labor markets in Africa are frequently characterized by underemployment, with farmers unable to fully deploy throughout the year one of their most important assets—their labor. Using a nine-year panel data set on 1,407 working-age adults from rural Malawi, we document changes in rural underemployment over this period and how they are associated with urbanization. Nearby urban growth results in increased hours worked in casual labor (ganyu) and in non-agricultural sectors, at the expense of work on the household farm. Improved urban access is also associated with a small increase in wage labor and, at the intensive margin, with hours supplied in household enterprises. We draw lessons from these results for policies, investments, and interventions to leverage urban growth for rural development.
The effects of household income composition on food consumption in Malawi
Benfica, Rui M. S.. 2023
African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition, and Development
23(8)
Benfica, Rui M. S.. 2023
African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition, and Development
23(8)
Abstract | View
This analysis uses panel data methods to assess how food consumption and dietary diversity are affected by changes in household income composition, diversity, and liquidity in rural Malawi. Fixed-effects model estimates reveal several results. First, food consumption and dietary diversity increase with overall income, but at a decreasing rate. Second, while no relationship is found between changes in income per capita of different sources (composition effects), and food consumption per capita, there is a differentiated impact on calorie intake changes and dietary diversity outcomes. Third, overall, there is no statistically significant effect of income diversity on changes in food consumption, but a positive association is found with dietary diversity. As such, income diversity driven by crop diversification leads to greater consumption of calories from roots, pulses, and fruits; and a drop in balanced diets, while income diversification away from agriculture yields greater dietary diversity. Finally, household liquidity, incentivized by off-farm diversification through wage labor market participation and selfemployment, promotes dietary diversity via higher consumption of calories from non-staple foods, notably those dependent on market acquisitions, such as animalbased proteins, vegetables, and fruits. These results are corroborated with those from the Seemingly Unrelated Regression Model. There are several policy and programmatic implications. First, income composition, diversity and liquidity are important dimensions to consider when focusing beyond household food security. Second, efforts to promote and sustain income growth are critical for food consumption growth and dietary diversity but increases in income alone are not enough. Policies and investments that ensure a diversified portfolio of economic activities are likely to result in better consumption and dietary diversity outcomes. Promoting crop diversification at the farm level coupled with nutrition sensitive programming, including extension and crop support programs is critical to increase and sustain consumption and better dietary quality. Third, as balanced diets in the Malawian context require a combination of staple foods sourced through crop and livestock home production, including goats, poultry and small domestically raised animals and protein-rich foods typically purchased in the market, as well as a degree of liquidity achieved through increased generation of cash income. Finally, programmatic efforts are needed to reduce gender gaps in access to resources, strengthening nutrition education more broadly, and ensure availability of balanced diets in school feeding programs potentially linked through local procurement.
2019 social accounting matrix for Malawi: A Nexus project SAM
Kankwamba, Henry; Pauw, Karl; Randriamamonjy, Josee; Thurlow, James. Washington, DC 2023
Kankwamba, Henry; Pauw, Karl; Randriamamonjy, Josee; Thurlow, James. Washington, DC 2023
Abstract | PDF
The 2019 Malawi Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) follows IFPRI's Standard Nexus SAM approach, by focusing on consistency, comparability, and transparency of data. The Nexus SAMs available on IFPRI's website separates domestic production into 42 activities. Factors are disaggregated into labor, agricultural land, and capital, with labor further disaggregated across three education-based categories. The household account is divided into 10 representative household groups: Rural and urban households across per capita consumption quintiles. Nexus SAMs support the improvement of model-based research and policy analysis in developing countries and allow for more robust cross-country comparisons of national economic structures, especially agriculture-food systems.
IFPRI Malawi monthly maize market report, August 2023
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2023
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
August 2023
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2023
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
August 2023
Abstract | PDF (473.4 KB)
The Monthly Maize Market Report was developed by researchers at IFPRI Malawi with the goal of providing clear and accurate information on the variation of maize prices in selected markets throughout Malawi. The reports are intended as a resource for those interested in maize markets in Malawi, namely producers, traders, consumers, policy makers, and other agricultural stakeholders.
Increasing returns and market efficiency in agricultural trade
Fafchamps, Marcel; Gabre-Madhin, Eleni Zaude; Minten, Bart. Washington, D.C. 2003
MTID Discussion paper
60
Fafchamps, Marcel; Gabre-Madhin, Eleni Zaude; Minten, Bart. Washington, D.C. 2003
MTID Discussion paper
60
Abstract | PDF
Using detailed trader surveys in Benin, Madagascar, and Malawi, this paper investigates the presence of increasing returns in agricultural trade. After analyzing margins, costs, and value added, we find little evidence of returns to scale. Motorized transport is found more cost effective for large loads on longer distances. But transporters pool quantities from multiple traders. Margin rates show little relationship with transaction size. Personal travel costs are a source of increasing returns, but the effect is small. Consequently, total marketing costs are nearly proportional to transaction size. Working and network capital are key determinants of value added. Constant returns to scale in all accumulable factors -- working capital, labor, and network capital -- cannot be projected. This implies that policies to restrict entry into agricultural trade are neither necessary nor useful. Governments should focus instead on technological and institutional innovations to upgrade agricultural markets." -- Authors' Abstract
Analyzing nutritional impacts of policies
Ecker, Olivier; Qaim, Matin. Washington, DC 2010
IFPRI Discussion Paper
1017
Ecker, Olivier; Qaim, Matin. Washington, DC 2010
IFPRI Discussion Paper
1017
Abstract | PDF
Widespread malnutrition in developing countries calls for appropriate strategies, presupposing good knowledge about nutritional impacts of policies. Little previous work has been carried out in this direction, especially with respect to micronutrients. We use representative household data from Malawi and develop a demand systems approach to estimate income and price elasticities of food demand and nutrient consumption. These estimates are applied for policy simulations. Given multiple nutritional deficiencies, income-related policies are better suited than price policies to improve nutrition. Although consumer price subsidies for maize improve calorie and mineral consumption, they can worsen vitamin consumption in urban areas.
IFPRI Malawi monthly maize market report, July 2023
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2023
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
July 2023
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2023
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
July 2023
Abstract | PDF (475.8 KB)
The Monthly Maize Market Report was developed by researchers at IFPRI Malawi with the goal of providing clear and accurate information on the variation of maize prices in selected markets throughout Malawi. The reports are intended as a resource for those interested in maize markets in Malawi, namely producers, traders, consumers, policy makers, and other agricultural stakeholders.
Nonclassical measurement error and farmers’ response to information treatment
Abay, Kibrom A.; Barrett, Christopher B.; Kilic, Talip; Moylan, Heather; Ilukor, John; Vundru, Wilbert Drazi . 2023
Journal of Development Economics
164(September 2023)
Abay, Kibrom A.; Barrett, Christopher B.; Kilic, Talip; Moylan, Heather; Ilukor, John; Vundru, Wilbert Drazi . 2023
Journal of Development Economics
164(September 2023)
Abstract | View
This paper reports on a randomized experiment conducted among Malawian agricultural households to study nonclassical measurement error (NCME) in self-reported plot area, and farmers' responses to new information — the objective plot area measure — subsequently provided to them. Farmers' pre-treatment self-reported plot areas exhibit considerable NCME. Most of the measurement error follows a regression-to-mean pattern with respect to plot area, and another 18 percent arises from asymmetric rounding to half acre increments. Randomized provision of GPS-based measures of true plot area generates four important findings. First, most treated farmers’ self-reports exhibit no reduction in NCME after the provision of true plot area measures. Second, farmers update asymmetrically in response to information, with upward corrections being far more common than downward ones even though most plot sizes were initially overestimated. Third, the magnitude of updating varies by true plot area, as well as the magnitude and direction of initial NCME. Fourth, the information treatment affects self-reported information about non-land inputs such as fertilizer and labor, indicating that the effects of measurement error and updating spillover across variables. NCME clearly carries implications for survey data collection methods, econometric inference, and the design of information-based interventions. It might also reflect behavioral anomalies that may matter for farm management practices, input allocation, agricultural productivity, and the design of effective interventions.
Lessons from developing district-level M&E plans to implement the National Resilience Strategy
Kayamba-Phiri, Fundi. Washington, DC 2023
Titukulane RFSA Learning Brief
June 2023
Kayamba-Phiri, Fundi. Washington, DC 2023
Titukulane RFSA Learning Brief
June 2023
Abstract | PDF (232.1 KB)
The National Resilience Strategy (NRS) aims to build resilience against economic and environmental shocks, promoting inclusive growth, food security, and well-being for all Malawians. The NRS consists of four pillars: (1) Resilient Agricultural Growth; (2) Risk Reduction, Flood Control and Early Warning and Response Systems; (3) Human Capacity, Livelihoods, and Social Protection; and (4) Catchment Protection and Management. Titukulane RFSA is piloting the NRS in Zomba and Mangochi districts, working with District Councils to coordinate implementation with various stakeholders.
This learning brief highlights the lessons learned from developing the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) plans in Zomba and Mangochi districts and offers recommendations for other districts planning to implement the National Resilience Strategy (NRS). The brief also discusses the Opportunities for Collaboration between National and District Pillar Leads and Aligning the NRS with Key Government Strategies, particularly the Malawi 2063 (MW 2063), to foster synergy and impact.
This learning brief highlights the lessons learned from developing the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) plans in Zomba and Mangochi districts and offers recommendations for other districts planning to implement the National Resilience Strategy (NRS). The brief also discusses the Opportunities for Collaboration between National and District Pillar Leads and Aligning the NRS with Key Government Strategies, particularly the Malawi 2063 (MW 2063), to foster synergy and impact.
Synthesizing resilience: Key insights from a technical working group meeting
Kayamba-Phiri, Fundi. Washington, DC 2023
Titukulane RFSA Learning Brief
June 2023
Kayamba-Phiri, Fundi. Washington, DC 2023
Titukulane RFSA Learning Brief
June 2023
Abstract | PDF (385.2 KB)
Titukulane was designed to reduce the number of chronically food insecure households by enhancing the capacities of local and national governance structures to implement resilience-focused policies. To achieve this Titukulane is implementing interventions that buildresilience and improve food security and nutrition outcomes for communities. Specifically, under Purpose area 3, these interventions are aimed at building institutional and local capacities to reduce risk and increase resilience among ultra-poor and chronically vulnerable households.Specific interventions implemented under Purpose 3 are disaster risk management, natural resource management and overall coordination of the National Resilience Strategy especially at district level.
From response to preparedness: Enhancing community-led disaster risk management in Malawi: Key findings and policy implications
Kayamba-Phiri, Fundi; Khulumbo, Burnnet; Nkhulembe, Maziko. Washington, DC 2023
Titukulane RFSA Policy Note
1
Kayamba-Phiri, Fundi; Khulumbo, Burnnet; Nkhulembe, Maziko. Washington, DC 2023
Titukulane RFSA Policy Note
1
Abstract | PDF (572.7 KB)
Key Messages:
Directing resources towards early warning systems and community sensitization mitigates the impact of natural disasters on vulnerable communities, prioritizing proactive measures over reactive responses.
To ensure effective and sustainable disaster risk management (DRM) initiatives, allocating resources to bolster district-level DRM structures in alignment with community-led resource mobilization efforts is crucial.
Recognizing the pivotal role of youth increases community anticipatory capacity through comprehensive disaster risk management training. Innovative approaches such as theatre for development foster civic engagement, community dialogue, and resource mobilization.
Inclusive participatory planning processes should embrace indigenous early warning information. In-vesting in automated community-based early warning systems, particularly focusing on agriculture and nutrition, facilitates timely decision-making and harnesses local wisdom.
To reduce vulnerability among low-income communities, forging partnerships with the private sector is crucial. Micro-insurance and asset options can be explored, empowering communities to enhance their resilience without imposing undue burdens.
Directing resources towards early warning systems and community sensitization mitigates the impact of natural disasters on vulnerable communities, prioritizing proactive measures over reactive responses.
To ensure effective and sustainable disaster risk management (DRM) initiatives, allocating resources to bolster district-level DRM structures in alignment with community-led resource mobilization efforts is crucial.
Recognizing the pivotal role of youth increases community anticipatory capacity through comprehensive disaster risk management training. Innovative approaches such as theatre for development foster civic engagement, community dialogue, and resource mobilization.
Inclusive participatory planning processes should embrace indigenous early warning information. In-vesting in automated community-based early warning systems, particularly focusing on agriculture and nutrition, facilitates timely decision-making and harnesses local wisdom.
To reduce vulnerability among low-income communities, forging partnerships with the private sector is crucial. Micro-insurance and asset options can be explored, empowering communities to enhance their resilience without imposing undue burdens.
Bridging perspectives: Key insights from a gender & youth integration learning event
Kayamba-Phiri, Fundi. Washington, DC 2023
Titukulane RFSA Learning Brief
May 2023
Kayamba-Phiri, Fundi. Washington, DC 2023
Titukulane RFSA Learning Brief
May 2023
Abstract | PDF (580.4 KB)
In light of the need to learn from and collaborate with other USAID implementing partners on effectively addressing the issues that affect women and youth in their programming, Titukulane organized a focused event in September 2022. Prioritizing the engagement of women and youth in all development activities has immense importance and needs more emphasis. This is particularly true for projects that aim to create lasting impact and positive change in communities. Titukulane, through USAID's Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, organized a collaborative meeting with USAID Implementing Partners in Malawi. Through this effort, the implementing partners identified potential areas for integration and collaboration that can further enhance the impact of development programs.
IFPRI Malawi monthly maize market report, June 2023
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2023
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
June 2023
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2023
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
June 2023
Abstract | PDF (467.3 KB)
The Monthly Maize Market Report was developed by researchers at IFPRI Malawi with the goal of providing clear and accurate information on the variation of maize prices in selected markets throughout Malawi. The reports are intended as a resource for those interested in maize markets in Malawi, namely producers, traders, consumers, policy makers, and other agricultural stakeholders.
Women's empowerment, production choices, and crop diversity in Burkina Faso, India, Malawi, and Tanzania: A secondary analysis of cross-sectional data
Connors, Kaela; Jaacks, Lindsay M.; Awasthi, Ananya; Becker, Karoline; Kerr, Rachel Bezner; Fivian, Emily; Gelli, Aulo; Harris-Fry, Helen; Heckert, Jessica; Kadiyala, Suneetha; Martinez, Elena; Santoso, Marianne V.; Young, Sera L.; Bliznashka, Lilia. 2023
Lancet Planetary Health
7(7)
Connors, Kaela; Jaacks, Lindsay M.; Awasthi, Ananya; Becker, Karoline; Kerr, Rachel Bezner; Fivian, Emily; Gelli, Aulo; Harris-Fry, Helen; Heckert, Jessica; Kadiyala, Suneetha; Martinez, Elena; Santoso, Marianne V.; Young, Sera L.; Bliznashka, Lilia. 2023
Lancet Planetary Health
7(7)
Abstract | View
Background: Bolstering farm-level crop diversity is one strategy to strengthen food system resilience and achieve global food security. Women who live in rural areas play an essential role in food production; therefore, we aimed to assess the associations between women's empowerment and crop diversity.
Methods: In this secondary analysis of cross-sectional data, we used data from four cluster-randomised controlled trials done in Burkina Faso, India, Malawi, and Tanzania. We assessed women's empowerment using indicators from the Women's Empowerment in Agriculture Index. Farm-level crop diversity measures were the number of food crops grown, number of food groups grown, and if nutrient-dense crops were grown. We used a two-stage modelling approach. First, we analysed covariate-adjusted country-specific associations between women's empowerment and crop diversity indicators using multivariable generalised linear models. Second, we pooled country-specific associations using random-effects models.
Findings: The final analytic sample included 1735 women from Burkina Faso, 4450 women from India, 547 women from Malawi, and 574 women from Tanzania. Across all countries, compared with households in which women provided input into fewer productive decisions, households of women with greater input into productive decisions produced more food crops (mean difference 0·36 [95% CI 0·16–0·55]), a higher number of food groups (mean difference 0·16 [0·06–0·25]), and more nutrient-dense crops (percentage point difference 3 [95% CI 3–4]). Across all countries, each additional community group a woman actively participated in was associated with cultivating a higher number of food crops (mean difference 0·20 [0·04–0·35]) and a higher number of food groups (mean difference 0·11 [0·03–0·18]), but not more nutrient-dense crops. In pooled associations from Burkina Faso and India, asset ownership was associated with cultivating a higher number of food crops (mean difference 0·08 [0·04–0·12]) and a higher number of food groups (mean difference 0·05 [0·04–0·07]), but not more nutrient-dense crops.
Interpretation: Greater women's empowerment was associated with higher farm-level crop diversity among low-income agricultural households, suggesting that it could help enhance efforts to strengthen food system resilience.
Methods: In this secondary analysis of cross-sectional data, we used data from four cluster-randomised controlled trials done in Burkina Faso, India, Malawi, and Tanzania. We assessed women's empowerment using indicators from the Women's Empowerment in Agriculture Index. Farm-level crop diversity measures were the number of food crops grown, number of food groups grown, and if nutrient-dense crops were grown. We used a two-stage modelling approach. First, we analysed covariate-adjusted country-specific associations between women's empowerment and crop diversity indicators using multivariable generalised linear models. Second, we pooled country-specific associations using random-effects models.
Findings: The final analytic sample included 1735 women from Burkina Faso, 4450 women from India, 547 women from Malawi, and 574 women from Tanzania. Across all countries, compared with households in which women provided input into fewer productive decisions, households of women with greater input into productive decisions produced more food crops (mean difference 0·36 [95% CI 0·16–0·55]), a higher number of food groups (mean difference 0·16 [0·06–0·25]), and more nutrient-dense crops (percentage point difference 3 [95% CI 3–4]). Across all countries, each additional community group a woman actively participated in was associated with cultivating a higher number of food crops (mean difference 0·20 [0·04–0·35]) and a higher number of food groups (mean difference 0·11 [0·03–0·18]), but not more nutrient-dense crops. In pooled associations from Burkina Faso and India, asset ownership was associated with cultivating a higher number of food crops (mean difference 0·08 [0·04–0·12]) and a higher number of food groups (mean difference 0·05 [0·04–0·07]), but not more nutrient-dense crops.
Interpretation: Greater women's empowerment was associated with higher farm-level crop diversity among low-income agricultural households, suggesting that it could help enhance efforts to strengthen food system resilience.
Malawi’s agrifood system structure and drivers of transformation
Diao, Xinshen; De Weerdt, Joachim; Duchoslav, Jan; Pauw, Karl; Thurlow, James; Ellis, Mia. Washington, DC 2023
Agrifood System Diagnostics Country Series
8
Diao, Xinshen; De Weerdt, Joachim; Duchoslav, Jan; Pauw, Karl; Thurlow, James; Ellis, Mia. Washington, DC 2023
Agrifood System Diagnostics Country Series
8
Abstract | PDF
Malawi experienced modest growth from 2009 to 2019, with average annual GDP growth of 4.7 percent. The global COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant slowdown in 2020 and 2021, and the economy has not yet rebounded to pre-pandemic levels (World Bank 2023). At the time of writing, GDP is projected to grow at 2.4 percent in 2023, which in combination with population growth of 2.7 percent would result in a 0.3 percent contraction of GDP per capita (IMF 2023). At the core of the failure to resume pre-pandemic economic growth rates are a worsening debt crisis, a balance of payment crisis, an acute shortage of foreign exchange reserves, and several external shocks (World Bank 2022). The latter include the effects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the devastation caused by cyclone Freddy in 2023 (De Weerdt and Duchoslav 2022; Diao et al. 2022).
Leveraging urbanization for inclusive development in Malawi: Anchoring the secondary city development of Salima and Chipoka in a modernizing fruit value chain
De Weerdt, Joachim; Pienaar, Louw; Hami, Emmanuel; Durand, Wiltrud. Washington, DC 2023
MaSSP Working Paper
42
De Weerdt, Joachim; Pienaar, Louw; Hami, Emmanuel; Durand, Wiltrud. Washington, DC 2023
MaSSP Working Paper
42
Abstract | PDF (2.1 MB)
Agricultural development in Malawi faces an important conundrum. While agriculture is the backbone of the economy, many smallholders will not be able to farm their way out of poverty. Shrinking farmland size severely limits the total income that can be earned from farming, even at much higher levels of productivity per area farmed than are now achieved. Urbanization embedded in the modernization of locally relevant value chains provides a promising pathway to inclusive development as it serves to simultaneously raise farm incomes, create income-earning opportunities off the farm, and create specialized urban hubs that can boost urban economic growth through agglomeration economies. After laying out these concepts conceptually, we apply them to a specific example of a modernizing mango value chain in Salima/Chipoka. Salima and Chipoka form an urban cluster about 100 km from the capital Lilongwe, located on the lakeshore of Lake Malawi. The Malawi Secondary Cities Plan has identified this cluster as one of eight that are to form an interconnected network of secondary cities, geographically spread across the country, with productive activities in each anchored in the economy of their rural hinterlands
IFPRI Malawi monthly maize market report, May 2023
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2023
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
May 2023
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2023
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
May 2023
Abstract | PDF
The Monthly Maize Market Report was developed by researchers at IFPRI Malawi with the goal of providing clear and accurate information on the variation of maize prices in selected markets throughout Malawi. The reports are intended as a resource for those interested in maize markets in Malawi, namely producers, traders, consumers, policy makers, and other agricultural stakeholders.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine threatens food security in Malawi: How can the country respond?
De Weerdt, Joachim; Duchoslav, Jan. Washington, DC 2023
The Russia-Ukraine Conflict and Global Food Security
De Weerdt, Joachim; Duchoslav, Jan. Washington, DC 2023
The Russia-Ukraine Conflict and Global Food Security
Abstract | PDF (161.8 KB)
Food insecurity is endemic in Malawi, affecting up to 38% of the population every year in the run-up to the harvest in April. Although geographically distant, there are multiple channels through which Russia’s invasion of Ukraine can make matters worse this year.
The conflict has disrupted global supplies of key cereals, vegetable oils, and fertilizers, pushing already-high prices higher, and putting particular pressure on low-income countries with vulnerable poor populations. In this post we discuss how rising wheat, maize, cooking oil, and fertilizer prices are likely to impact Malawi and how the government can respond.
The conflict has disrupted global supplies of key cereals, vegetable oils, and fertilizers, pushing already-high prices higher, and putting particular pressure on low-income countries with vulnerable poor populations. In this post we discuss how rising wheat, maize, cooking oil, and fertilizer prices are likely to impact Malawi and how the government can respond.
What are you talking about? Applying cognitive interviewing to improve survey questions on women’s economic empowerment for market inclusion
Myers, Emily; Heckert, Jessica; Salazar, Elizabeth; Kalagho, Kenan; Salamba, Flora; Mzungu, Diston; Mswero, Grace; Adegbola, Ygue Patrice; Crinot, Geraud Fabrice; Kouton-Bognon, Baudelaire; Pereira, Audrey; Rubin, Deborah; Malapit, Hazel J.; Seymour, Greg. Washington, DC 2023
IFPRI Discussion Paper
2192
Myers, Emily; Heckert, Jessica; Salazar, Elizabeth; Kalagho, Kenan; Salamba, Flora; Mzungu, Diston; Mswero, Grace; Adegbola, Ygue Patrice; Crinot, Geraud Fabrice; Kouton-Bognon, Baudelaire; Pereira, Audrey; Rubin, Deborah; Malapit, Hazel J.; Seymour, Greg. Washington, DC 2023
IFPRI Discussion Paper
2192
Abstract | PDF
Monitoring progress toward women’s empowerment requires tools that reflect its underlying concepts. Cognitive interviewing is a qualitative approach for identifying sources of error in how respondents respond to survey items. This study identifies cognitive errors in survey modules included in the project level Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index for Market Inclusion (pro-WEAI+MI) in Benin and Malawi. Comprehension, retrieval, judgment, and response errors were all found to different degrees in the nine modules comprising the survey instrument. There are variations in findings by country context and, to a lesser extent, gender. The findings of this study informed revisions to the pro-WEAI+MI survey instrument and offer insights into how best to design survey modules used for monitoring progress toward gender equality in agricultural value chains and development efforts.
Community-led resource mobilization and early warning systems process assessment: Full report
Kayamba-Phiri, Fundi; Khulumbo, Burnnet. Washington, DC 2023
Kayamba-Phiri, Fundi; Khulumbo, Burnnet. Washington, DC 2023
Abstract | PDF (1.3 MB)
This report examines the motivation and willingness of Village Civil Protection Committees (VCPCs) and communities to mobilize resources at community level for Disaster Risk Management (DRM). To do this, a participatory action research (PAR) approach was utilized, facilitated by SWOT analyses, in combination with focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs). The findings revealed that communities had prepositioned resources to prepare for disaster response as part of risk reduction. Participants identified their ability to mobilize themselves as a community; to mobilize funds and food; well trained and knowledgeable structures, good agricultural practices, and good governance as major strengths. Opportunities for resource mobilization included enterprise, piece work (ganyu), irrigation farming, access to safety net programs, and youth participation. Weaknesses included the disorganization of some community structures, lack of support or political will from community leaders and the government, lack of accountability from VCPC members, and reluctance to adopt improved agricultural practices. Community-based early warning systems, although available, are insufficient to provide effective risk reduction for natural disasters. There is a lack of documentation concerning indigenous early warning systems, which impedes the development of effective and contextual strategies for risk reduction. The recommendations include increasing awareness among traditional leaders, defining resource mobilization structures, documenting guidelines and transactions for transparency, investing in early warning infrastructure and capacity building, documenting indigenous early warning signs, and intensifying watershed restoration and conservation to increase disaster preparedness.
Primary agricultural cooperatives in Malawi: Structure, conduct, and performance
Davis, Kristin; Kazembe, Cynthia; Benson, Todd; De Weerdt, Joachim; Duchoslav, Jan. Lilongwe, Malawi 2023
MaSSP Working Paper
41
Davis, Kristin; Kazembe, Cynthia; Benson, Todd; De Weerdt, Joachim; Duchoslav, Jan. Lilongwe, Malawi 2023
MaSSP Working Paper
41
Abstract | PDF
Primary agricultural cooperatives in Malawi, in contrast to other farmer-level organizations, have legal status and can own assets, borrow money for their operations, and sign contracts, making it easier for them to do business for the profit of their members. Conceptually, such cooperatives enable their member-farmers to achieve economies of scale for their commercial activities. By joining together in a cooperative, members can obtain commercial inputs at lower prices closer to wholesale prices than if they purchased the inputs as individuals. In selling their output, by aggregating their crops and other products into larger lots that the cooperative then negotiates to sell on their behalf, buyers can achieve greater efficiency in buying from them and can be expected to offer a premium over the prices that they would offer farmers selling those products individually. Cooperatives can also serve farmers in providing an important channel for obtaining information and advice to increase their productivity and the profitability of their farming. Moreover, by joining together to achieve common objectives in primary agricultural cooperatives, member-farmers can exercise greater influence on local and national policy issues of concern to them, while also building social cohesion, solidarity, and trust within their communities.
Can cooperatives commercialize farming in Malawi?
Davis, Kristin; Kazembe, Cynthia; Benson, Todd; De Weerdt, Joachim; Duchoslav, Jan. Lilongwe, Malawi 2023
MaSSP Policy Note
49
Davis, Kristin; Kazembe, Cynthia; Benson, Todd; De Weerdt, Joachim; Duchoslav, Jan. Lilongwe, Malawi 2023
MaSSP Policy Note
49
Abstract | PDF
Smallholder farmers constitute the largest group of economic actors in Malawi and there is increasing recognition that the small scale at which they operate does not offer for most a pathway out of poverty, let alone to prosperity.
Increasingly the idea is gaining traction that by joining forces through primary agricultural cooperatives, smallholder farmers across Malawi can reap many of the benefits that larger farmers on commercial estates have been able to realize, such as
negotiating better price for agricultural inputs through bulk purchases;
negotiating better prices for agricultural outputs through aggregation and storage;
adding value to raw agricultural products;
accessing professional equipment, such as tractors or irrigation;
hiring professional services, such as a farm or business manager; or
pooling contiguous pieces of land for more efficient farming.
In this brief we summarize the findings of a detailed report (Davis et al., 2022) on research conducted to assess the current status of cooperatives in the country and what project implementers and policymakers can do to enable cooperatives to contribute to increased commercialization and professionalization of smallholder farming in Malawi.
Increasingly the idea is gaining traction that by joining forces through primary agricultural cooperatives, smallholder farmers across Malawi can reap many of the benefits that larger farmers on commercial estates have been able to realize, such as
negotiating better price for agricultural inputs through bulk purchases;
negotiating better prices for agricultural outputs through aggregation and storage;
adding value to raw agricultural products;
accessing professional equipment, such as tractors or irrigation;
hiring professional services, such as a farm or business manager; or
pooling contiguous pieces of land for more efficient farming.
In this brief we summarize the findings of a detailed report (Davis et al., 2022) on research conducted to assess the current status of cooperatives in the country and what project implementers and policymakers can do to enable cooperatives to contribute to increased commercialization and professionalization of smallholder farming in Malawi.
IFPRI key facts series: Agricultural cooperatives
Banda, Chimwemwe; Duchoslav, Jan. Lilongwe, Malawi 2023
MaSSP Key Facts
May 2023
Banda, Chimwemwe; Duchoslav, Jan. Lilongwe, Malawi 2023
MaSSP Key Facts
May 2023
Abstract | PDF
Highlights
• There is an operational agricultural cooperative in every tenth community in Malawi, but they are not well utilized to access markets or services.
• Almost no farmers (0.6 percent in 2019/20) receive extension advice through cooperatives.
• Although an increasing share of farmers engage in input and output markets, few do so through cooperatives.
• Few farmers buy inputs on credit in general, and almost none receive credit from cooperatives.
• Farmers who buy inputs from cooperatives do not pay less than farmers who buy inputs elsewhere.
• Farmers who sell their produce to cooperatives also do not obtain better prices than farmers who sell to other buyers.
• There is an operational agricultural cooperative in every tenth community in Malawi, but they are not well utilized to access markets or services.
• Almost no farmers (0.6 percent in 2019/20) receive extension advice through cooperatives.
• Although an increasing share of farmers engage in input and output markets, few do so through cooperatives.
• Few farmers buy inputs on credit in general, and almost none receive credit from cooperatives.
• Farmers who buy inputs from cooperatives do not pay less than farmers who buy inputs elsewhere.
• Farmers who sell their produce to cooperatives also do not obtain better prices than farmers who sell to other buyers.
Process skills and competency gaps in undergraduate agricultural extension curriculum in Nigeria, Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, and Kenya
Ukamaka, Dimelu, Mabel; von Maltitz, Lindie; Mangheni, Margaret Najjingo; Suvedi, Murari; Agwu, Ekwe Agwu; Chanza, Charity; Sasidhar, P. V. K.; Oywaya-Nkurumwa, Anges; Ifeonu, Chidimma Frances; Davis, Kristin; Anugwa, Ifeoma Quinette; Liverpool-Tasie, Lenis Saweda; Tchuwa, Frank; Elapata, Maheshwari S. . East Lansing, MI 2023
Partnerships for Innovative Research in Africa (PIRA) Research Report
April 2023
Ukamaka, Dimelu, Mabel; von Maltitz, Lindie; Mangheni, Margaret Najjingo; Suvedi, Murari; Agwu, Ekwe Agwu; Chanza, Charity; Sasidhar, P. V. K.; Oywaya-Nkurumwa, Anges; Ifeonu, Chidimma Frances; Davis, Kristin; Anugwa, Ifeoma Quinette; Liverpool-Tasie, Lenis Saweda; Tchuwa, Frank; Elapata, Maheshwari S. . East Lansing, MI 2023
Partnerships for Innovative Research in Africa (PIRA) Research Report
April 2023
Abstract | View
Process skills and core competencies are basic sets of knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors that agricultural extension professionals require to perform their tasks effectively. Periodic review of undergraduate (UG) agricultural extension curricula is necessary to train graduates with core process skills and competencies that will enable sustainable food security, improved livelihoods, and natural resource conservation. The study reviewed the UG agricultural extension curriculum used in fi ve MSU-AAP Consortium member universities covering Nigeria, Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, and Kenya with the following research questions:
1. What are the curriculum development processes in MSU-AAP universities?
2. What are the structure and contents of the UG agricultural extension curriculum?
3. What instructional methods are used for the transaction of the UG curriculum?
4. What core process skills and competencies are covered in the curriculum?
5. What are the strengths and gaps in the UG agricultural extension curriculum in Africa?
Data were collected through a desktop review of curriculum documents for agricultural extension training programs offered at the universities and literature on the competency needs of extension professionals. The courses in agricultural extension approved by the countries’ national regulatory bodies / institutions and taught in universities were reviewed. The contents were evaluated against the available literature on current and emerging functions of agricultural extension professionals and expected competencies, and reviewed scholarly work on capacity needs analysis of extension advisory services (EASs) to develop a framework for assessing the UG agricultural extension curricula at the universities. Eleven competencies domains were identifi ed and operationalized: program planning; program implementation; communication; ICTs; program monitoring and evaluation; personal and professional development; diversity and gender; marketing, brokering, and value chain development; extension soft skills; nutrition; and technical subject matter expertise. The number of courses in the UG agricultural extension curriculum that addressed each competence domain was identified and evaluated.
1. What are the curriculum development processes in MSU-AAP universities?
2. What are the structure and contents of the UG agricultural extension curriculum?
3. What instructional methods are used for the transaction of the UG curriculum?
4. What core process skills and competencies are covered in the curriculum?
5. What are the strengths and gaps in the UG agricultural extension curriculum in Africa?
Data were collected through a desktop review of curriculum documents for agricultural extension training programs offered at the universities and literature on the competency needs of extension professionals. The courses in agricultural extension approved by the countries’ national regulatory bodies / institutions and taught in universities were reviewed. The contents were evaluated against the available literature on current and emerging functions of agricultural extension professionals and expected competencies, and reviewed scholarly work on capacity needs analysis of extension advisory services (EASs) to develop a framework for assessing the UG agricultural extension curricula at the universities. Eleven competencies domains were identifi ed and operationalized: program planning; program implementation; communication; ICTs; program monitoring and evaluation; personal and professional development; diversity and gender; marketing, brokering, and value chain development; extension soft skills; nutrition; and technical subject matter expertise. The number of courses in the UG agricultural extension curriculum that addressed each competence domain was identified and evaluated.
Strengthening agricultural extension training in Nigeria, Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, and Kenya
Suvedi, Murari; Sasidhar, P. V. K.; Agwu, Ekwe Agwu; Chanza, Charity; Ukamaka, Mabel Dimelu; Liverpool-Tasie, Lenis Saweda; Anugwa, Ifeoma Quinette; Tchuwa, Frank; Davis, Kristin; Mangheni, Margaret Najjingo; Oywaya-Nkurumwa, Anges; von Maltitz, Lindie; Ifeonu, Chidimma Frances; Elapata, Maheshwari S.. East Lansing, MI 2023
Partnerships for Innovative Research in Africa (PIRA) Research Report
April 2023
Suvedi, Murari; Sasidhar, P. V. K.; Agwu, Ekwe Agwu; Chanza, Charity; Ukamaka, Mabel Dimelu; Liverpool-Tasie, Lenis Saweda; Anugwa, Ifeoma Quinette; Tchuwa, Frank; Davis, Kristin; Mangheni, Margaret Najjingo; Oywaya-Nkurumwa, Anges; von Maltitz, Lindie; Ifeonu, Chidimma Frances; Elapata, Maheshwari S.. East Lansing, MI 2023
Partnerships for Innovative Research in Africa (PIRA) Research Report
April 2023
Abstract | View
To strengthen the agricultural extension curriculum, the present study was undertaken in sub-Saharan Africa covering Nigeria, Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, and Kenya during 2021-2023. The population for the study was agricultural extension professionals within these fi ve countries drawn from universities, public- sector organizations, private- sector organizations, and NGOs. Mixed- method research design, comprising quantitative and qualitative approaches, was employed to assess the process skills and competency gaps in undergraduate (UG) agricultural extension curricula with the following research questions and objectives:
Research Questions
1. Do extension programs effectively address the needs of current food and agricultural systems?
2. What are the critical job skills and core competencies required of extension workers to effectively plan, implement, and evaluate extension work in today’s changing context?
3. Does the UG curriculum in extension education include education and/or training on these job skills or core competencies?
4. What are the barriers to effectively training extension workers with required core competencies, and how can these barriers be removed?
Objectives
1. Review agricultural extension curricula currently in use at AAP member universities at the UG level in Nigeria, Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, and Kenya.
2. Identify critical process skills and competencies of agricultural extension professionals, process skills gaps, and areas of potential curricular reform.
3. Recommend improvements/reforms of agricultural extension curricula to prepare the next generation of agricultural extension professionals to competently handle EASs delivery.
4. Introduce new/improved curricula among the agricultural extension faculty engaged in training and education in sub-Saharan countries.
The study assessed 11 process skills and competencies -- program planning; program implementation; communication; information and communication technologies (ICTs;, program monitoring and evaluation; personal and professional development; diversity and gender; marketing, brokering, and value chain development; extension soft skills; nutrition; and technical subject matter expertise.
Research Questions
1. Do extension programs effectively address the needs of current food and agricultural systems?
2. What are the critical job skills and core competencies required of extension workers to effectively plan, implement, and evaluate extension work in today’s changing context?
3. Does the UG curriculum in extension education include education and/or training on these job skills or core competencies?
4. What are the barriers to effectively training extension workers with required core competencies, and how can these barriers be removed?
Objectives
1. Review agricultural extension curricula currently in use at AAP member universities at the UG level in Nigeria, Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, and Kenya.
2. Identify critical process skills and competencies of agricultural extension professionals, process skills gaps, and areas of potential curricular reform.
3. Recommend improvements/reforms of agricultural extension curricula to prepare the next generation of agricultural extension professionals to competently handle EASs delivery.
4. Introduce new/improved curricula among the agricultural extension faculty engaged in training and education in sub-Saharan countries.
The study assessed 11 process skills and competencies -- program planning; program implementation; communication; information and communication technologies (ICTs;, program monitoring and evaluation; personal and professional development; diversity and gender; marketing, brokering, and value chain development; extension soft skills; nutrition; and technical subject matter expertise.
Agricultural extension and advisory services in Nigeria, Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, and Kenya
Agwu, Ekwe Agwu; Suvedi, Murari; Chanza, Charity; Davis, Kristin; Oywaya-Nkurumwa, Anges; Mangheni, Margaret Najjingo . East Lansing, MI 2023
Partnerships for Innovative Research in Africa (PIRA) Research Report
April 2023
Agwu, Ekwe Agwu; Suvedi, Murari; Chanza, Charity; Davis, Kristin; Oywaya-Nkurumwa, Anges; Mangheni, Margaret Najjingo . East Lansing, MI 2023
Partnerships for Innovative Research in Africa (PIRA) Research Report
April 2023
Abstract | View
Agricultural extension and advisory services is a system that facilitates access of farmers or their organizations to new knowledge, information and technologies and promotes interaction with research, education, agri‐business, and other relevant institutions to assist them in
developing their own technical, organizational and management skills and practices. It can interpret and explain the language of modern technology to farmers, fi shers and ranchers (Suvedi and Kaplowitz, 2016).
Various forms of agricultural extension services exist throughout the world. Their primary functions have been to facilitate learning and extend new knowledge and technologies in non-formal educational settings to improve agricultural productivity and increase farmers’ incomes. The nomenclature of extension service providers varies by country. The frontline workers are known as agricultural extension workers, agricultural extension offi cers, extension educators, livestock development offi cers, fi shery technicians, and community forestry and/or natural resources management officers.
developing their own technical, organizational and management skills and practices. It can interpret and explain the language of modern technology to farmers, fi shers and ranchers (Suvedi and Kaplowitz, 2016).
Various forms of agricultural extension services exist throughout the world. Their primary functions have been to facilitate learning and extend new knowledge and technologies in non-formal educational settings to improve agricultural productivity and increase farmers’ incomes. The nomenclature of extension service providers varies by country. The frontline workers are known as agricultural extension workers, agricultural extension offi cers, extension educators, livestock development offi cers, fi shery technicians, and community forestry and/or natural resources management officers.
IFPRI Malawi monthly maize market report, April 2023
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2023
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
April 2023
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2023
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
April 2023
Abstract | PDF
The Monthly Maize Market Report was developed by researchers at IFPRI Malawi with the goal of providing clear and accurate information on the variation of maize prices in selected markets throughout Malawi. The reports are intended as a resource for those interested in maize markets in Malawi, namely producers, traders, consumers, policy makers, and other agricultural stakeholders.
Measuring changes in the Malawi’s agri-food system
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2023
AgGDPplus Brief
Malawi
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2023
AgGDPplus Brief
Malawi
Abstract | PDF (267.2 KB)
Transformation of the agri-food system (AFS) is a leading pathway to achieve the USG Global Food Security Strategy Objective 1 of “Inclusive agriculture-led growth”. The AFS encompasses the primary agricultural sector, as well as all upstream and downstream agriculture-related activities. An expansion of the AFS’s off-farm components is central to the process of agricultural transformation and is strongly associated with economic development. The Percent change in value-added in the agri-food system (AgGDP+) and Employment in the agri-food system (AgEMP+) indicators are useful to track this process.
IFPRI monthly maize market report, March 2023
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2023
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
March 2023
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2023
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
March 2023
Abstract | PDF
Fluctuations in the price of maize—Malawi’s most important staple crop—are a huge contributor to the country’s overall food security. Providing maize price information in markets throughout the country is a critical first step to understanding and improving food security in Malawi. The Monthly Maize Market Report was developed by researchers at IFPRI Malawi with the goal of providing clear and accurate information on the variation of daily maize prices in selected markets throughout Malawi. The reports are intended as a resource for those interested in maize markets in Malawi, namely producers, sellers, consumers, or other agricultural stakeholders.
IFPRI key facts series: Key facts sheet on education
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2023
MaSSP Key Facts
March 2023
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2023
MaSSP Key Facts
March 2023
Abstract | PDF (586.6 KB)
This is the first Education Key Facts Sheet in a series of Key Facts sheets that IFPRI produces based on the Integrated Household Surveys (IHS). The purpose of the series is to present data relevant to key policy issues on agriculture, food systems, and development topics in Malawi. Other Key Facts Sheets are available on our website at massp.ifpri.info.
Achieving sustainable food systems in a global crisis: Summary report
Bizikova, Livia; de Brauw, Alan; Rose, Mali Eber; Laborde Debucquet, David; Motsumi, Kulthoum; Murphy, Mike; Parent, Marie; Picard, Francine; Smaller, Carin. Winnipeg, Canada 2023
Bizikova, Livia; de Brauw, Alan; Rose, Mali Eber; Laborde Debucquet, David; Motsumi, Kulthoum; Murphy, Mike; Parent, Marie; Picard, Francine; Smaller, Carin. Winnipeg, Canada 2023
Abstract | View
The world is not on track to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. The prevalence of hunger and poverty—the two core goals which are the litmus test for everything else—are on the rise. This is being made worse by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, skyrocketing food, fertilizer, and energy prices, COVID-19, and climate change. In Africa, the situation is exacerbated by internal conflicts, political unrest, economic recessions, and swarms of desert locusts. To get back on track, it is critical to pursue policy pathways that encourage synergies and limit the trade-offs between hunger, poverty, nutrition, and climate change. This report summarizes the evidence-based and costed country roadmaps for effective public interventions to transform agriculture and food systems in Ethiopia, Malawi, and Nigeria in a way that ends hunger, makes diets healthier and more affordable, improves the productivity and incomes of small-scale producers and their households, and mitigates and adapts to climate change.
The financing gap is immense. This report shows that while it is possible to achieve sustainable food system transformation in Ethiopia, Malawi, and Nigeria, in the next decade, it would require an average additional public investment of USD 10 billion per year from 2023 to 2030 and targeting spending on a more effective portfolio of interventions that achieve multiple sustainable development outcomes. Of the total USD 10 billion, the donor share averages USD 5.8 billion per year, and the country share averages USD 4.2 billion per year. Importantly, comparing the financing gap between the long-term investment needed to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2 and the short-term investment needed for emergency food assistance shows that while emergency assistance has increased in recent years, there is significant underfunding of the longer-term investment needs. The shortfall in longer-term funding increases the vulnerability to shocks, pushing the number of people affected by hunger and poverty higher. Donors should therefore complement and better link the increased allocation of emergency food assistance with increased investments in longer term agricultural development priorities to prevent future crises when the next shock hits.
The financing gap is immense. This report shows that while it is possible to achieve sustainable food system transformation in Ethiopia, Malawi, and Nigeria, in the next decade, it would require an average additional public investment of USD 10 billion per year from 2023 to 2030 and targeting spending on a more effective portfolio of interventions that achieve multiple sustainable development outcomes. Of the total USD 10 billion, the donor share averages USD 5.8 billion per year, and the country share averages USD 4.2 billion per year. Importantly, comparing the financing gap between the long-term investment needed to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2 and the short-term investment needed for emergency food assistance shows that while emergency assistance has increased in recent years, there is significant underfunding of the longer-term investment needs. The shortfall in longer-term funding increases the vulnerability to shocks, pushing the number of people affected by hunger and poverty higher. Donors should therefore complement and better link the increased allocation of emergency food assistance with increased investments in longer term agricultural development priorities to prevent future crises when the next shock hits.
IFPRI Malawi Monthly Maize Market Report, February 2023
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2023
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
February 2023
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2023
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
February 2023
Abstract | PDF (445.8 KB)
The Monthly Maize Market Report was developed by researchers at IFPRI Malawi with the goal of providing clear and accurate information on the variation of maize prices in selected markets throughout Malawi. The reports are intended as a resource for those interested in maize markets in Malawi, namely producers, traders, consumers, policy makers, and other agricultural stakeholders.
Measuring empowerment across the value chain: The evolution of the project-level Women’s Empowerment Index for Market Inclusion (pro-WEAI+MI)
Malapit, Hazel J.; Heckert, Jessica; Adegbola, Patrice Ygué; Crinot, Geraud Fabrice; Eissler, Sarah; Faas, Simone; Gantoli, Geoffroy; Kalagho, Kenan; Martinez, Elena; Meinzen-Dick, Ruth Suseela; Mswero, Grace; Myers, Emily; Mzungu, Diston; Pereira, Audrey; Pinkstaff, Crossley; Quisumbing, Agnes R.; Ragasa, Catherine; Rubin, Deborah; Seymour, Greg; Tauseef, Salauddin; GAAP2 Market Inclusion Study Team. Washington, DC 2023
IFPRI Discussion Paper
2172
Malapit, Hazel J.; Heckert, Jessica; Adegbola, Patrice Ygué; Crinot, Geraud Fabrice; Eissler, Sarah; Faas, Simone; Gantoli, Geoffroy; Kalagho, Kenan; Martinez, Elena; Meinzen-Dick, Ruth Suseela; Mswero, Grace; Myers, Emily; Mzungu, Diston; Pereira, Audrey; Pinkstaff, Crossley; Quisumbing, Agnes R.; Ragasa, Catherine; Rubin, Deborah; Seymour, Greg; Tauseef, Salauddin; GAAP2 Market Inclusion Study Team. Washington, DC 2023
IFPRI Discussion Paper
2172
Abstract | PDF (1.3 MB)
Many development agencies design and implement interventions that aim to reach, benefit, and empower rural women across the value chain in activities ranging from production, to processing, to marketing. Determining whether and how such interventions empower women, as well as the constraints faced by different value chain actors, requires quantitative and qualitative tools. We describe how we adapted the project-level Women’s Empowerment in Agricultural Index (pro-WEAI), a mixed-methods tool for studying empowerment in development projects, to include aspects of agency relevant for multiple types of value chain actors. The resulting pro-WEAI for market inclusion (pro-WEAI+MI) includes quantitative and qualitative instruments developed over the course of four studies. Studies in the Philippines (2017), Bangladesh (2017), and Malawi (2019) were intended to diagnose areas of disempowerment to inform programming, whereas the Benin (2019) study was an impact assessment of an agricultural training program. The pro-WEAI+MI includes all indicators included in pro-WEAI, plus a dashboard of complementary indicators and recommended qualitative instruments. These tools investigate the empowerment of women in different value chains and nodes and identify barriers to market access and inclusion that may restrict empowerment for different value chain actors. Our findings highlight three lessons. First, the sampling strategy needs to be designed to capture the key actors in a value chain. Second, the market inclusion indicators cannot stand alone; they must be interpreted alongside the core pro-WEAI indicators. Third, not all market inclusion indicators will be relevant for all value chains and contexts. Users should research the experiences of women and men in the target value chains in the context of the programto select priority market inclusion indicators.
Employment options and challenges for rural households in Malawi: An agriculture and rural employment analysis of the fifth Malawi Integrated Household Survey, 2019/20
Benson, Todd; De Weerdt, Joachim. Washington, DC 2023
MaSSP Working Paper
40
Benson, Todd; De Weerdt, Joachim. Washington, DC 2023
MaSSP Working Paper
40
Abstract | PDF (5.7 MB)
Malawi has suffered from weak economic growth since its independence in 1964. Over 50 percentof the population live below the poverty line, unable to produce enough or to otherwise obtain sufficient income to meet all of their basic needs. Poverty is concentrated in rural areas. Smallholder agriculture dominates employment in rural Malawi. However, with continuing population growth, the average landholding size for smallholder farming households is declining, resulting in many being unable to produce sufficient food to meet their own needs. To escape poverty, rural households increasingly must diversify their sources of income, but many lack the human and financial capital to do so. In this report, a detailed examination is provided of the agricultural production, non-farm employment patterns, and overall incomes obtained by farming households across Malawi using data from the fifth Malawi Integrated Household Survey (IHS5), conducted in 2019/20. The analysis demonstrates that most poor farming households will never be able to escape poverty through their farming alone, even with substantially higher crop productivity. Rainfed cropping remains the primary form of agricultural production for farming households in Malawi. While increasing numbers are engaging in irrigated farming during the dry season, the returns from such farming are inconsistent and low. More importantly, off-farm income sources, particularly temporary ganyu wage employment, are now critical to the livelihoods of most rural households, particularly those with small cropland holdings. The common assumption that agriculture is at the center of the livelihoods of rural households across Malawi no longer holds. Of equal importance is their ability to obtain sufficiently remunerative off-farm employment. In developing strategies for rural economic and human development in Malawi, accelerating agricultural production growth, particularly through increased productivity, and increasing the returns to farming are necessary, but incomplete solutions. Equal attention must now be paid to how workers in farming households can also qualify for and obtain good off-farm jobs. Without increases in such employment opportunities, the economies of most rural communities across Malawi are likely to stagnate and poverty will deepen among households living in them.
Marriage behavior response to prime-age adult mortality
Yamauchi, Futoshi. Washington, DC 2008
RENEWAL Policy Brief
14
Yamauchi, Futoshi. Washington, DC 2008
RENEWAL Policy Brief
14
Abstract | PDF
A drastic increase in AIDS-related mortality of the prime-age adult population can change many aspects of household and individual behavior. The death of prime-age adults decreases household income and, thus, decreases investment in human capital for the next generation. For individuals, high prime-age adult mortality influences people’s perceptions on potential risks in family formation such as finding a marriage partner. For example, in a society where the AIDS epidemic is prevalent, a possible behavioral change in the marriage market in response to an increase in prime-age adult mortality is to marry earlier to avoid their exposure to HIV. Since the marriage decision is key to the way a family is structured, current AIDS mortality risks can potentially have long-term impacts propagating to the next generation.
Scaling up HIV/AIDS interventions through expanded partnerships (STEPs) in Malawi
Kadiyala, Suneetha. Washington, DC 2004
FCND Discussion Paper
179
Kadiyala, Suneetha. Washington, DC 2004
FCND Discussion Paper
179
Abstract | PDF
"This paper discusses enabling and constraining factors related to the scaling-up of the Scaling Up HIV/AIDS Interventions Through Expanded Partnerships (STEPs) initiative, supported by Save the Children U.S.A. (SC), to combat HIV/AIDS in Malawi. It also discusses potential threats to and contextual factors limiting scaling up of STEPs. The report draws primarily upon the available literature and qualitative data collected during a five-day visit to SC Malawi in December 2002. STEPs started in 1995 as Community-Based Options for Protection and Empowerment (COPE). COPE was a service-delivery program in Mangochi District to assist children affected by HIV/AIDS. Through evaluations, SC realized that such an approach was unsustainable, not cost-effective, and not scalable. Based on the recommendations of the evaluations and on field experience, the program changed course to mobilize collective action to combat the epidemic. Working in the Namwera community in Mangochi under the National AIDS Commission (NAC), STEPs revitalized the dormant decentralized AIDS committees and their technical subcommittees at the district, community, and village levels. Based on the positive experience in Namwera, the program changed its initial strategy to that of an external change agent, assisting communities with community mobilization and capacity building so that communities became empowered to act collectively to address their problems. Village AIDS committees (VACs) first identify the vulnerable. Then VACs plan responses on the basis of the nature and magnitude of vulnerability within the villages, needs of the vulnerable, and capacity within villages to respond. The committees also monitor activities and mobilize resources. As the needs of the most affected communities are crosscutting, the program has become truly multisectoral, with activities along the continuum of prevention, care, support, and mitigation. STEPs has also been influencing national policies related to HIV/AIDS and children." -- Authors' Abstract
IFPRI Malawi monthly maize market report, January 2023
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2023
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
January 2023
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2023
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
January 2023
Abstract | PDF (485.2 KB)
The Monthly Maize Market Report was developed by researchers at IFPRI Malawi with the goal of providing clear and accurate information on the variation of maize prices in selected markets throughout Malawi. The reports are intended as a resource for those interested in maize markets in Malawi, namely producers, traders, consumers, policy makers, and other agricultural stakeholders.
Targeting hunger or votes? The political economy of humanitarian transfers in Malawi
Duchoslav, Jan; Kenamu, Edwin; Thunde, Jack. 2023
World Development
165(May 2023)
Duchoslav, Jan; Kenamu, Edwin; Thunde, Jack. 2023
World Development
165(May 2023)
Abstract | View
Do electoral considerations play a role in the targeting of humanitarian transfers? We analyze the targeting of direct cash and food transfers distributed in Malawi in response to an exceptionally poor harvest following a late and erratic rainy season of 2015/16. Combining household survey data on transfers with a remotely sensed measure of drought and with the results of the 2014 and 2019 parliamentary elections, we show that transfers were disproportionately targeted at marginal constituencies. Rather than distributing the transfers based solely on need or mobilizing its tribal base, the government attempted to persuade swing voters to support its candidates in the next elections. We find no evidence that this strategy was successful at increasing the vote of ruling party candidates in subsequent elections.
Micro insights on the pathways to agricultural transformation: Comparative evidence from Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa
Amare, Mulubrhan; Parvathi, Priyanka; Nguyen, Trung Thanh. Washington, D.C. 2022
IFPRI Discussion Paper
2165
Amare, Mulubrhan; Parvathi, Priyanka; Nguyen, Trung Thanh. Washington, D.C. 2022
IFPRI Discussion Paper
2165
Abstract | PDF (614.4 KB)
Most studies of agricultural transformation document the impact of agricultural income growth on macroeconomic indicators of development. Much less is known about the micro-scale changes within the farming sector that signal a transformation precipitated by agricultural income growth. This study provides a comparative analysis of the patterns of micro-level changes that occur among small-holder farmers in Uganda and Malawi in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), and Thailand and Vietnam in Southeast Asia (SEA). Our analysis provides several important insights on agricultural transformation in these two regions. First, agricultural income in all examined countries is vulnerable to changes in precipitation and temperature, an effect that is nonlinear and asymmetric. SSA countries are more vulnerable to these weather changes. Second, exogenous increases in agricultural income in previous years improve non-farm income and trigger a change in labor allocation within the rural sector in SEA. However, this is opposite in SSA where the increase in agricultural income reduces non-farm income, indicating a substitution effect between farm and non-farm sectors. These findings reveal clear agricultural transformation driven by agricultural income in SEA, but no similar evidence in SSA.
Farming Systems Analysis in support of user-centered research and innovation: A joint cross-initiative collaboration
Bonilla Cedrez, Camila; Caulfield, Mark; Descheemaeker, Katrien; Girvetz, Evan; Gosh, Aniruddha; Guo, Zhe; You, Liangzhi. 2022
Bonilla Cedrez, Camila; Caulfield, Mark; Descheemaeker, Katrien; Girvetz, Evan; Gosh, Aniruddha; Guo, Zhe; You, Liangzhi. 2022
Abstract | View
Farming Systems Analysis (FSA) is commonly used in CGIAR to assess ‘what works where, and for who?’. The findings are used to prioritize tailored/context-specific interventions and target investments for greater impact. An assessment of seven new CGIAR initiatives showed us that FSA is employed in a similar way across these initiatives, open ing up avenues for strong collaboration and sharing of data, methods and results to achieve better synergies than we have done in the past.
Agricultural extension: Global status and performance in selected countries [in Japanese]
Davis, Kristin E., ed.; Babu, Suresh Chandra, ed.; Ragasa, Catherine, ed.. Washington, DC 2022
Agricultural extension: Global status and performance in selected countries
Davis, Kristin E., ed.; Babu, Suresh Chandra, ed.; Ragasa, Catherine, ed.. Washington, DC 2022
Agricultural extension: Global status and performance in selected countries
Abstract | PDF (1.5 MB)
農業の変革と発展は、開発途上国の10億人以上の小規模農家をはじめ農村に 暮らす人々の生活にとって非常に重要である農業改良普及は、こうした変革 において重要な役割を果たし、アドバイス、情報提供、イノベーション、関係の仲介・促進、リスクや災害への対応などにより農民を支援することがで きる。本書は、農業改良普及の世界的な概要を示し、国および地域レベルの 改良普及システムを評価・比較し、以下の分野における改良普及アプローチ のパフォーマンスを検証している。本書は、一次データと二次データの両方 を用いて、共通かつ包括的な方法を適用することにより、改良普及に関する 研究に寄与するものである。改良普及制度の評価には、事例や地域間での比 較を可能にする「ベストフィット・アプローチ」という枠組みがある。その 枠組みは、成果を向上させ、財政的な持続可能性を高め、より大きな規模を 達成するためのガバナンス、能力、管理、助言方法などの改革を支援する手 がかりとなる。本書は、政策立案者、農業改良普及員、その他農業開発に関わる人々にとって、貴重な資料となると確信する。
IFPRI Malawi monthly maize market report, December 2022
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2023
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
December 2022
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2023
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
December 2022
Abstract | PDF (496.5 KB)
The Monthly Maize Market Report was developed by researchers at IFPRI Malawi with the goal of providing clear and accurate information on the variation of maize prices in selected markets throughout Malawi. The reports are intended as a resource for those interested in maize markets in Malawi, namely producers, traders, consumers, policy makers, and other agricultural stakeholders.
Malawi stories of change in nutrition: Funding for nutrition
Nyirongo, Godwin; Mangwele, Chiya; Bagnall-Oakeley, Hugh; Northcote, Callum; Chalemera, Jacqueline; Nowa, Mphatso; Lupafaya, Phindile; Roschnik, Natalie; Bhaiji, Rashida; Museka Saidi, Tendai; Mhango, Brian . Brighton, UK; London 2022
Stories of Change in Nutrition
November 2022
Nyirongo, Godwin; Mangwele, Chiya; Bagnall-Oakeley, Hugh; Northcote, Callum; Chalemera, Jacqueline; Nowa, Mphatso; Lupafaya, Phindile; Roschnik, Natalie; Bhaiji, Rashida; Museka Saidi, Tendai; Mhango, Brian . Brighton, UK; London 2022
Stories of Change in Nutrition
November 2022
Abstract | PDF (570.8 KB)
Malawi has strong policies and frameworks for nutrition but insufficient funding to implement them. Analyses of government budgets at national level and in 10 districts from financial years 2016/17 to 2022/23, found that domestic budget allocations for nutrition are still well below the 5% of national budget target set by the government. National budget allocations ranged between 0.5% to 3.7% depending on the year. At district level, they ranged from 0.2% to 1.6%, with only one district, in one financial year, exceeding the 1.5% target for district level nutrition budget allocations. Over 95% of nutrition activities in Malawi are currently funded by external donors. The absence of sufficient, consistent and dedicated domestic budget for nutrition at national and district level, means nutrition policies and plans will continue to be driven by, and dependent on, externally funded pilot-scale projects without national reach or ownership. Budget tracking is essential, as it provides data, which all actors can use to hold government to account on their commitments and funding targets.
Malawi stories of change in nutrition: Lessons on advocacy
Nowa, Mphatso; Roschnik, Natalie; Chalemera, Jacqueline; Mhango, Brian; Northcote, Callum; Bhaiji, Rashida; Museka Saidi, Tendai . Brighton, UK; London 2022
Stories of Change in Nutrition
November 2022
Nowa, Mphatso; Roschnik, Natalie; Chalemera, Jacqueline; Mhango, Brian; Northcote, Callum; Bhaiji, Rashida; Museka Saidi, Tendai . Brighton, UK; London 2022
Stories of Change in Nutrition
November 2022
Abstract | PDF (631.5 KB)
Malawi is one of the most committed countries in Africa to improving nutrition, yet it still has one of the highest rates of malnutrition in the region and is struggling to turn commitments into action at scale. The advocacy component of the Afikepo project strengthened capacity of national and district government and Civil Society Organisation (CSO) representatives to plan, budget and advocate for scaling up nutrition commitments at national and in 10 districts. These actions improved awareness, coordination and commitment to prioritise nutrition across sectors, within government, and CSOs and a wide range of actors at national and district level, which in turn improved governance and accountability. However, these actions did not have a substantial effect on domestic funding allocations, which are still heavily reliant on external donors. This brief summarises lessons learned and recommendations from the various advocacy and capacity building efforts over the past four years.
Malawi stories of change in nutrition: Evidence review
Roschnik, Natalie; Northcote, Callum; Chalemera, Jacqueline; Nowa, Mphatso; Lupafaya, Phindile; Bhaiji, Rashida; Museka Saidi, Tendai; Mhango, Brian. Brighton, UK; London 2022
Stories of Change in Nutrition
November 2022
Roschnik, Natalie; Northcote, Callum; Chalemera, Jacqueline; Nowa, Mphatso; Lupafaya, Phindile; Bhaiji, Rashida; Museka Saidi, Tendai; Mhango, Brian. Brighton, UK; London 2022
Stories of Change in Nutrition
November 2022
Abstract | PDF (1.1 MB)
A review of evidence was conducted to understand the trends and determinants of malnutrition and identify interventions and programmes that improved maternal and child nutrition in Malawi. While children are less malnourished than two decades ago, one in three children remains stunted (37%) and 63% are anaemic. Children born from younger and less educated mothers, or from poorer rural households are more likely to be malnourished. One in ten children are born with a low birth weight (< 2.5kgs), with nearly half of them stunted by age two. The main causes of malnutrition include recurring sickness, poor infant and young child feeding and hygiene practices and low use of health and nutrition services, influenced by a wide range of factors, including food insecurity, poverty, gender inequality and food taboos. Programme evaluations and intervention trials have shown mixed results but overall highlight the need to address the multiple underlying drivers of malnutrition, rather than focus on one intervention.
Malawi stories of change in nutrition: Overview
Harris, Jody; Chalemera, Jacqueline; Nowa, Mphatso; Saha, Devanik; Mhango, Brian; Lupafya, Phindile; Museka Saidi, Tendai; Northcote, Callum; Bhaiji, Rashida; Roschnik, Natalie. Brighton, UK; London 2022
Stories of Change in Nutrition
November 2022
Harris, Jody; Chalemera, Jacqueline; Nowa, Mphatso; Saha, Devanik; Mhango, Brian; Lupafya, Phindile; Museka Saidi, Tendai; Northcote, Callum; Bhaiji, Rashida; Roschnik, Natalie. Brighton, UK; London 2022
Stories of Change in Nutrition
November 2022
Abstract | PDF (2.2 MB)
Malawi has made significant progress in improving nutrition outcomes in the past decades. Despite this, the rates of stunting and anaemia remain high and overweight and obesity amongst women is rising. Malawi remains one of the most committed countries to nutrition, ranking 3rd out of 45 African countries on the Hunger and Nutrition Commitment Index, but effective implementation of policies is still challenging. Progress is being inhibited by a lack of dedicated budget lines for nutrition at district level, over reliance on external donors, poor coordination and competing priorities for limited resources within sectoral budgets. The pandemic, climate change and the Ukraine war have disrupted food systems, increased prices of fuel, fertilizer, and food, and caused loss of harvest and livelihoods, threatening to reverse decades of progress. Positive and coordinated action is needed to increase financial commitment to food and nutrition security, ensure nutrition is prioritised in the nation’s economic and development agenda, and continue Malawi’s progress to reducing malnutrition.
Do agricultural projects help smallholders transition to better livelihood strategies?
Hazell, Peter; Timu, Anne G.; Savastano, Sara; Massotti, Piero. Washington, DC 2022
IFPRI Discussion Paper
2157
Hazell, Peter; Timu, Anne G.; Savastano, Sara; Massotti, Piero. Washington, DC 2022
IFPRI Discussion Paper
2157
Abstract | PDF (743.5 KB)
Agricultural projects typically aim to promote the uptake of project components amongst targeted farm populations to improve their on-farm productivity within a “theory of change” that leads to improvements in their welfare. While this approach can be an important first step towards improving smallholder livelihoods, it ignores alternative and often superior livelihood options that might arise within the rural transformation process. These options can be particularly important for agricultural value chain projects that generate new market opportunities and secondary off-farm income and employment growth within the rural nonfarm economy. We argue that the design of smallholder projects implemented within regions already undergoing a dynamic transformation and/or on projects which have significant value chain components, should be broadened to assist smallholders make successful transitions to their best livelihood options. For such projects, M&E should also track livelihood transitions as well as the usual assessments of progress made, the achievement of expected goals, and the identification of bottlenecks in implementation. To help operationalize such an approach, we propose a typology of smallholder livelihood strategies that can track transitions over time and illustrate its use with an IFAD funded agricultural value chain project in Malawi. Using econometric methods and available household panel data, we find that the project helped some smallholders transition out of subsistence farming to market farming with a corresponding increase in their per capita incomes. The project also helped some households transition to, or remain with, an off-farm income diversification strategy with favorable per capita income outcomes. This may reflect new opportunities that arose as spillover benefits from the project along local agricultural value chains and within the rural nonfarm economy more broadly. We conclude with some lessons for the design, monitoring and evaluation of future agricultural projects.
The burdens of participation: A mixed-methods study of the effects of a nutrition-sensitive agriculture program on women’s time use in Malawi
Margolies, Amy; Colantuoni, Elizabeth; Morgan, Rosemary; Gelli, Aulo; Caulfield, Laura E.. 2023
World Development
163(March 2023)
Margolies, Amy; Colantuoni, Elizabeth; Morgan, Rosemary; Gelli, Aulo; Caulfield, Laura E.. 2023
World Development
163(March 2023)
Abstract | View
Development programs often rely on women’s participation. However, there is little evidence of whether development programs that engage women’s unpaid labor – particularly in care work – add to their time burdens. We tested this hypothesis on a nutrition-sensitive agriculture program delivered through community-based preschools in Malawi. The mixed-methods study was conducted over one year using data from 1,168 female caregivers from a cluster-randomized control trial. A longitudinal binomial logistic regression model was used to estimate the proportion of time spent caregiving in a 24-hour period (expressed as minutes) at baseline and then separately for each treatment group at 6-months and 1-year post-randomization. In addition, two rounds of 38 qualitative in-depth interviews (n = 76) were conducted with women, men and adolescent girls to explore their perceptions of program activities, time use and gender attitudes. We found that the program quantitatively increased daily caregiving time for participating women by approximately 30 min. However, this effect occurred only during the lean season when preschool scale-up investments increased. Qualitatively, program-related tasks were not considered burdensome. Moreover, participants saw contributions as important investments in their children’s development. These findings add to limited evidence of the impacts of nutrition-sensitive agricultural programs and early childhood interventions on women’s time use. Measuring women’s participation through mixed-method evaluations can aid interpretation to avoid harm and to better understand the tradeoffs of women’s time.
IFPRI Malawi monthly maize market report, November 2022
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
November 2022
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
November 2022
Abstract | PDF (502 KB)
The Monthly Maize Market Report was developed by researchers at IFPRI Malawi with the goal of providing clear and accurate information on the variation of maize prices in selected markets throughout Malawi. The reports are intended as a resource for those interested in maize markets in Malawi, namely producers, traders, consumers, policy makers, and other agricultural stakeholders.
IFPRI Malawi monthly maize market report, July 2022
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
July 2022
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
July 2022
Abstract | PDF (383.2 KB)
The Monthly Maize Market Report was developed by researchers at IFPRI Malawi with the goal of providing clear and accurate information on the variation of maize prices in selected markets throughout Malawi. The reports are intended as a resource for those interested in maize markets in Malawi, namely producers, traders, consumers, policy makers, and other agricultural stakeholders.
IFPRI Malawi monthly maize market report, October 2022
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
October 2022
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
October 2022
Abstract | PDF (483.7 KB)
The Monthly Maize Market Report was developed by researchers at IFPRI Malawi with the goal of providing clear and accurate information on the variation of maize prices in selected markets throughout Malawi. The reports are intended as a resource for those interested in maize markets in Malawi, namely producers, traders, consumers, policy makers, and other agricultural stakeholders.
Pricing farmer contributions under AIP
Banda, Chimwemwe; De Weerdt, Joachim; Duchoslav, Jan; Jolex, Aubrey. Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Policy Note
47
Banda, Chimwemwe; De Weerdt, Joachim; Duchoslav, Jan; Jolex, Aubrey. Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Policy Note
47
Abstract | PDF (175.8 KB)
The market price of fertilizer in Malawi has, in nominal terms, more than tripled compared to two years ago. The price hikes were both unexpected and beyond the control of the government, linked to global events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This changed global reality reinforces the need to rethink the way in which Malawi approaches its agricultural input subsidies. A number of options for reforming the AIP have been outlined in recent policy work, but all have medium to long term implementation horizons. We will not repeat these here and instead refer the interested reader to Chadza and Duchoslav (2022), De Weerdt and Duchoslav (2022), and Nyondo et al. (2022). This policy note discusses a strategy that can be implemented readily and immediately, potentially still this year, to ensure that the budget allocated to fertilizer subsidies has the highest possible effect on food security in the country. It also discusses how the strategy, once adopted, can be used to phase out the AIP, while ensuring allocative efficiency within the program. This can be achieved by, each year, fixing the budget at a lower point and conducting the same optimization exercise.
Self-targeted fertilizer subsidies
Banda, Chimwemwe; De Weerdt, Joachim; Duchoslav, Jan; Jolex, Aubrey. Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Policy Note
48
Banda, Chimwemwe; De Weerdt, Joachim; Duchoslav, Jan; Jolex, Aubrey. Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Policy Note
48
Abstract | PDF (157.5 KB)
If Malawi’s fertilizer subsidy program aims to increase food security in the country, it should strive to target the most productive farmers. Subsidy levels can be set to self-target this group of farmers. This would maximize output achieved with subsidized fertilizer and eliminate the need for costly and error-prone top-down targeting. Maximizing the productive capacity of the AIP In a previous policy note, we argued that by setting the farmer contribution to fertilizer subsidized under that Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP) so that farmer demand matches what the program can supply, the government can maximize the total amount of fertilizer available for distribution under the program (Banda et al.,2022). In this note, we argue that a second advantage of this pricing strategy is that it ensures that each subsidized bag of fertilizer has the largest possible yield response, thus maximizing the additional amount of food produced through the program.
Poverty in Malawi, 1998
Benson, Todd; Machinjili, Charles; Kachikopa, Lawrence. Washington, DC 2004
FCND Discussion paper
183
Benson, Todd; Machinjili, Charles; Kachikopa, Lawrence. Washington, DC 2004
FCND Discussion paper
183
Abstract | PDF
"This paper presents the poverty analysis of the 1997 98 Malawi Integrated Household Survey. The analysis developed basic needs poverty lines, using consumption-based measures of welfare to classify households and individuals as poor and nonpoor. Because consumption data were not of uniform quality across sample households, the analysis made adjustments to derive a more accurate assessment of the incidence of poverty across the country. The analysis provides poverty and inequality estimates for Malawi's population. About 65 percent were unable to meet their basic needs, and poverty was deep and pervasive. The distribution of household welfare was loosely examined within the context of the Malawi Poverty Reduction Strategy to guide government action in helping poor households improve their own well-being." -- Authors' Abstract
2020 Focus briefs on the world's poor and hungry people
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2007
2020 Vision Focus
Special Edition
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2007
2020 Vision Focus
Special Edition
Abstract | PDF
Assessing the world’s progress against poverty calls for frequent and careful measurements, using household surveys and price data. Fortunately, the task of measuring poverty is becoming easier, and the results are probably getting more accurate over time. The best data for assessing progress against poverty come from surveys of the living standards of nationally representative samples of households. In the past 25 years there has been enormous progress in designing, implementing, and processing such surveys for developing countries, thanks in large part to the efforts of national statistics agencies throughout the world and the support of the donor community and international development agencies. These data provide key information about global and regional progress in alleviating poverty.
IFPRI Malawi monthly maize market report, September 2022
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
September 2022
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
September 2022
Abstract | PDF (401.3 KB)
The Monthly Maize Market Report was developed by researchers at IFPRI Malawi with the goal of providing clear and
accurate information on the variation of maize prices in selected markets throughout Malawi. The reports are
intended as a resource for those interested in maize markets in Malawi, namely producers, traders, consumers, policy
makers, and other agricultural stakeholders.
accurate information on the variation of maize prices in selected markets throughout Malawi. The reports are
intended as a resource for those interested in maize markets in Malawi, namely producers, traders, consumers, policy
makers, and other agricultural stakeholders.
A 1998 Social Accounting Matrix for Malawi
Chulu, Osten; Wobst, Peter. Washington, DC 2001
TMD Discussion Paper
69
Chulu, Osten; Wobst, Peter. Washington, DC 2001
TMD Discussion Paper
69
Abstract | PDF
The last few years have seen a proliferation of attempts by various institutions to create a framework that would enable analysts to have a broad overview of all transactions in the Malawian economy. It was decided that 1998, the most recent year for which a comprehensive data set is available, would be the base year for the SAM. The National Statistical Office conducted a major household survey which provided information on budget shares, incomes and many other social-economic characteristics of households.
A CGE model for Malawi
Lofgren, Hans. Washington, DC 2001
TMD Discussion Paper
70
Lofgren, Hans. Washington, DC 2001
TMD Discussion Paper
70
Abstract | PDF
This paper provides a detailed documentation of an applied CGE model of Malawi – the first ever for Malawi – developed in the context of the project “Collaborative Research and Capacity Strengthening for Multi-Sector Policy Analysis in Malawi and Southern Africa.” The purpose of this paper is to serve as a source of background information for analysts using the model in the context of the current project and in the future. The model is built around a 1998 Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) for Malawi, which was developed in the context of the current project, is based on data from the 1998 Integrated Household Survey of Malawi.The main parts of the paper are a brief, self-contained summary of the model, and a detailed mathematical model statement, presented in a step-by-step fashion. The Appendices present a mathematical model statement in summary form and the 1998 Malawi SAM.
External shocks and domestic poverty alleviation
Lofgren, Hans; Chulu, Osten; Sichinga, Osky; Simtowe, Franklin; Tchale, Hardwick; Teska, Ralph; Wobst, Peter. Washington, DC 2001
TMD Discussion Paper
71
Lofgren, Hans; Chulu, Osten; Sichinga, Osky; Simtowe, Franklin; Tchale, Hardwick; Teska, Ralph; Wobst, Peter. Washington, DC 2001
TMD Discussion Paper
71
Abstract | PDF
Two sets of issues loom large on the economic horizon of Malawi: poverty alleviation and the country’s vulnerability to shocks emanating from the outside world. In this paper, simulations with a Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model of Malawi are used to analyze aspects of these issues. Two types of poverty-alleviating domestic policy shifts are simulated: a public works program and a land reform program. The public works program may function as an absorber of negative shocks elsewhere in the economy. The land reform program may introduce a structural change in the distribution of factor incomes in favor of the poor. The results for the simulated external shocks confirm that Malawi’s economy is highly sensitive to external shocks of the magnitudes that the country has experienced in recent years. The consequences are particularly negative for the non-agricultural population. A more diversified production and export structure would make Malawi less vulnerable to external price shocks and reduce the pressures that lead to sharp exchange rate fluctuations.
Targeting hunger or votes? The political economy of humanitarian transfers in Malawi
Duchoslav, Jan; Kenamu, Edwin; Thunde, Jack. Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Working Paper
39
Duchoslav, Jan; Kenamu, Edwin; Thunde, Jack. Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Working Paper
39
Abstract | PDF (488.1 KB)
Do electoral considerations play a role in the targeting of humanitarian transfers? We analyze the targeting of direct cash and food transfers distributed in Malawi in response to an exceptionally poor harvest following a late and erratic rainy season of 2015-16. Combining household survey data on transfers with a remotely sensed measure of drought and with the results of the 2014 and 2019 parliamentary elections, we show that transfers were disproportionately targeted at marginal constituencies. Rather than distributing the transfers based solely on need or mobilizing its tribal base, the government attempted to persuade swing voters to support its candidates in the next elections. We nd no evidence that this strategy was successful at increasing the vote of ruling party candidates in subsequent elections.
African commitments for agricultural development goals and milestones for Malawi
Chitiga, Margaret; Fofana, Ismaël; Diallo, Mariam Amadou;. Washington, DC 2020
AGRODEP Working Paper
45
Chitiga, Margaret; Fofana, Ismaël; Diallo, Mariam Amadou;. Washington, DC 2020
AGRODEP Working Paper
45
Abstract | PDF
Malawi is a signatory to the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and the 2014 Malabo Declaration on Accelerated Growth and Transformation for Shared Prosperity and Improved Livelihoods that commit the country to achieve a 6% annual agricultural growth rate, 10% agricultural expenditure share, ending hunger and halving poverty. Additionally, Malawi has signed the African Union Agenda 2063 and has committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A Results Framework is applied to address the CAADP/Malabo, SDGs and Agenda 2063 goals to translate Malawi’s agricultural development agenda into tangible outcomes. The framework utilizes an economy wide general equilibrium model and a microsimulation model which are linked in a sequential manner. The modelling results reveal that the Business as Usual (BaU) growth strategy is insufficient to meet the goals of the three agendas. Hence, other paths that might yield better results are investigated. The analysis then investigates the impacts of the prioritization of agriculture sub-sectors and commodities, and agricultural value-chain investment strategies. The results reveal that public investment-led productivity increase in agriculture contributes more to the number of jobs created and poverty headcount reduction, compared to industry and services. These investments are best financed by external financing, which has the highest impact, in terms of economic growth and socioeconomic outcomes, to meet the targets of the three commitments. Results further reveal that public investment-led productivity increase in crops is the most effective in meeting the commitments of the three agendas, followed by livestock, fishery then forestry in that order. This information is then used to design an accelerated agricultural investment strategy. Results from this scenario show that Malawi makes substantial progress in meeting the commitments of the three agendas and this allows to provide recommendations for a successful agricultural investment planning, design and implementation for the country.
Access to credit and its impact on welfare in Malawi
Diagne, Aliou; Zeller, Manfred. Washington, DC 2001
Research Report
116
Diagne, Aliou; Zeller, Manfred. Washington, DC 2001
Research Report
116
Abstract | PDF
Poor rural households in developing countries lack adequate access to credit. Many development professionals believe that this lack of credit has negative consequences for poor people’s agricultural productivity, food security, health, and overall household welfare. Improved access to credit, they argue, will help poor rural households engage in more productive income-generating activities both on and off the farm and raise their living standards. Community and member-based microfinance programs have thus enjoyed considerable political and financial support during the 1990s. Yet in Access to Credit and Its Impact on Welfare in Malawi, Aliou Diagne and Manfred Zeller argue that access to microcredit may not be an effective way of alleviating poverty if the necessary infrastructure and socioeconomic environment are lacking.
IFPRI Malawi monthly maize market report, August 2022
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
August 2022
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
August 2022
Abstract | PDF (458.8 KB)
The Monthly Maize Market Report was developed by researchers at IFPRI Malawi with the goal of providing clear and accurate information on the variation of maize prices in selected markets throughout Malawi. The reports are intended as a resource for those interested in maize markets in Malawi, namely producers, traders, consumers, policy makers, and other agricultural stakeholders.
Seasonality and smallholder market participation in Malawi: A baseline report
Van Campenhout, Bjorn; Nabwire, Leocardia. Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Report
September 2022
Van Campenhout, Bjorn; Nabwire, Leocardia. Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Report
September 2022
Abstract | PDF (1.7 MB)
Smallholder farmers in low and middle income countries often sell the bulk of their marketable surplus immediately after the harvest, when prices are at their lowest. As part of a field experiment that tests the effectiveness of both income and expenditure planning to nudge farmers into delaying sales of cash crops, we collected detailed information about market participation from a sample of about 3,500 semi-subsistence farmers in Malawi. In this report, we use this data to describe the situation at baseline, before the intervention was implemented. The focus is on three crops that are (also) important to obtain cash. We provide a detailed account of sales transactions in 2021 and also inquire about price expectations in the near future. We also provide suggestive evidence that prices obtained in the past influence price expectations.
Assessing impacts of declines in the world price of tobacco on China, Malawi, Turkey, and Zimbabwe
Diao, Xinshen; Robinson, Sherman; Thomas, Marcelle; Wobst, Peter. Washington, DC 2002
TMD Discussion Paper
91
Diao, Xinshen; Robinson, Sherman; Thomas, Marcelle; Wobst, Peter. Washington, DC 2002
TMD Discussion Paper
91
Abstract | PDF
This study quantitatively analyzes the general equilibrium effects of declines in world demand for tobacco products. The study finds that tobacco exports and production in the three developing countries, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Turkey, would be badly hit if world tobacco prices fall due to the decline in tobacco demand. Moreover, for a given decrease in the world tobacco price, the more important the tobacco sector is in an economy, the worse the tobacco sector is hit. Tobacco is quite important to the Malawian and Zimbabwean economies as tobacco production and trade accounted for, respectively, 17% and 43% of agricultural GDP and tobacco exports accounted for 50% and 35% of national exports in these two countries. The negative effects of a decline in world tobacco prices on the Malawian and Zimbabwean economies are much larger than that on the Turkish economy. In the case of China, tobacco production, marketing, cigarette processing, distribution, and foreign trade are strictly controlled by the government and tobacco trade accounted for a small share of production and consumption. Thus, the decline in the world tobacco prices would hardly affect China’s tobacco sector. The study shows that it is highly risky for a developing country to highly depend on exports of a single agricultural commodity. To reduce such risk, a country has to create a more diversified and flexible export structure.
IFPRI Perspectives: Thinking inside the boxes (Feature Article)
Washington, DC 2002
IFPRI Perspectives
Washington, DC 2002
IFPRI Perspectives
Dietary diversity as a food security indicator
Hoddinott, John F.; Yohannes, Yisehac. Washington, DC 2002
FCND Discussion Paper
136
Hoddinott, John F.; Yohannes, Yisehac. Washington, DC 2002
FCND Discussion Paper
136
Abstract | PDF
Household food security is an important measure of well-being. Although it may not encapsulate all dimensions of poverty, the inability of households to obtain access to enough food for an active, healthy life is surely an important component of their poverty. Accordingly, devising an appropriate measure of food security outcomes is useful in order to identify the food insecure, assess the severity of their food shortfall, characterize the nature of their insecurity (for example, seasonal versus chronic), predict who is most at risk of future hunger, monitor changes in circumstances, and assess the impact of interventions. However, obtaining detailed data on food security status—such as 24- hour recall data on caloric intakes—can be time consuming and expensive and require a high level of technical skill both in data collection and analysis. This paper examines whether an alternative indicator, dietary diversity, defined as the number of unique foods consumed over a given period of time, provides information on household food security. It draws on data from 10 countries (India, the Philippines, Mozambique, Mexico, Bangladesh, Egypt, Mali, Malawi, Ghana, and Kenya) that encompass both poor and middle-income countries, rural and urban sectors, data collected in different seasons, and data on calories acquisition obtained using two different methods. ....[D]ietary diversity would appear to show promise as a means of measuring food security and monitoring changes and impact, particularly when resources available for such measurement are scarce.
The impact of domestic and global trade liberalization on five Southern African countries
Wobst, Peter. Washington, DC 2002
TMD Discussion paper
92
Wobst, Peter. Washington, DC 2002
TMD Discussion paper
92
Abstract | PDF
We compare the impact of alternative domestic and global trade liberalization scenarios on five economies in Southern Africa. The study applies a computable general equilibrium model that employs standardised 12-sector social accounting matrices for Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The approach incorporates stylised features such as own-household consumption and marketing margins that are of particular importance when a majority of agricultural producers are not sufficiently integrated into formal markets and thus rely on own production to meet their daily diets. Hence, improved infrastructure implies lower marketing costs and better market integration, which translates to increased production opportunities. The comparison of the results across all five countries reveals that common policy measures have different impacts depending on the underlying economic structures.
Social learning, selection, and HIV infection
Yamauchi, Futoshi; Ueyama, Mika. Washington, DC 2008
IFPRI Discussion Paper
817
Yamauchi, Futoshi; Ueyama, Mika. Washington, DC 2008
IFPRI Discussion Paper
817
Abstract | PDF
"This paper examines social learning regarding HIV infection, using HIV test results and sibling death data from Malawi. In the analysis, we compare hypotheses on social learning, selection. and common factors. Empirical results show that young women are less likely to be HIV-infected if they observed prime-age deaths among their siblings, whereas HIV infection is found to be positively related to prime-age sibling deaths among older women. This supports the social-learning hypothesis. Notably, schooling reinforces the social-learning effect of sibling deaths on HIV infection in women regardless of age. The above findings are robust to age (cohort) effects and unobserved location factors." --from authors' abstract
Livestock, livestock products and fish, May 2022
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Price Bulletin
20b
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Price Bulletin
20b
Abstract | PDF
This price bulletin was developed by researchers at IFPRI Malawi with the goal of providing clear and accurate information on the weekly variation of retail prices for selected agricultural commodities that are important for food security and nutrition in Malawi. The reports are intended as a resource for those interested in agricultural markets and food security in Malawi.
Key facts series: Key facts sheet on inequality
Hami, Emmanuel. Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Key Facts
July 2022
Hami, Emmanuel. Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Key Facts
July 2022
Abstract | PDF
Across a wide range of inequality measures, survey data measure lower levels of inequality in 2019/20 compared to a decade earlier in 2010/11. The latest survey data put Malawi’s Gini Coefficient at 0.38. The 20% richest households consume about half of the country’s total consumption. The poorest 20% account for only 6% of total consumption. Differences between districts or regions are not the primary contributors to inequality. Differences across households within the same region or district contribute much more to total inequality. Similarly, there is significant inequality among households with heads of similar education levels and among those with similar occupations. These within-group differences contribute more to inequality than the across-group differences. In all the periods under analysis, urban households consumed around twice the consumption of their rural counterparts.
Selected legumes, roots & tubers and other cereals, May 2022
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Price Bulletin
20a
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Price Bulletin
20a
Abstract | PDF
This price bulletin was developed by researchers at IFPRI Malawi with the goal of providing clear and accurate information on the weekly variation of retail prices for selected agricultural commodities that are important for food security and nutrition in Malawi. The reports are intended as a resource for those interested in agricultural markets in Malawi.
Livestock, livestock products and fish, April 2022
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Price Bulletin
19b
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Price Bulletin
19b
Abstract | PDF (536.5 KB)
This price bulletin was developed by researchers at IFPRI Malawi with the goal of providing clear and accurate information on the weekly variation of retail prices for selected agricultural commodities that are important for food security and nutrition in Malawi. The reports are intended as a resource for those interested in agricultural markets and food security in Malawi.
IFPRI Malawi monthly maize market report, June 2022
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
June 2022
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
June 2022
Abstract | PDF
The Monthly Maize Market Report was developed by researchers at IFPRI Malawi with the goal of providing clear and accurate information on the variation of maize prices in selected markets throughout Malawi. The reports are intended as a resource for those interested in maize markets in Malawi, namely producers, traders, consumers, or other agricultural stakeholders.
Selected legumes, roots & tubers and other cereals, April 2022
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Price Bulletin
19a
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Price Bulletin
19a
Abstract | PDF
This price bulletin was developed by researchers at IFPRI Malawi with the goal of providing clear and accurate information on the weekly variation of retail prices for selected agricultural commodities that are important for food security and nutrition in Malawi. The reports are intended as a resource for those interested in agricultural markets in Malawi.
Measuring women's empowerment: Gender and time-use agency in Benin, Malawi and Nigeria
Eissler, Sarah; Heckert, Jessica; Myers, Emily; Seymour, Greg; Sinharoy, Sheela; Yount, Kathryn. 2022
Development and Change
53(5)
Eissler, Sarah; Heckert, Jessica; Myers, Emily; Seymour, Greg; Sinharoy, Sheela; Yount, Kathryn. 2022
Development and Change
53(5)
Abstract | View
Time use, or how women and men allocate their time, is an important element of empowerment processes. To extend this area of study, this article proposes and explores the concept of time-use agency, which shifts the focus from the amount of time individuals spend on activities to the strategic choices they make about how to allocate their time. It draws on 92 semi-structured interviews from three qualitative studies in Benin, Malawi and Nigeria to explore and compare the salience of time-use agency as a component of empowerment. The article finds that time-use agency is salient among women and men and dictates how they can make and act upon strategic decisions related to how they allocate their time. It also finds that time-use agency is tied to other dimensions of agency beyond decision making and ways of exerting influence in the household. Its findings highlight that women's capacity to exercise time-use agency is conditional on gendered power dynamics and other barriers within households, which together are reciprocally related to local gender norms that dictate how women should spend their time.
Innovations en matière de services financiers ruraux et agricoles
Kloeppinger-Todd, Renate; Sharma, Manohar. Washington, D.C. 2010
2020 Vision Focus
18
Kloeppinger-Todd, Renate; Sharma, Manohar. Washington, D.C. 2010
2020 Vision Focus
18
Abstract | PDF
La plupart des ménages ruraux n’ont pas accès à des financements fiables et abordables pour les activités agricoles et autres assurant leur subsistance. De nombreux petits exploitants vivent dans des zones reculées où les services bancaires aux particuliers sont limités et les risques de production élevés. Depuis la récente crise financière, l’octroi de crédit est soumis est encore plus restreint et le besoin de rechercher des approches innovantes de financement rural et agricole est de plus en plus pressant. Le présent ensemble de notes souligne clairement l’importance des réalités auxquelles se heurtent les petits exploitants agricoles, notamment de faibles niveaux d’instruction, la prédominance de l’agriculture de subsistance et le manque d’accès aux instruments financiers modernes. Étant donné la situation, des institutions à la fois nouvelles et novatrices sont indispensables pour atteindre les petits exploitants agricoles. L’émergence des technologies de la communication ouvre de nouvelles possibilités aux activités bancaires en milieu rural, en permettant de réduire les coûts commerciaux et les asymétries de l’information. De nouveaux instruments financiers, tels que des produits d’assurance et de micro-assurance basés sur des indices climatiques, ont également un fort potentiel de gestion des risques subis par les petits exploitants. De plus, le regroupement de services financiers avec d’autres services non financiers, tels que les services de commercialisation et de vulgarisation, offre aux petits exploitants de nouvelles possibilités d’augmenter leur productivité et leurs revenus. Enfin, la mise en place d’un environnement politique et d’un cadre juridique propices, l’application des règles et réglementations et une infrastructure rurale adaptée contribuent grandement à faire de l’accès durable à la finance une réalité.
Influence of agricultural extension services on technical efficiency of maize farmers in Malawi
Jolex, Aubrey. Lilongwe, Malawi 2022
African Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics
17(1)
Jolex, Aubrey. Lilongwe, Malawi 2022
African Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics
17(1)
Abstract | View
Recognising potential selection bias due to non-randomness of the data, this study used propensity score matching on data from a nationally representative fifth Integrated Household Survey (IHS5) to investigate the effect of agriculture extension services on the technical efficiency of maize farmers in Malawi. Technical efficiency levels were estimated using the stochastic frontier model. The results show that most farmers are technically efficient, with an average technical efficiency of 63%. This indicates that there is still a possibility to increase maize output by 37% using the same level of inputs. The results of the propensity score matching reveal that having access to agricultural extension services significantly increases maize farmers’ technical efficiency, by about 4%. This evidence presents an opportunity not only for farmers, but also for the relevant policymakers, to realise the potential of using agricultural extension services to enhance the production capacity of maize farmers.
Malawi: Impacts of the Ukraine and global crises on poverty and food security
Diao, Xinshen; Dorosh, Paul A.; Duchoslav, Jan; Pauw, Karl; Smart, Jenny; Thurlow, James. Washington, DC 2022
Global Crisis Country Brief
10
Diao, Xinshen; Dorosh, Paul A.; Duchoslav, Jan; Pauw, Karl; Smart, Jenny; Thurlow, James. Washington, DC 2022
Global Crisis Country Brief
10
Abstract | PDF (273.3 KB)
Global food, fuel, and fertilizer prices have risen rapidly in recent months, driven in large part by the fallout from the ongoing war in Ukraine and the sanctions imposed on Russia. Other factors, such as export bans, have also contributed to rising prices. Palm oil and wheat prices increased by 56 and 100 percent in real terms, respectively, between June 2021 and April 2022, with most of the in-crease occurring since February (Figure 1).
Are fertilizer subsidies in Malawi value for money?
De Weerdt, Joachim; Duchoslav, Jan. Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Policy Note
46
De Weerdt, Joachim; Duchoslav, Jan. Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Policy Note
46
Abstract | PDF (167.7 KB)
It is easy enough to calculate how much the Government of Malawi spends on subsidizing chemical fertilizer. Last year, for example, this was MWK 120 billion (about US$ 150 million) taking up over 50% of the agricultural budget. It is much harder, however, to calculate the benefits that these subsidies bring about and how they stack up against the costs. In this policy note, we combine multiple methods and sources of data to narrow down the range of possible benefit estimates, compare it to the cost of subsidies, and propose changes to current policies to make fertilizer subsidies more efficient and affordable.
Regulation of agricultural markets in Malawi
Duchoslav, Jan; Nyondo, Christone; Comstock, Andrew R.; Benson, Todd. Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Policy Note
45
Duchoslav, Jan; Nyondo, Christone; Comstock, Andrew R.; Benson, Todd. Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Policy Note
45
Abstract | PDF (101.4 KB)
Agriculture holds special significance in Malawi, because most Malawian households depend primarily on this sector for income and food security. Therefore, legislation surrounding the agricultural sector, and the foundation it lays for the sector’s governance, are fundamental to the development prospects of the country. At their best, agricultural laws encourage farmers, traders (both domestic and international), and processors of agricultural commodities to fully engage and further invest in the agricultural sector. At their worst, they undermine confidence to do so.
IFPRI Malawi monthly maize market report, May 2022
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
May 2022
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
May 2022
Abstract | PDF (344.9 KB)
The Monthly Maize Market Report was developed by researchers at IFPRI Malawi with the goal of providing clear and accurate information on the variation of maize prices in selected markets throughout Malawi. The reports are intended as a resource for those interested in maize markets in Malawi, namely producers, traders, consumers, or other agricultural stakeholders.
Poster on poverty in Malawi, 2019-2020
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
Abstract | PDF (2 MB)
The incidence of poverty at the district level is represented by the poverty headcount ratio, which shows the proportion of the population with consumption expenditures below the national poverty line (MWK 165,879 per person per year, in April 2019 prices). The size of each district represents the number of poor people. Each district is also shaded according to the size of its poverty gap. This is the additional consumption expenditure that it would take to bring an average poor person up to the poverty line, expressed as a shortfall from the poverty line. The map thus shows the depth of poverty throughout Malawi.
IFPRI key facts series: Key facts sheet on poverty
Banda, Chimwemwe; Duchoslav, Jan. Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Key Facts
May 2022
Banda, Chimwemwe; Duchoslav, Jan. Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Key Facts
May 2022
Abstract | PDF (2.4 MB)
This is the fourth in a series of Key Facts sheets that IFPRI is producing based on the Integrated Household Surveys (IHS). The purpose of the series is to present data relevant to key policy issues on agriculture, food systems, and development topics in Malawi. Other Key Facts Sheets are available on our website at massp.ifpri.info.
IFPRI key facts series: Key facts sheet on employment
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Key Facts
May 2022
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Key Facts
May 2022
Abstract | PDF (605.6 KB)
This is the third in a series of Key Facts sheets that IFPRI has produced based on the fifth Malawi Integrated Household Survey of 2019/20. The purpose of the series is to present data relevant to key policy issues on agriculture, food systems, and development topics in Malawi.
Scaling up radio and ICTs for enhanced extension delivery and development impact: Quantitative baseline report
Ragasa, Catherine; Carrillo, Lucia; Balakasi, Kelvin. Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Report
May 2022
Ragasa, Catherine; Carrillo, Lucia; Balakasi, Kelvin. Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Report
May 2022
Abstract | PDF (2.5 MB)
This report summarizes the baseline data that describe the rural population of five districts in Malawi targeted in the Scaling up Radio and ICTs for Enhanced Extension Delivery (SRIEED) II project that started in 2020 and ends in 2024. It also provides the impact evaluation strategy for the overall project as well as a causal impact evaluation of a major component of the project (impact ICT hubs).
Quarterly market report for animal products, January to March 2022
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Quarterly Market Report
6b
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Quarterly Market Report
6b
Abstract | PDF (362.4 KB)
This quarterly market report was developed by researchers at IFPRI Malawi with the goal of providing clear and accurate information on the variation of weekly and monthly retail prices of selected agricultural commodities that are important for food security and nutrition in Malawi. The reports are intended as a resource for those interested in agricultural markets in Malawi.
Quarterly market report for selected legumes, roots, tubers, and other cereals, January to March 2022
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Quarterly Market Report
6a
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Quarterly Market Report
6a
Abstract | PDF (271.4 KB)
This quarterly market report was developed by researchers at IFPRI Malawi with the goal of providing clear and accurate information on the variation of weekly and monthly retail prices of selected agricultural commodities that are important for food security and nutrition in Malawi. The reports are intended as a resource for those interested in agricultural markets in Malawi.
Role of interactive radio programming in advancing women’s and youth’s empowerment and dietary diversity: Mixed method evidence from Malawi
Ragasa, Catherine; Mzungu, Diston; Kalagho, Kenan; Kazembe, Cynthia. 2022
Food Security
14 (2022)
Ragasa, Catherine; Mzungu, Diston; Kalagho, Kenan; Kazembe, Cynthia. 2022
Food Security
14 (2022)
IFPRI Malawi monthly maize market report, April 2022
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
April 2022
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
April 2022
Abstract | PDF (437.2 KB)
The Monthly Maize Market Report was developed by researchers at IFPRI Malawi with the goal of providing clear and accurate information on the variation of maize prices in selected markets throughout Malawi. The reports are intended as a resource for those interested in maize markets in Malawi, namely producers, traders, consumers, or other agricultural stakeholders.
Livestock, livestock products and fish, March 2022
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Price Bulletin
18b
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Price Bulletin
18b
Abstract | PDF (283.3 KB)
This price bulletin was developed by researchers at IFPRI Malawi with the goal of providing clear and accurate information on the weekly variation of retail prices for selected agricultural commodities that are important for food security and nutrition in Malawi. The reports are intended as a resource for those interested in agricultural markets and food security in Malawi.
Selected legumes, roots & tubers and other cereals, March 2022
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Price Bulletin
18a
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Price Bulletin
18a
Abstract | PDF (228.5 KB)
This price bulletin was developed by researchers at IFPRI Malawi with the goal of providing clear and accurate information on the weekly variation of retail prices for selected agricultural commodities that are important for food security and nutrition in Malawi. The reports are intended as a resource for those interested in agricultural markets in Malawi.
IFPRI key facts series: Food and nutrition security
Banda, Chimwemwe. Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Key Facts
April 2022
Banda, Chimwemwe. Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Key Facts
April 2022
Abstract | PDF (425.3 KB)
This is a second Food and Nutrition Key Facts sheet in a series of Key Facts sheets that IFPRI is producing based on Integrated Household Surveys (IHS). The purpose of the series is to present data relevant to key policy issues on agriculture, food systems, and development topics in Malawi. Other Key Facts Sheets are available on our website at massp.ifpri.info.
Impacts of the war in Ukraine on Malawi
De Weerdt, Joachim; Duchoslav, Jan. Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Policy Note
44
De Weerdt, Joachim; Duchoslav, Jan. Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Policy Note
44
Abstract | PDF (442 KB)
Although geographically distant, there are multiple channels through which Russia’s invasion of Ukraine can affect the lives of Malawians. Before the invasion, Russia’s and Ukraine’s exports accounted for about 12% of total calories (Glauber and Laborde, 2022) traded in the world, and the two countries were among the top five global exporters for many important cereals and oilseeds, including wheat, barley, sunflowers and maize (Figure 1). Ukraine is also an important source of sunflower seed oil, supplying about 50% of the global market. These exports have now largely seized as a result of war-related disruptions to production and logistics as well as economic sanctions on Russia and Belarus, its ally. This shock reduction of supply is driving up food commodity prices worldwide and will continue to do so while the current situation persists. The ongoing fighting has already disrupted the planting of barley and will soon disrupt the planting of maize, wheat, and oilseeds. The choke on global supply will thus continue for months (if not years) to come.
IFPRI Malawi monthly maize market report, March 2022
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
March 2022
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
March 2022
Abstract | PDF (436.8 KB)
The Monthly Maize Market Report was developed by researchers at IFPRI Malawi with the goal of providing clear and accurate information on the variation of maize prices in selected markets throughout Malawi. The reports are intended as a resource for those interested in maize markets in Malawi, namely producers, traders, consumers, or other agricultural stakeholders.
Resilience in the Malawi agri-food system amid the COVID-19 crisis: Evidence from a 2021 nationally representative household survey
Ragasa, Catherine; Balakasi, Kelvin; Carrillo, Lucia. Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Project Note
March 2022
Ragasa, Catherine; Balakasi, Kelvin; Carrillo, Lucia. Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Project Note
March 2022
Abstract | PDF (766.8 KB)
This report provides a farm-level analysis of the effects of the COVID-19 crisis, 12–15 months in, using a nationally representative rural household survey conducted in June–July 2021. We draw three major observations from the survey. First, farming activities, access to inputs and extension services, production, and sales were largely unaffected by the crisis. There were temporary challenges in accessing inputs during lockdown and mobility restrictions, and input prices and transportation costs increased; however, production and sales volume and value were largely unaffected. Second, although farming was not affected, other nonfarm livelihoods of a large proportion of farmers were negatively affected because of lower demand and fewer buyers. Eighty-two percent of rural households were engaged in various nonfarm livelihoods, and 32 percent reported negative impacts of the crisis on their nonfarm incomes. Third, direct responses from sample households indicate no negative impacts of the crisis on food access and food consumption by most rural households. Comparisons between 2018 and 2021 of various food security indicators show improvements in food access and dietary diversity. Improvements are likely attributable to better harvests overall and greater awareness of the need to eat healthy and nutritious foods to combat COVID-19 and other diseases. Results show overall resilience of rural households and the agriculture sector amid the COVID-19 crisis. Nonetheless, the survey was conducted right after harvest, and the situation needs to be monitored during the lean season.
Plant different, eat different? Insights from participatory agricultural research
Azzarri, Carlo; Haile, Beliyou; Letta, Marco. 2022
PLoS ONE
17(3)
Azzarri, Carlo; Haile, Beliyou; Letta, Marco. 2022
PLoS ONE
17(3)
Abstract | View
We examine the association between on-farm production diversity on household dietary diversity in Malawi using microdata collected as part of an environmentally sustainable agricultural intensification program. The program primarily focuses on the integration of legumes into the cropping system through maize-legume intercropping and legume-legume intercropping. Relative to staple cereals such as maize, legumes are rich in micronutrients, contain better-quality protein, and lead to nitrogen fixation. Given the systematic difference we document between program beneficiaries and randomly sampled non-beneficiary (control) households, we employ causal instrumental variables mediation analysis to account for non-random selection and possible simultaneity between production and consumption decisions. We find a significant positive treatment effect on dietary diversity, led by an increase in production diversity. Analysis of potential pathways show that effects on dietary diversity stem mostly from consumption of diverse food items purchased from the market made possible through higher agricultural income. These findings highlight that, while increasing production for markets can enhance dietary diversity through higher income that would make affordable an expanded set of food items, the production of more nutritious crops such as pulses may not necessarily translate into greater own consumption. This may be due to the persistence of dietary habits, tastes, or other local factors that favor consumption of staples such as maize and encourage sales of more profitable and nutritious food items such as pulses. Pulses are a more affordable and environmentally sustainable source of protein than animal source food, and efforts should be made to enhance their nutritional awareness and contribution to sustainable food systems and healthier diets.
Household livelihood diversification in rural Africa
Musumba, Mark; Palm, Cheryl A.; Komarek, Adam M.; Mutuo, Patrick K.; Kaya, Bocary. 2022
Agricultural Economics
53(2)
Musumba, Mark; Palm, Cheryl A.; Komarek, Adam M.; Mutuo, Patrick K.; Kaya, Bocary. 2022
Agricultural Economics
53(2)
Abstract | View
Diversification is a common livelihood strategy for rural households in developing countries, with diversification being either a choice or necessity depending on individual household contexts. Using two waves of data (from 2009 and 2011) for 1773 households from eight countries in sub-Saharan Africa, we examined livelihood diversification and its drivers. We examined livelihood diversification by considering household involvement in three livelihood activities: crop, livestock, and non-farm. Results indicated that 40% of households conducted all three livelihood activities, but there was heterogeneity in diversity levels. We used a correlated random effects model to identify the factors that pushed or pulled households to diversify their activities. Access to non-agricultural credit was positively associated with livelihood diversity as it can catalyze involvement in non-farm activities. Drought had a negative effect on livelihood diversity. Area of crop land had a positive effect on the number of livelihood activities conducted. We found that 53% of households added or removed at least one livelihood activity between 2009 and 2011, and the addition of non-farm activities was the most common change. Our results demonstrated the dynamic nature of livelihoods and importance of shocks (such as drought) and resource endowments (land) in understanding household livelihood diversification.
Selected legumes, roots & tubers and other cereals, February 2022
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Price Bulletin
17a
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Price Bulletin
17a
Abstract | PDF (213.2 KB)
This price bulletin was developed by researchers at IFPRI Malawi with the goal of providing clear and accurate information on the weekly variation of retail prices for selected agricultural commodities that are important for food security and nutrition in Malawi. The reports are intended as a resource for those interested in agricultural markets in Malawi.
Livestock, livestock products and fish, February 2022
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Price Bulletin
17b
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Price Bulletin
17b
Abstract | PDF (279.8 KB)
This price bulletin was developed by researchers at IFPRI Malawi with the goal of providing clear and accurate information on the weekly variation of retail prices for selected agricultural commodities that are important for food security and nutrition in Malawi. The reports are intended as a resource for those interested in agricultural markets and food security in Malawi.
Genebanks and market participation: Evidence from groundnut farmers in Malawi
Tabe-Ojong, Martin Paul Jr.; Smale, Melinda; Jamora, Nelissa; Azevedo, Vania. 2022
CABI Agriculture and Bioscience
3
Tabe-Ojong, Martin Paul Jr.; Smale, Melinda; Jamora, Nelissa; Azevedo, Vania. 2022
CABI Agriculture and Bioscience
3
Abstract | View
Background: Genebanks contribute to poverty reduction as well as food and nutritional security by being one of the main sources of diversity for the development of improved crop varieties. While the welfare implications of adopting improved varieties have been documented in many rural settings, little attention has been placed on genebanks that often supply key traits and genetic diversity to plant breeders by providing seed samples. In this study, we examined the contribution of the genebank housed by the International Crops Research Institute (ICRISAT) to the development of improved groundnut varieties used by farmers in Malawi. We then related this apportioned genebank contribution to market outcomes, such as market participation and the quantity of groundnut sold in markets.
Methods: Pedigree data obtained through consultations with genebank scientists and breeders were used in combination with a three-wave balanced household-level panel dataset of 447 smallholder farmers in Malawi. Different econometric techniques were used, including a double hurdle model to understand market participation and quantity of groundnuts sold.
Results: We found households to be using six improved groundnut varieties, four of which were traced to the ICRISAT genebank. We analyzed pedigrees of the varieties and apportioned the ancestral contribution of the genebank accessions. Linking the improved varieties grown by farmers with genebank ancestry to market outcomes, we observed a positive association between the ICRISAT genebank and market participation. We could not establish a robust effect on the quantity of groundnuts sold conditional on participation. We found the results to be driven by the area under improved groundnuts.
Conclusion: The ICRISAT genebank has provided accessions that confer useful traits to improved varieties of groundnut adopted by farmers in Malawi. Our analysis indicates that access to genetic resources from genebanks has resulted in the development of improved varieties with traits that are preferred by farmers such as higher yields and resistance to diseases. The adoption of these improved varieties led to increased production surplus and reduced transaction costs, allowing farmers to better participate in local groundnut markets. The study points to the crucial role of genebanks as important sources of crop diversity for improved food security and incomes of smallholder farmers.
Methods: Pedigree data obtained through consultations with genebank scientists and breeders were used in combination with a three-wave balanced household-level panel dataset of 447 smallholder farmers in Malawi. Different econometric techniques were used, including a double hurdle model to understand market participation and quantity of groundnuts sold.
Results: We found households to be using six improved groundnut varieties, four of which were traced to the ICRISAT genebank. We analyzed pedigrees of the varieties and apportioned the ancestral contribution of the genebank accessions. Linking the improved varieties grown by farmers with genebank ancestry to market outcomes, we observed a positive association between the ICRISAT genebank and market participation. We could not establish a robust effect on the quantity of groundnuts sold conditional on participation. We found the results to be driven by the area under improved groundnuts.
Conclusion: The ICRISAT genebank has provided accessions that confer useful traits to improved varieties of groundnut adopted by farmers in Malawi. Our analysis indicates that access to genetic resources from genebanks has resulted in the development of improved varieties with traits that are preferred by farmers such as higher yields and resistance to diseases. The adoption of these improved varieties led to increased production surplus and reduced transaction costs, allowing farmers to better participate in local groundnut markets. The study points to the crucial role of genebanks as important sources of crop diversity for improved food security and incomes of smallholder farmers.
IFPRI Malawi monthly maize market report, February 2022
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
February 2022
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
February 2022
Abstract | PDF (364.6 KB)
The Monthly Maize Market Report was developed by researchers at IFPRI Malawi with the goal of providing clear and accurate information on the variation of maize prices in selected markets throughout Malawi. The reports are intended as a resource for those interested in maize markets in Malawi, namely producers, traders, consumers, or other agricultural stakeholders.
Farmers' perspective on the implementation of the affordable inputs programme: Insights from nationally representative household and community surveys
Ragasa, Catherine; Carrillo, Lucia; Balakasi, Kelvin. Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Project Note
March 2022
Ragasa, Catherine; Carrillo, Lucia; Balakasi, Kelvin. Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Project Note
March 2022
Abstract | PDF (653.7 KB)
This note provides an assessment of the first year of implementation of the Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP) from the perspective of rural households and communities in Malawi. The data come from a nationally representative panel survey of 2,449 rural households in 299 communities. At the household level, users of inorganic fertilizer, the amount applied per farmer, and productivity and production all increased in the 2020/21 cropping season compared to the 2015/16 and 2017/18 seasons. Almost all sampled communities reported more positive experiences with AIP than with the previous Farm Input Subsidy Programme (FISP), mainly because of the expanded coverage and greater number of beneficiaries. However, farmers reported major challenges in the computerized system (or network) for verifying beneficiaries, limited number of selling points, and limited and late supply of inputs, causing congestion and different forms of corruption and harassment in the selling points. The network, number of selling depots, procurement processes, input-provider selection processes, and governance must improve for more farming households to realize benefits from AIP. Further, AIP must be accompanied in the long term by better soil management practices.
The effect of ICT use on the profitability of young agripreneurs in Malawi
Jolex, Aubrey; Tufa, Adane. 2022
Sustainability
14(5)
Jolex, Aubrey; Tufa, Adane. 2022
Sustainability
14(5)
Abstract | View
The agricultural sector’s significant position in an economy and high potential benefits of agricultural transformation give developing countries major opportunities, especially for youth, to commercially start an agricultural enterprise. Increasing youth engagement in agriculture is fundamental for sustainably transforming agriculture and reducing youth unemployment. In achieving this, information and communication technologies hold great potential. Harnessing youth agribusiness opportunities through the use of ICT and its innovations are key to increasing profitability and providing employment. The study assesses the effect of the intensity of ICT use on profit using data collected from 317 young agripreneurs and an ordered logit model. The results show that profitability increases with the number of ICT tools used to receive and disseminate information relevant to agribusinesses. Therefore, relevant stakeholders should strive towards the implementation of programs that increase the number of ICT tools that can be used in agribusinesses.
Selected legumes, roots & tubers and other cereals, January 2022
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Price Bulletin
16a
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Price Bulletin
16a
Abstract | PDF (214.7 KB)
This price bulletin was developed by researchers at IFPRI Malawi with the goal of providing clear and accurate information on the weekly variation of retail prices for selected agricultural commodities that are important for food security and nutrition in Malawi. The reports are intended as a resource for those interested in agricultural markets in Malawi.
Livestock, livestock products and fish, January 2022
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Price Bulletin
16b
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Price Bulletin
16b
Abstract | PDF (270.2 KB)
This price bulletin was developed by researchers at IFPRI Malawi with the goal of providing clear and accurate information on the weekly variation of retail prices for selected agricultural commodities that are important for food security and nutrition in Malawi. The reports are intended as a resource for those interested in agricultural markets and food security in Malawi.
Selected country experiences during the pandemic: Policy responses and CGIAR support
Andam, Kwaw S.; Ezekannagha, Oluchi. Washington, DC 2022
COVID-19 and global food security: Two years later
Andam, Kwaw S.; Ezekannagha, Oluchi. Washington, DC 2022
COVID-19 and global food security: Two years later
Abstract | PDF (185.2 KB)
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, CGIAR pivoted its research planning to better support countries as they responded to the crisis. Despite the unprecedented, highly disruptive nature of the pandemic, CGIAR’s collaborative country work has enhanced engagement across the agrifood sector, leveraged existing capacities, and improved awareness of vulnerabilities within value chains. The insights gained from this experience may ultimately prove useful in addressing other longstanding challenges as well. In this chapter, we recount selected country experiences during the pandemic and the response of the international agricultural research system to support these countries. In the section on country experiences, we draw from IFPRI’s COVID-19 Policy Response Portal (CPR) to focus on lockdown policies in Bangladesh, Kenya, and Nigeria. We describe the steps taken by governments in these countries to address challenges in the agrifood sector and provide social protection to the vulnerable.
Mismeasurement and efficiency estimates: Evidence from smallholder survey data in Africa
Abay, Kibrom A.; Wossen, Tesfamicheal; Chamberlin, Jordan. Washington, DC 2022
IFPRI Discussion Paper
2105
Abay, Kibrom A.; Wossen, Tesfamicheal; Chamberlin, Jordan. Washington, DC 2022
IFPRI Discussion Paper
2105
Abstract | PDF (756.1 KB)
Smallholder agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa is commonly characterized by high levels of technical inefficiency. However, much of this characterization relies on self-reported input and production data, which are prone to systematic measurement error. We theoretically show that non-classical measurement error introduces multiple identification challenges and sources of bias in estimating smallholders’ technical inefficiency. We then empirically examine the implications of measurement error for the estimation of technical inefficiency using smallholder farm survey data from Ethiopia, Malawi, Nigeria, and Tanzania. We find that measurement error in agricultural input and production data leads to a substantial upward bias in technical inefficiency estimates (by up to 85 percent for some farmers). Our results suggest that existing estimates of technical efficiency in sub-Saharan Africa may be severe underestimates of smallholders’ actual efficiency and what is commonly attributed to farmer inefficiency may be an artifact of mismeasurement in agricultural data. Our results raise questions about the received wisdom on African smallholders’ production efficiency and prior estimates of the productivity of agricultural inputs. Improving the measurement of agricultural data can improve our understanding of smallholders’ production efficiencies and improve the targeting of productivity-enhancing technologies.
IFPRI Malawi monthly maize market report, January 2022
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
January 2022
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Monthly Maize Market Report
January 2022
Abstract | PDF (429.1 KB)
The Monthly Maize Market Report was developed by researchers at IFPRI Malawi with the goal of providing clear and accurate information on the variation of maize prices in selected markets throughout Malawi. The reports are intended as a resource for those interested in maize markets in Malawi, namely producers, traders, consumers, or other agricultural stakeholders.
Policy options for smart subsidies in Malawi
Chadza, William; Duchoslav, Jan. Lilongwe, Malawi 2022
MwAPATA Policy Research Brief
13
Chadza, William; Duchoslav, Jan. Lilongwe, Malawi 2022
MwAPATA Policy Research Brief
13
Abstract | View
Input subsidy programs, through which farmers receive fertilizer (and in some cases seed) at below-market prices, were popular in many African countries in the post-independence era. They were largely phased out during the 1990s, however, because the emerging consensus at that time was that they only weakly contributed to agricultural productivity growth, food security, and poverty reduction goals and imposed major burdens on national treasuries that crowded out other important public expenditures to support agricultural development.
Guiding principles of AIP reform
De Weerdt, Joachim; Duchoslav, Jan. Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Policy Note
43
De Weerdt, Joachim; Duchoslav, Jan. Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Policy Note
43
Abstract | PDF (397.3 KB)
Malawi’s Affordable Inputs Program (AIP) currently combines an economic and a social objective, respectively: (i) increasing agricultural production; and (ii) assisting poor farming households.
IFPRI key facts series: Key facts sheet on agricultural commercialization
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Key Facts
January 2022
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2022
MaSSP Key Facts
January 2022
Abstract | PDF (475.9 KB)
Four out of five Malawian households engage in some crop production. Rural households are most likely to farm – nine out of ten do so. However, even in towns and cities, almost one-third of urban households engage in some farming. However, only 60 percent of households engaged in farming reported selling any of what they harvested – while almost 70 percent of farming households in the Central region sell some of their harvest, just under 60 percent in the Northern region and 45 percent in the Southern region do so. The commercial importance of the crops produced by farming households differ: Maize, sorghum, finger millet, pearl millet, and cassava predominantly are grown for own consumption. Soyabean, tobacco, cotton, and Irish potato are produced primarily for sale. Rice, groundnut, pigeonpea, bean/cowpea, and sweet potato are all important for subsistence, while also sold. Trends are seen of increased shares of farming households both producing and selling several of these crops. Farming households in the Southern region are much less likely to sell the maize they produce than households in the other two regions. A slightly greater share of the maize consumed by Malawian households is purchased rather than own-produced. While this is the case for urban households, as expected, it also holds for rural households. Greatest reliance on the market for maize by rural households occurs in the months up to January. For the period October 1999 to February 2020, about 70 percent of all maize consumed by Malawian households, whether in rural communities or in urban centers, was obtained from the market.
Identifying evidence and knowledge gaps for designing development interventions: Process lessons from Titukulane in Malawi
Babu, Suresh Chandra. Lilongwe, Malawi 2020
Babu, Suresh Chandra. Lilongwe, Malawi 2020
Abstract | View
Programs must tailor their interventions to fit the needs and contexts of program participants to achieve maximum success, even if those interventions are based on previously successful approaches and models. Tailoring interventions requires a comprehensive understanding of socio-economic, cultural and geographic circumstances for program participants, including vulnerable women, men, youth, and the elderly. Usually much of this information, also known as evidence and knowledge gaps (EKGs), is missing, and the program conducts multiple studies and assessments to fill these EKGs.
Ethical reviews for refinement studies: A case study from Titukulane in Malawi
Babu, Suresh Chandra. Lilongwe, Malawi 2021
Babu, Suresh Chandra. Lilongwe, Malawi 2021
Abstract | View
Human rights violation while researching human participants, especially in the biomedical field, and later in social and behavioral science has mandated ethical review of research. Simultaneously, digital privacy breeches and sharing of biometric data is a widespread problem. This has led to the establishment of Institutional Review Boards or similar Ethical Review Boards, which have a significant role in protecting the rights of human participants by holding the researcher accountable. So, in this learning note, we will examine the need, standards, and process of ethical review, particularly for refinement studies, by using the refinement phase of the USIAD funded Titukulane Development Food Security Activity. Using this case study, we will also explain the process Titukulane used to choose which studies needed to be approved by the Institutional Review Board and which did not.
A case study analysis of extension service provision in Malawi
Lamm, Kevan W.; Masambuka-Kanchewa, Fallys; Lamm, Alexa J.; Davis, Kristin E.; Nahdy, Silim; Oyugi, Millicent A.. 2021
African Journal of Agricultural Research
17(11)
Lamm, Kevan W.; Masambuka-Kanchewa, Fallys; Lamm, Alexa J.; Davis, Kristin E.; Nahdy, Silim; Oyugi, Millicent A.. 2021
African Journal of Agricultural Research
17(11)
Abstract | View
Evidence suggests that a lack of extension agents impedes the effective delivery of agricultural extension services in Malawi and many other developing nations. The purpose of this study was to examine the initiatives taken by the Malawi Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services Delivery (MaFAAS) to address the extension shortage. The research questions were addressed using a qualitative case study approach. MaFAAS and other partners launched an initiative to teach youth from local communities, particularly in rural regions, in agricultural extension so that they can serve their communities in positions comparable to extension agents. The effort resulted in the hiring of 427 extension agents to serve in their areas. While recruiting extension agents alone will not address the problem immediately, it is a start. The beneficial consequences of the Malawian organizations' partnership give an opportunity and potential paradigm for addressing the extension shortfall and difficulties farmers confront in Malawi and beyond.
Rural labor and long recall loss
Ambler, Kate; Herskowitz, Sylvan; Maredia, Mywish K.. 2021
Michigan State University Staff Paper Series
2021-001
Ambler, Kate; Herskowitz, Sylvan; Maredia, Mywish K.. 2021
Michigan State University Staff Paper Series
2021-001
Abstract | View
Commonly used data collection practices use annual recall to capture individuals’ labor activities over a year. However, long recall periods are likely to suffer from distortions and loss, particularly when work patterns are seasonal and informal. In a panel of rural households in Malawi, we use a survey experiment to test the effect of using long recall periods on the reported number of labor activities, labor supply, and types of work relative to those resulting from a set of shorter, quarterly interviews. We document large losses from the longer recall window, particularly on the extensive margin of labor supply with reductions of over 20%. These losses are greatest for periods furthest from the last survey round and are especially large among individuals whose labor supply is being reported for them, reaching as high as 50% losses for some outcomes. The composition of households’ primary respondents, predominantly male and older, as well as differential effects by age both suggest that use of long recall may lead to meaningful biases by both age and gender in resulting data.
Details
Details
Smart subsidies for sustainable soils: Evidence from a randomized controlled trial in southern Malawi
Ward, Patrick S.; Mapemba, Lawrence; Bell, Andrew R.. 2021
Journal of Environmental Economics and Management
110(October 2021)
Ward, Patrick S.; Mapemba, Lawrence; Bell, Andrew R.. 2021
Journal of Environmental Economics and Management
110(October 2021)
Abstract | View
Conventional agricultural practices – especially conventional tillage – are a major driver of soil erosion globally. While soil may not frequently considered a vulnerable natural resource, the erosion and degradation of soils poses a serious threat to food production and the production of numerous otherin situ andex situ ecosystem services. This study provides some of the first evidence on the effectiveness of a payments for ecosystem services (PES) program to encourage the adoption of soil conservation practices, specifically conservation agriculture (CA). Through minimized soil disturbance, permanent soil cover, and diversified crop mix, CA is believed to enhance soil fertility and rehabilitate soil structure, with the resulting preservation of ecosystem service flows. By providing calibrated financial incentives, we demonstrate that it is possible to substantially increase the extent and intensity of CA adoption. What’s more, we show that a novel incentive mechanisms that leverages social networks for the consolidation of fragmented land may be more effective at bringing more land under conservation objectives, even if some of the additional land does not officially fall under the purview of the PES program. We also demonstrate that some of the supposed weaknesses hindering the adoption of CA – lower yields in the short-run and higher expenditures on weed control – were not necessarily obstacles in our study area, perhaps suggesting that the provision of subsidies need not continue into perpetuity, but may only be needed to overcome short-term transition costs.
Smart subsidies for sustainable soils: Evidence from a randomized controlled trial in southern Malawi
Ward, Patrick S.; Mapemba, Lawrence; Bell, Andrew R.. 2021
Ward, Patrick S.; Mapemba, Lawrence; Bell, Andrew R.. 2021
Abstract | View
Conventional agricultural practices – especially conventional tillage – are a major driver of soil erosion globally. While soil may not frequently be considered a vulnerable natural resource, the erosion and degradation of soils poses a serious threat to food production and the production of numerous otherin situ andex situ ecosystem services. This study provides some of the first evidence on the effectiveness of a payments for ecosystem services (PES) program to encourage the adoption of soil conservation practices, specifically conservation agriculture (CA). Through minimized soil disturbance, permanent soil cover, and diversified crop mix, CA is believed to enhance soil fertility and rehabilitate soil structure, with the resulting preservation of ecosystem service flows. By providing calibrated financial incentives, we demonstrate that it is possible to substantially increase the extent and intensity of CA adoption. What’s more, we show that a novel incentive mechanisms that leverages social networks for the consolidation of fragmented land may be more effective at bringing more land under conservation objectives, even if some of the additional land does not officially fall under the purview of the PES program. We also demonstrate that some of the supposed weaknesses hindering the adoption of CA – lower yields in the short-run and higher expenditures on weed control – were not necessarily obstacles in our study area, perhaps suggesting that the provision of subsidies need not continue into perpetuity, but may only be needed to overcome short-term transition costs.
Women’s empowerment and gender equality in agricultural value chains: Evidence from four countries in Asia and Africa
Quisumbing, Agnes R.; Heckert, Jessica; Faas, Simone; Ramani, Gayathri V.; Raghunathan, Kalyani; Malapit, Hazel J.; The pro-WEAI for Market Inclusion Study Team. 2021
Food Security
13
Quisumbing, Agnes R.; Heckert, Jessica; Faas, Simone; Ramani, Gayathri V.; Raghunathan, Kalyani; Malapit, Hazel J.; The pro-WEAI for Market Inclusion Study Team. 2021
Food Security
13
Abstract | View
Women play important roles at different nodes of both agricultural and off-farm value chains, but in many countries their contributions are either underestimated or limited by prevailing societal norms or gender-specific barriers. We use primary data collected in Asia (Bangladesh, Philippines) and Africa (Benin, Malawi) to examine the relationships between women’s empowerment, gender equality, and participation in a variety of local agricultural value chains that comprise the food system. We find that the value chain and the specific node of engagement matter, as do other individual and household characteristics, but in different ways depending on country context. Entrepreneurship—often engaged in by wealthier households with greater ability to take risks—is not necessarily empowering for women; nor is household wealth, as proxied by their asset ownership. Increased involvement in the market is not necessarily correlated with greater gender equality. Education is positively correlated with higher empowerment of both men and women, but the strength of this association varies. Training and extension services are generally positively associated with empowerment but could also exacerbate the inequality in empowerment between men and women in the same household. All in all, culture and context determine whether participation in value chains—and which node of the value chain—is empowering. In designing food systems interventions, care should be taken to consider the social and cultural contexts in which these food systems operate, so that interventions do not exacerbate existing gender inequalities.
Economic evaluation of an early childhood development center–based agriculture and nutrition intervention in Malawi
Gelli, Aulo; Kemp, C. G.; Margolies, Amy; Twalibu, Aisha; Katundu, Mangani; Levin, Carol E.. 2022
Food Security
14
Gelli, Aulo; Kemp, C. G.; Margolies, Amy; Twalibu, Aisha; Katundu, Mangani; Levin, Carol E.. 2022
Food Security
14
Abstract | View
Malnutrition is a leading cause of death and disability among children in low-income countries. Nutrition-sensitive interventions show promise in increasing food access and improving diets. There are possible synergies of integrating these programs with other sectors, improving effectiveness by leveraging resources. However, economic evaluations of these multi-sectoral programs are limited. We aimed to estimate the cost efficiency, cost-effectiveness, benefit-cost ratio, and net benefit of using community-based early childhood development (ECD) centers as platforms for an intervention promoting agricultural production and nutrition among households with young children in Malawi. The intervention was costed using bottom-up micro-costing and top-down expenditure analysis with a societal perspective and a 12-month horizon. Effectiveness estimates were derived from a cluster-randomized control trial. Premature deaths and stunting cases averted were estimated using the Lived Saved Tool. We calculated DALYs averted, and the value of three benefits streams resulting from reductions in premature mortality, increases in lifetime productivity and household agricultural productivity. We transferred the US value of a statistical life (VSL) to Malawi using an income elasticity of 1.5, and a 10% discount rate. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis was conducted using a Monte Carlo model. The intervention cost $197,377, reaching 4,806 beneficiaries at $41 per beneficiary, $595 per case of stunting, $18,310 per death, and $516 per DALY averted. Net benefit estimates ranged from $507,589 to $4,678,258, and benefit-cost ratios from 3.57 to 24.70. Sensitivity analyses confirmed a positive return on investment. Implementing agriculture-nutrition interventions through ECD platforms may be an efficient use of resources in Malawi and similar contexts.
Follow the leader? A field experiment on social influence
Ambler, Kate; Godlonton, Susan; Recalde, Maria P.. 2021
Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization
188(August 2021)
Ambler, Kate; Godlonton, Susan; Recalde, Maria P.. 2021
Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization
188(August 2021)
Abstract | View
We conduct an artefactual field experiment in endogenously formed groups in rural Malawi to investigate social influence in risk taking. Treatments vary whether individuals observe the behavior of a formally elected leader, an external leader, or a random peer. Results show social influence in risk taking with differential influence by leader type. The decisions made by peers are most influential, followed by those made by formal leaders, and then external leaders. Exploratory analysis suggests that participants follow peers because they extract information from their choices and share risks with them; while other forms of social utility are gained from following the example of leaders.
Soil health and grain yield impacts of climate resilient agriculture projects: Evidence from southern Malawi
Amadu, Festus O.; McNamara, Paul E.; Davis, Kristin E.. 2021
Agricultural Systems
193(October 2021)
Amadu, Festus O.; McNamara, Paul E.; Davis, Kristin E.. 2021
Agricultural Systems
193(October 2021)
Earned and unearned income: Experimental evidence on expenditures and labor supply in Malawi
Ambler, Kate; Godlonton, Susan. 2021
Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization
187(July 2021)
Ambler, Kate; Godlonton, Susan. 2021
Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization
187(July 2021)
Abstract | View
Though the differential impacts of earned and unearned income have long been of interest to economists and policymakers, the study of this question is often conflated by other differences between the income streams. We conduct a field experiment in Malawi in which we examine the differential short-term effect of earned and unearned income on the allocation of expenditures and labor supply, holding all other factors constant. All participants receive an equal size cash payment and make the same time investment; half are required to work, and half are not. Our main finding is that the work requirement results in a reallocation of labor supply away from household work in the very short term. Conversely, there is no evidence that the allocation of expenditures across categories is affected.
When communities pull their weight: The economic costs of an integrated agriculture and nutrition home-grown preschool meal intervention in Malawi
Margolies, Amy; Gelli, Aulo; Daryanani, Roshan; Twalibu, Aisha; Levin, Carol. 2021
Food and Nutrition Bulletin
42(1)
Margolies, Amy; Gelli, Aulo; Daryanani, Roshan; Twalibu, Aisha; Levin, Carol. 2021
Food and Nutrition Bulletin
42(1)
Malawi’s slowly changing employment landscape and its implications for youth
Benson, Todd; Baulch, Bob; Lifeyo, Yanjanani; Mkweta, Priscilla. 2022
Development Southern Africa
39(6)
Benson, Todd; Baulch, Bob; Lifeyo, Yanjanani; Mkweta, Priscilla. 2022
Development Southern Africa
39(6)
Responding to COVID-19: Learning from program adaptation in Malawi
Kumchulesi, Grace. Lilongwe, Malawi 2021
Kumchulesi, Grace. Lilongwe, Malawi 2021
Abstract | View
This learning brief captures the experience of a large Resilience Food Security Activity, USAID – Titukulane, in responding to COVID-19 in Malawi. The brief includes challenges associated with the response and how Titukulane will adapt to unforeseeable shocks in its programming and implementation based on learning from the COVID-19 response.
Conservation agriculture improves adaptive capacity of cropping systems to climate stress in Malawi
Komarek, Adam M.; Thierfelder, Christian; Steward, Peter R.. 2021
Agricultural Systems
190(May 2021)
Komarek, Adam M.; Thierfelder, Christian; Steward, Peter R.. 2021
Agricultural Systems
190(May 2021)
Abstract | View
Adaptation to climate stress is an unprecedented challenge facing cropping systems. Most adaptation assessments focus on how adaptation options affect yields of a single crop under different weather or climate conditions. Yet, cropping systems often comprise more than one crop, and holistic assessments should consider all crops grown in a cropping system. One adaptation option is Conservation Agriculture that is commonly defined around a set of three principles: minimum mechanical soil disturbance, permanent soil organic cover, and crop species diversification.
Impact of interactive radio programming on agricultural technology adoption and crop diversification in Malawi
Ragasa, Catherine; Mzungu, Diston; Kalagho, Kenan; Kazembe, Cynthia. 2021
Journal of Development Effectiveness
13(2)
Ragasa, Catherine; Mzungu, Diston; Kalagho, Kenan; Kazembe, Cynthia. 2021
Journal of Development Effectiveness
13(2)
Measurement error mechanisms matter: Agricultural intensification with farmer misperceptions and misreporting
Abay, Kibrom A.; Bevis, Leah; Barrett, Christopher B.. 2021
American Journal of Agricultural Economics
103(2)
Abay, Kibrom A.; Bevis, Leah; Barrett, Christopher B.. 2021
American Journal of Agricultural Economics
103(2)
Abstract | View
The mechanism(s) that generate measurement error matter for inference. Survey measurement error is typically thought to represent simple misreporting correctable through improved measurement. But errors might also or alternatively reflect respondent misperceptions that materially affect the respondent decisions under study. We show analytically that these alternate data generating processes imply different appropriate regression specifications and have distinct effects on the bias in parameter estimates. We introduce a simple empirical technique to generate unbiased estimates under more general conditions and to apportion measurement error between misreporting and misperceptions in measurement error when one has both self‐reported and objectively measured observations of the same explanatory variable. We then apply these techniques to the longstanding question of agricultural intensification: Do farmers increase input application rates per unit area as the size of the plots they cultivate decreases? Using nationally representative data from four sub‐Saharan African countries, we find evidence that measurement error in plot size reflects a mixture of farmer misreporting and misperceptions. The results matter for inference around the intensification hypothesis and call into question whether more objective, precise measures are always preferable when estimating behavioral parameters.
Effectiveness of the lead farmer approach in agricultural extension service provision: Nationally representative panel data analysis in Malawi
Ragasa, Catherine. 2020
Land Use Policy
99(December 2020)
Ragasa, Catherine. 2020
Land Use Policy
99(December 2020)
Consumer choices and demand for tilapia in urban Malawi: What are the complementarities and trade-offs?
Chikowi, Christopher T. M.; Ochieng, Dennis O.; Jumbe, Charles B. L.. 2021
Aquaculture
530(January 2021)
Chikowi, Christopher T. M.; Ochieng, Dennis O.; Jumbe, Charles B. L.. 2021
Aquaculture
530(January 2021)
Disclosure, reporting and help seeking among child survivors of violence: A cross-country analysis
Pereira, Audrey; Peterman, Amber; Neijhoft, Anastasia Naomi; Buluma, Robert; Daban, Rocio Aznar. 2020
BMC Public Health
20(1)
Pereira, Audrey; Peterman, Amber; Neijhoft, Anastasia Naomi; Buluma, Robert; Daban, Rocio Aznar. 2020
BMC Public Health
20(1)
Abstract | View
Violence against children is a pervasive public health issue, with limited data available across multiple contexts. This study explores the rarely studied prevalence and dynamics around disclosure, reporting and help-seeking behaviours of children who ever experienced physical and/or sexual violence.
Evaluation design for the environmental and natural resource management project in Malawi
Coen, Thomas; Mamun, Arif; Ringler, Claudia; Nkonya, Ephraim M.; Velyvis, Kristen; Xie, Hua; Powell, Helen; Brecher-Haimson, Jeremy; Dumitrescu, Anca; Sloan, Matt. Washington, DC 2018
Coen, Thomas; Mamun, Arif; Ringler, Claudia; Nkonya, Ephraim M.; Velyvis, Kristen; Xie, Hua; Powell, Helen; Brecher-Haimson, Jeremy; Dumitrescu, Anca; Sloan, Matt. Washington, DC 2018
Abstract | View
Malawi generates 98 percent of its electricity from hydropower, relying primarily on three power plant sites along the Shire River. However, the rapid growth of invasive aquatic weeds limits the free flow of water in the river, leading to costly blockages and breakdowns that interrupt the power supply and reduce generative capacity (Government of Malawi 2013; Lea and Hanmer 2009). Excessive sedimentation in the Shire River reduces active storage at hydropower plants, hindering the ability of plant operators to optimize plant production. Mechanical removal of weeds and dredging of sediment around dams and in head ponds should dramatically improve water flow in the short term, but longer term solutions likely entail engaging upstream communities in improved agricultural and environmental practices that focus on preventing environmental degradation, soil erosion, and fertilizer runoff (United Nations Environment Programme 2013). Economic poverty, population density, and a lack of suitable agricultural land, especially in the Shire River catchment area, have prompted households to cultivate in fragile areas, on steep slopes, and along river banks, creating a challenge for households to change land management practices. Economic poverty is also a cause of deforestation as communities cut down trees for economic gain from charcoal production, meeting the market demand of urban dwellers (Government of Malawi 2013).
COVID-19 highlights need to boost resilience of Africa’s rural poor
Baral, Arun; Das, Aparna; Rustrick, Bill. 2020
Devex
Baral, Arun; Das, Aparna; Rustrick, Bill. 2020
Devex
Abstract | View
The current COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to contain it are significantly impacting countries around the world, regardless of their level of income or economic development. Apart from the novel coronavirus’ tragic toll in terms of human health and lives lost, government-imposed rules and restrictions on movement and assembly have upended work and livelihood activities for billions of people, causing serious strain on budgets and household resources, seriously impacting people’s ability to care for and nourish themselves and their families. These negative effects can be immediate and often catastrophic for people who have few resources to fall back on in hard times — such as Africa’s estimated 33 million smallholder farming families.
Employment exposure: Employment and wage effects in urban Malawi
Godlonton, Susan. Chicago, IL, USA 2020
Economic Development and Cultural Change
68(2)
Godlonton, Susan. Chicago, IL, USA 2020
Economic Development and Cultural Change
68(2)
To sell or consume? Gendered household decision-making on crop production, consumption, and sale in Malawi
Aberman, Noora-Lisa; Roopnaraine, Terry. 2020
Food Security
12
Aberman, Noora-Lisa; Roopnaraine, Terry. 2020
Food Security
12
Who works in agriculture? Exploring the dynamics of youth involvement in the agri-food systems of Tanzania and Malawi
Kafle, K.; Paliwal, N.; Benfica, Rui. 2019
IFAD Research Series
36
Kafle, K.; Paliwal, N.; Benfica, Rui. 2019
IFAD Research Series
36
Knowledge, attitude and practice of Malawian farmers on pre- and post-harvest crop management to mitigate aflatoxin contamination in groundnut, maize and sorghum: Implication for behavioral change
Anitha, Seetha; Tsusaka, Takuji W.; Njoroge, Samuel; Kumwenda, Nelson; Botha, Rosemary. Basel, Switzerland 2019
Toxins
11(12)
Anitha, Seetha; Tsusaka, Takuji W.; Njoroge, Samuel; Kumwenda, Nelson; Botha, Rosemary. Basel, Switzerland 2019
Toxins
11(12)
Abstract | View
A knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) study was conducted in three districts of Malawi to test whether the training had resulted in increased knowledge and adoption of recommended pre- and post-harvest crop management practices, and their contribution to reducing aflatoxin contamination in groundnut, maize and sorghum. The study was conducted with 900 farmers at the baseline and 624 farmers at the end-line, while 726 and 696 harvested crop samples were collected for aflatoxin testing at the baseline and end-line, respectively. Results show that the knowledge and practice of pre- and post-harvest crop management for mitigating aflatoxin were inadequate among the farmers at the baseline but somewhat improved after the training as shown at the end-line. As a result, despite unfavorable weather, the mean aflatoxin contamination level in their grain samples decreased from 83.6 to 55.8 ppb (p < 0.001). However, it was also noted that increased knowledge did not significantly change farmers’ attitude toward not consuming grade-outs because of economic incentive incompatibility, leaving potential for improving the practices further. This existing gap in the adoption of aflatoxin mitigation practices calls for approaches that take into account farmers’ needs and incentives to attain sustainable behavioral change.
Follow the leader? A field experiment on social influence
Ambler, Kate; Godlonton, Susan; Recalde, Maria P.. Williamstown, MA 2019
Williams College Economics Department Working Paper
24
Ambler, Kate; Godlonton, Susan; Recalde, Maria P.. Williamstown, MA 2019
Williams College Economics Department Working Paper
24
Abstract | View
We conduct an artefactual field experiment with farmers in endogenously formed groups in rural Malawi to investigate social influence in risk taking. Our experiment minimizes influence through social learning and social image channels. Treatments vary whether individuals observe the behavior of a formally elected leader, an external leader, or a random peer. Results show that peers are most influential, followed by formal leaders, and then external leaders. Exploratory analysis suggests that farmers follow peers because they extract information from their choices and share risks with them; while other forms of social utility are gained from following the example of leaders.
Designing interventions in local value chains for improved health and nutrition: Insights from Malawi
Donovan, Jason; Gelli, Aulo. 2019
World Development Perspectives
16(December 2019)
Donovan, Jason; Gelli, Aulo. 2019
World Development Perspectives
16(December 2019)
Abstract | View
Despite the strong interest on the role of agri-food value chains in advancing health and nutrition goals, guidance on how to actually design and assess related development programming has only recently emerged. This paper begins with a brief review of research on nutrition-sensitive value chains in developing countries. It then presents the Value Chains and Nutrition framework for intervention design that explores food supply and demand conditions across a portfolio of local value chains that are relevant for improving nutrition outcomes. We explore the framework in a case study on rural Malawi. Available evidence highlights the dominance of maize in diets, but also the willingness of rural households to consume other nutritious foods (e.g. leafy greens, tree fruits, dried fish) during the year. Addressing the supply constraints (e.g. low productivity, seasonality) and demand constraints (e.g. low income, preference for maize) along local value chains will require carefully sequenced interventions within and across value chains. Strategies for achieving nutrition goals in this context will require stronger collaborative ties between NGOs, government agencies and the private sector and deeper learning among stakeholders than has typically been the case. We conclude with recommendations for future work on frameworks and tools for supporting the design of value chain interventions with potential to advance health and nutrition goals.
Value chains to improve diets: Diagnostics to support intervention design in Malawi
Gelli, Aulo; Donovan, Jason; Margolies, Amy; Aberman, Noora-Lisa; Santacroce, Marco; Chirwa, Ephraim W.; Henson, Spencer; Hawkes, Corinna. 2020
Global Food Security
25(June 2020)
Gelli, Aulo; Donovan, Jason; Margolies, Amy; Aberman, Noora-Lisa; Santacroce, Marco; Chirwa, Ephraim W.; Henson, Spencer; Hawkes, Corinna. 2020
Global Food Security
25(June 2020)
Abstract | View
Governments and development partners looking to accelerate progress in addressing malnutrition have been examining how to use interventions in value-chains to improve diets. However, the links between interventions in value chains and diets involve a range of direct and indirect effects that are not yet well understood. We apply a mixed-method multisectoral diagnostic to examine potential interventions in food systems to improve diets of smallholder farmers in Malawi. We examine entry points for interventions involving public and private-sectors, and explore the methodological requirements for undertaking this type of multisectoral analysis. We find that although food consumption is dominated by maize, a range of nutritious foods are also being consumed; including leafy greens, fruits, chicken, dried fish, dried beans and peas, and groundnuts. Yet important deficits in nutrient intake remain prevalent in low-income households due to inadequate quantity of consumption. While increasing consumption through own-production is one potentially important channel to increase quantity of nutritious foods available (particularly fruits and leafy green vegetables), markets also play a potentially important role. Nutritious foods are available on markets year-round, although strong seasonality impacts the availability and price of perishable products. For beans, peas and groundnuts, supply appears to be available throughout the year, with price fluctuations relatively controlled due to storage capacity and imports. The capacity of markets to supply safe and nutritious food is limited by a number of issues, including poor hygiene; lack of infrastructure for storage and selling; limited information on nutrition, and weak coordination among sellers and producers. Other bottlenecks include: on-farm constraints for expanded production, consumers with limited purchasing capacity, intense competition among sellers and few services for sellers to increase volume of product sold during peak demand. The diagnostics identify the role of information-related interventions to optimize decisions related to food choices, involving a range of different foods and value-chains, that could potentially lead to short- and medium-term improvements in diets. Longer-term and more resource-intensive interventions are also identified, such as improving capacity for product differentiation, processing, storage, and market infrastructure across a different range of food chains, so as to maximise coherence between short- and long-term planning. The findings highlight the benefits of applying a strategic, food systems-based approach of identifying specific and complementary actions for both the public and private sectors that can improve the diets of low-income populations.
Perspectives of adolescent and young adults on poverty-related stressors: a qualitative study in Ghana, Malawi and Tanzania
Hall, Brian J.; Garabiles, Melissa R.; de Hoop, Jacobus; Pereira, Audrey; Prencipe, Leah; Palermo, Tia. 2019
BMJ Open
9(10)
Hall, Brian J.; Garabiles, Melissa R.; de Hoop, Jacobus; Pereira, Audrey; Prencipe, Leah; Palermo, Tia. 2019
BMJ Open
9(10)
The impact on farmer incomes of a nationwide scaling up of the farmer business school program: Lessons and insights from central Malawi
Chilemba, Joanna; Ragasa, Catherine. 2020
European Journal of Development Research
32
Chilemba, Joanna; Ragasa, Catherine. 2020
European Journal of Development Research
32
A community-based early childhood development center platform promoting diversified diets and food production increases the mean probability of adequacy of intake of preschoolers in Malawi: A cluster randomized trial
Gelli, Aulo; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Santacroce, Marco; Twalibu, Aisha; Margolies, Amy; Katundu, Mangani. 2020
Journal of Nutrition
150(2)
Gelli, Aulo; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Santacroce, Marco; Twalibu, Aisha; Margolies, Amy; Katundu, Mangani. 2020
Journal of Nutrition
150(2)
Abstract | View
Background: Young children in Malawi consume low-quality diets lacking micronutrients critical for their development.
Objective: To evaluate the impact of an agriculture and nutrition behavior change communication (BCC) intervention implemented through community-based childcare centers on the nutrient adequacy of diets of children living in food-insecure settings in Malawi.
Objective: To evaluate the impact of an agriculture and nutrition behavior change communication (BCC) intervention implemented through community-based childcare centers on the nutrient adequacy of diets of children living in food-insecure settings in Malawi.
Measurement error mechanisms matter: Agricultural intensification with farmer misperceptions and misreporting
Abay, Kibrom A.; Bevis, Leah; Barrett, Christopher B.. Cambridge, MA 2019
NBER Working Paper
26066
Abay, Kibrom A.; Bevis, Leah; Barrett, Christopher B.. Cambridge, MA 2019
NBER Working Paper
26066
Effect of changes in population density and crop productivity on farm households in Malawi
Komarek, Adam M.; Msangi, Siwa. 2019
Agricultural Economics
50(5)
Komarek, Adam M.; Msangi, Siwa. 2019
Agricultural Economics
50(5)
Abstract | View
This study examines the ex‐ante farm‐household effects of changes in family size, yield potential, and yield gaps using a farm‐household simulation model that reflects the economic and biophysical conditions of central Malawi. Disparities between growth in human population and crop yields present challenges for farm‐household crop production and income in sub‐Saharan Africa. We focus on the effect of growth in yield potential and a more efficient use of livestock manure as approaches to improving crop production and incomes in the face of looming population pressures. Our results suggest that, even without considering climate change, expected changes in population density and crop prices in 2050 mean that per person crop production and income may fall by 21% compared to 2013 values if yield potential and yield gaps remain constant. However, per person crop production and income could increase in 2050 by 8% compared to 2013 values if (1) growth rates of yield potential rise for maize by 1.13% each year and for legumes rise by at least 0.4% each year, and (2) farmers use livestock manure more efficiently. Our foresight approach to considering crop production at the farm‐household scale supplements macro‐scale analyses of the production dimension of food security.
Nutrient composition and mycotoxin contamination of commercially sold premixed cereals for complementary feeding of infants in Malawi: Test results for 94 samples of 8 brands (P11-079-19)
Gilbert, Rachel; Subedi, Binita; Wallingford, Jessica; Wilson, Norbert; Masters, William A.. 2019
Current Developments in Nutrition
3(Supplement 1)
Gilbert, Rachel; Subedi, Binita; Wallingford, Jessica; Wilson, Norbert; Masters, William A.. 2019
Current Developments in Nutrition
3(Supplement 1)
Abstract | View
High quality fortified premixed cereals can help caregivers meet infants’ nutrient needs after 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding, as complementary foods alongside breastmilk especially where family foods have low nutrient density. Such cereals are widely used in nutrition assistance programs, but commercially-sold brands are rarely subject to quality assurance using international standards for composition and labeling. Previous work found low and variable nutrients and high mycotoxin levels in a few samples. This study aimed to provide the first combined test for nutrient and mycotoxins in multiple samples of all premixed cereal brands for sale in a country, using Malawi as an example of a country with high burdens of child malnutrition and an active market for commercial premixed cereals.
Climate change and developing country growth: The cases of Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia
Arndt, Channing; Chinowsky, Paul; Fant, Charles; Paltsev, Sergey; Schlosser, Adam; Strzepek, Kenneth; Tarp, Finn; Thurlow, James. 2019
Climatic Change
154(3-4)
Arndt, Channing; Chinowsky, Paul; Fant, Charles; Paltsev, Sergey; Schlosser, Adam; Strzepek, Kenneth; Tarp, Finn; Thurlow, James. 2019
Climatic Change
154(3-4)
Abstract | View
We consider the interplay of climate change impacts, global mitigation policies, and the economic interests of developing countries to 2050. Focusing on Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia, we employ a structural approach to biophysical and economic modeling that incorporates climate uncertainty and allows for rigorous comparison of climate, biophysical, and economic outcomes across global mitigation regimes. We find that effective global mitigation policies generate two sources of benefit. First, less distorted climate outcomes result in typically more favorable and less variable economic outcomes. Second, successful global mitigation policies reduce global fossil fuel producer prices, relative to unconstrained emissions, providing a substantial terms of trade boost of structural fuel importers. Combined, these gains are on the order of or greater than estimates of mitigation costs. These results highlight the interests of most developing countries in effective global mitigation policies, even in the relatively near term, with much larger benefits post-2050.
Does providing agricultural and nutrition information to both men and women improve household food security? Evidence from Malawi
Ragasa, Catherine; Aberman, Noora-Lisa; Alvarez Mingote, Cristina. 2019
Global Food Security
20(March 2019)
Ragasa, Catherine; Aberman, Noora-Lisa; Alvarez Mingote, Cristina. 2019
Global Food Security
20(March 2019)
Risk factors for childhood violence and polyvictimization: A cross-country analysis from three regions
Palermo, Tia; Pereira, Audrey; Neijhoft, Naomi; Bello, Ghaji; Buluma, Robert; Diem, Pierre; Aznar Daban, Rocio; Fatoumata Kaloga, Inah; Islam, Aminul; Kheam, They; Lund-Henriksen, Birgithe; Maksud, Nankali; Maternowska, M. Catherine; Potts, Alina; Rottanak, Chivith; Samnang, Chea; Shawa, Mary; Yoshikawa, Miho; Peterman, Amber. 2019
Child Abuse and Neglect
88(February 2019)
Palermo, Tia; Pereira, Audrey; Neijhoft, Naomi; Bello, Ghaji; Buluma, Robert; Diem, Pierre; Aznar Daban, Rocio; Fatoumata Kaloga, Inah; Islam, Aminul; Kheam, They; Lund-Henriksen, Birgithe; Maksud, Nankali; Maternowska, M. Catherine; Potts, Alina; Rottanak, Chivith; Samnang, Chea; Shawa, Mary; Yoshikawa, Miho; Peterman, Amber. 2019
Child Abuse and Neglect
88(February 2019)
Using a community-based early childhood development center as a platform to promote production and consumption diversity increases children's dietary intake and reduces stunting in Malawi: A cluster-randomized trial
Gelli, Aulo; Margolies, Amy; Santacroce, Marco; Roschnik, Natalie; Twalibu, Aisha; Katundu, Mangani; Moestue, Helen; Alderman, Harold; Ruel, Marie T.. 2018
Journal of Nutrition
148(10)
Gelli, Aulo; Margolies, Amy; Santacroce, Marco; Roschnik, Natalie; Twalibu, Aisha; Katundu, Mangani; Moestue, Helen; Alderman, Harold; Ruel, Marie T.. 2018
Journal of Nutrition
148(10)
Abstract | View
Children in Malawi face nutritional risks related to low-quality diets and chronic malnutrition. This study evaluated the impact of a 1-y early childhood development (ECD) center–based agriculture and nutrition intervention aimed at improving household production diversity, maternal knowledge on child nutrition and feeding practices, and children's diets and anthropometric measures.
Myth-busting? Confronting six common perceptions about unconditional cash transfers as a poverty reduction strategy in Africa
Handa, Sudhanshu; Daidone, Silvio; Peterman, Amber; Davis, Benjamin; Pereira, Audrey; Palermo, Tia; Yablonski, Jennifer. 2018
The World Bank Research Observer
33(2)
Handa, Sudhanshu; Daidone, Silvio; Peterman, Amber; Davis, Benjamin; Pereira, Audrey; Palermo, Tia; Yablonski, Jennifer. 2018
The World Bank Research Observer
33(2)
Abstract | View
This paper summarizes evidence on six perceptions associated with cash transfer programming, using eight rigorous evaluations conducted on large-scale government unconditional cash transfers in sub-Saharan Africa under the Transfer Project. Specifically, it investigates if transfers: 1) induce higher spending on alcohol or tobacco; 2) are fully consumed (rather than invested); 3) create dependency (reduce participation in productive activities); 4) increase fertility; 5) lead to negative community-level economic impacts (including price distortion and inflation); and 6) are fiscally unsustainable. The paper presents evidence refuting each claim, leading to the conclusion that these perceptions—insofar as they are utilized in policy debates—undercut potential improvements in well-being and livelihood strengthening among the poor, which these programs can bring about in sub-Saharan Africa, and globally. It concludes by underscoring outstanding research gaps and policy implications for the continued expansion of unconditional cash transfers in the region and beyond.
Data Descriptor: Smart subsidies for catchment conservation in Malawi
Bell, Andrew Reid; Ward, Patrick S.; Mapemba, Lawrence; Nyirenda, Zephania; Msukwa, Wupe; Kenamu, Edwin . 2018
Scientific Data
5: 180113
Bell, Andrew Reid; Ward, Patrick S.; Mapemba, Lawrence; Nyirenda, Zephania; Msukwa, Wupe; Kenamu, Edwin . 2018
Scientific Data
5: 180113
Abstract | View
Conservation agriculture (CA) is a management paradigm in which soil is covered outside of cropping seasons, minimally disturbed, and recharged with nitrogen-fixing legumes. Finding effective ways to encourage CA is a centuries-old problem playing out acutely today in Sub-Saharan Africa. To better understand this issue, we have collected data on rural livelihoods and CA adoption during a two-year intervention in southern Malawi. The intervention evaluated rates of CA adoption under two different structures of payment and three levels of monitoring. The dataset includes a baseline and endline survey covering 1,900 households, along with surveys conducted with participants opting into the intervention. Baseline and endline questions included modules on farm-level inputs and production at the plot-crop level; plot characteristics; household composition and assets; savings, loans, and other sources of income; neighborhood characteristics; and perceptions regarding CA. Registration questionnaires in the intervention included detailed assessments of recent production in plots being registered to the intervention, and basic information for all other plots; and basic information on household structure and assets.
Selective attention and information loss in the lab-to-farm knowledge chain: The case of Malawian agricultural extension programs
Niu, Chiyu; Ragasa, Catherine. 2018
Agricultural Systems
165(September 2018)
Niu, Chiyu; Ragasa, Catherine. 2018
Agricultural Systems
165(September 2018)
Evaluating irrigation investments in Malawi: economy‐wide impacts under uncertainty and labor constraints
Schuenemann, Franziska; Thurlow, James; Meyer, Stefan; Robertson, Richard; Rodrigues, Joao. 2018
Agricultural Economics
49(2)
Schuenemann, Franziska; Thurlow, James; Meyer, Stefan; Robertson, Richard; Rodrigues, Joao. 2018
Agricultural Economics
49(2)
Trade-offs and synergies between yield, labor, profit, and risk in Malawian maize-based cropping systems
Komarek, Adam M.; Koo, Jawoo; Haile, Beliyou; Msangi, Siwa; Azzarri, Carlo;. 2018
Agronomy for Sustainable Development
38
Komarek, Adam M.; Koo, Jawoo; Haile, Beliyou; Msangi, Siwa; Azzarri, Carlo;. 2018
Agronomy for Sustainable Development
38
Abstract | View
Land degradation, population growth, and chronic poverty in Eastern and Southern Africa challenge the sustainability of livelihoods for smallholder farmers. These farmers often manage soils depleted of nutrients, apply limited amounts of mineral fertilizer, and take decisions about their cropping systems that involve multiple trade-offs. The rotation of cereals with legumes bears agronomic and ecological merit; however, the socio-economic implications of the cereal-legume rotation require a deeper understanding. This study explores the yield, labor, profit, and risk implications of different legume and mineral fertilizer practices in maize-based cropping systems in central Malawi. Our method involves coupling crop modeling and an agricultural household survey with a socio-economic analysis. We use a process-based cropping systems model to simulate the yield effects of integrating legumes into maize monocultures and applying mineral fertilizer over multiple seasons. We combine the simulated yields with socio-economic data from an agricultural household survey to calculate indicators of cropping-system performance. Our results show that a maize-groundnut rotation increases average economic profits by 75% compared with maize monoculture that uses more mineral fertilizer than in the rotation. The maize-groundnut rotation increases the stability of profits, reduces the likelihood of negative profits, and increases risk-adjusted profits. In contrast, the maize-groundnut rotation has a 54% lower average caloric yield and uses more labor than the maize monoculture with mineral fertilization. By comparing labor requirements with labor supply at the household scale, we show for the first time that the additional labor requirements of the maize-groundnut rotation can increase the likelihood of experiencing a labor shortage, if this rotation is undertaken by farm households in central Malawi. We demonstrate that risk and labor factors can be important when examining trade-offs among alternative cropping systems.
Improving child nutrition and development through community-based child care centres (CBCCs) in Malawi
Twalibu, Aisha; Roschnik, Natalie; Gelli, Aulo; Katundu, Mangani; Chidalengwa, George; Phiri, Peter; Moestue, Helen; . 2018
Field Exchange
57(March 2018)
Twalibu, Aisha; Roschnik, Natalie; Gelli, Aulo; Katundu, Mangani; Chidalengwa, George; Phiri, Peter; Moestue, Helen; . 2018
Field Exchange
57(March 2018)
Abstract | View
Community-based childcare centres (CBCCs) are community-managed rural pre-schools serving 45 per cent of the child population. Provision of mid-morning porridge is a key incentive to attend. Save the Children and University of Malawi Chancellor College developed a nutrition and agriculture training programme for CBCCs to overcome identified challenges to CBBC food provision.
Achieving food security and industrial development in Malawi: Are export restrictions the solution?
Aragie, Emerta; Pauw, Karl; Pernechele, Valentina. 2018
World Development
108 (August 2018)
Aragie, Emerta; Pauw, Karl; Pernechele, Valentina. 2018
World Development
108 (August 2018)
Abstract | View
This study assesses the economy-wide effects of Malawi’s long-term maize export ban, which was only recently lifted, and a proposed oilseed export levy intended to improve food security and support local processing industries, respectively. We find that maize export bans only benefit the urban non-poor, while poor farmers’ incomes and maize consumption levels decline in the longer run. The oilseed export levy also fails to achieve its long run objectives: even when tax revenues are used to further subsidize food processors, their gains in value-addition are outweighed by declining agricultural value-addition. More generally, these results show that while export restrictions may have the desired outcomes in the short run, production responses may render the policies ineffective in the medium to long run. Ultimately, such restrictive policies reinforce a subsistence approach to agriculture, which is inconsistent with the stated economic transformation goals of many Sub-Saharan countries.
How diversified is cropping in Malawi? Patterns, determinants and policy implications
Kankwamba, Henry; Kadzamira, Mariam; Pauw, Karl. 2018
Food Security
Kankwamba, Henry; Kadzamira, Mariam; Pauw, Karl. 2018
Food Security
Youth migration and labour constraints in African agrarian households
Mueller, Valerie; Doss, Cheryl; Quisumbing, Agnes R.. 2018
The Journal of Development Studies
54(5)
Mueller, Valerie; Doss, Cheryl; Quisumbing, Agnes R.. 2018
The Journal of Development Studies
54(5)
Did rapid smallholder-led agricultural growth fail to reduce rural poverty? Making sense of Malawi’s poverty puzzle
Pauw, Karl; Beck, Ulrik; Mussa, Richard. 2016
Pauw, Karl; Beck, Ulrik; Mussa, Richard. 2016
Whither Participation? Evaluating Participatory Policy Processes Using the CGPE Approach: The Case of CAADP in Malawi
Henning, Christian; Hedtrick, Johannes; Séne, Ligane Massamba; Krampe, Eva. Cham, Switzerland 2018
Advances in African Economic, Social and Political Development
Henning, Christian; Hedtrick, Johannes; Séne, Ligane Massamba; Krampe, Eva. Cham, Switzerland 2018
Advances in African Economic, Social and Political Development
Abstract | View
In this chapter, we apply the CGPE model to analyzing the performance of policy processes with respect to the production of efficient policy choices. Within the CGPE approach participation of stakeholder organizations is modeled in two ways. First, as classical lobbying influence and second as informational influence within a model of political belief formation. An empirical application of the CGPE model to CAADP reforms in Malawi delivered the following results: (i) inefficient agricultural policies mainly result from lack of adequate political knowledge, while biased political incentives play only a minor rule. (ii) Policy beliefs of political practitioners differ significantly from economic models. Hence, our analyses imply a cleavage between the world of economic modeling and the world of political practice. (iii) As Bayesian estimation combining objective knowledge of scientific models with the subjective wisdom of practitioners results in a compromise of both worlds, we conclude that adequate political knowledge does not yet exist in the scientific system or in political praxis and must be created in the political process. (iv) Therefore, the only effective political therapy corresponds to the application of adequate tools that facilitate interactive communication and policy learning among stakeholders and economic modelers.
Do as they did: Peer effects explain adoption of conservation agriculture in Malawi
Bell, Andrew; Zavaleta Cheek, Jennifer; Mataya, Frazer; Ward, Patrick S.. 2018
Water
10(1)
Bell, Andrew; Zavaleta Cheek, Jennifer; Mataya, Frazer; Ward, Patrick S.. 2018
Water
10(1)
Abstract | View
Adoption of the trinity of practices known commonly today as conservation agriculture (CA)—maintaining soil cover, reducing tillage, and enhancing soil nitrogen through legumes—is a critical process to the management of erosion in rural landscapes, and maintenance of aquatic habitats and hydropower potential. However, the large literature on the benefits and risks of CA fails to find any universal determinants of adoption, with competing uses for crop residues, availability of labor, and access to physical inputs common constraints appearing in different contexts. We conduct a study in the specific context of Malawi, using ethnographic interviewing to draw out possible decision criteria and machine learning to identify their explanatory power. This study is structured to inform the question: “How do farmers decide to adopt the specific activities of CA in Malawi?” We find that more than any other factor, adoption by neighbors (i.e., peer effects) matters, with possible implications for the overall cost of encouraging CA (e.g., through subsidies) as it is taken up across a landscape.
The impact of agricultural extension services in the context of a heavily subsidized input system: The case of Malawi
Ragasa, Catherine; Mazunda, John. 2018
World Development
105(2018)
Ragasa, Catherine; Mazunda, John. 2018
World Development
105(2018)
Agricultural correlates of aggregate nutritional outcomes in Malawi: District-level rank analysis
Benson, Todd. 2017
Outlook on Agriculture
46(4)
Benson, Todd. 2017
Outlook on Agriculture
46(4)
Policies for a sustainable biomass energy sector in Malawi: Enhancing energy and food security simultaneously
Schuenemann, Franziska; Msangi, Siwa; Zeller, Manfred. 2018
World Development
103(2018)
Schuenemann, Franziska; Msangi, Siwa; Zeller, Manfred. 2018
World Development
103(2018)
Early adoption of conservation agriculture practices: Understanding partial compliance in programs with multiple adoption decisions
Ward, Patrick S.; Bell, Andrew R.; Droppelmann, Klaus; Benton, Tim G.. 2018
Land Use Policy
70(2018)
Ward, Patrick S.; Bell, Andrew R.; Droppelmann, Klaus; Benton, Tim G.. 2018
Land Use Policy
70(2018)
Measuring postharvest losses at the farm level in Malawi
Ambler, Kate; de Brauw, Alan; Godlonton, Susan. 2018
Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics
Ambler, Kate; de Brauw, Alan; Godlonton, Susan. 2018
Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics
Micro-econometric and Micro-Macro Linked Models: Modeling agricultural growth and nutrition linkages: Lessons from Tanzania and Malawi
Pauw, Karl; Thurlow, James; Ecker, Olivier. Cham, Switzerland 2018
Advances in African Economic, Social and Political Development
Pauw, Karl; Thurlow, James; Ecker, Olivier. Cham, Switzerland 2018
Advances in African Economic, Social and Political Development
Improving child nutrition and development through community-based childcare centres in Malawi – The NEEP-IE study: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Gelli, Aulo; Margolies, Amy; Santacroce, Marco; Sproule, Kathryn; Theis, Sophie; Roschnik, Natalie; Twalibu, Aisha; Chidalengwa, George; Cooper, Amrik; Moorhead, Tyler; Gladstone, Melissa; Kariger, Patricia; Kutundu, Mangani. 2017
Trials
18
Gelli, Aulo; Margolies, Amy; Santacroce, Marco; Sproule, Kathryn; Theis, Sophie; Roschnik, Natalie; Twalibu, Aisha; Chidalengwa, George; Cooper, Amrik; Moorhead, Tyler; Gladstone, Melissa; Kariger, Patricia; Kutundu, Mangani. 2017
Trials
18
Tracking agricultural spending when government structures and accounting systems change: The case of Malawi
Mwabutwa, Chance; Pauw, Karl. 2017
African Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics
12(2)
Mwabutwa, Chance; Pauw, Karl. 2017
African Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics
12(2)
Agricultural household effects of fertilizer price changes for smallholder farmers in central Malawi
Komarek, Adam M.; Drogue, Sophie; Chenoune, Roza; Hawkins, James; Msangi, Siwa; Belhouchette, Hatem; Flichman, Guillermo. 2017
Agricultural Systems
154(June 2017)
Komarek, Adam M.; Drogue, Sophie; Chenoune, Roza; Hawkins, James; Msangi, Siwa; Belhouchette, Hatem; Flichman, Guillermo. 2017
Agricultural Systems
154(June 2017)
Variable returns to fertiliser use and the geography of poverty: Experimental and simulation evidence from Malawi
Harou, Aurélie P.; Liu, Yanyan; Barrett, Christopher B.; You, Liangzhi. 2017
Journal of African Economies
26(3)
Harou, Aurélie P.; Liu, Yanyan; Barrett, Christopher B.; You, Liangzhi. 2017
Journal of African Economies
26(3)
Lean-season food transfers affect children’s diets and household food security: Evidence from a quasi-experiment in Malawi
Gelli, Aulo; Aberman, Noora-Lisa; Margolies, Amy; Santacroce, Marco; Baulch, Bob; Chirwa, Ephraim. 2017
Journal of Nutrition
147(5)
Gelli, Aulo; Aberman, Noora-Lisa; Margolies, Amy; Santacroce, Marco; Baulch, Bob; Chirwa, Ephraim. 2017
Journal of Nutrition
147(5)
Leveling the field for biofuels: Comparing the economic and environmental impacts of biofuel and other export crops in Malawi
Schuenemann, Franziska; Thurlow, James; Zeller, Manfred. 2017
Agricultural Economics
48(3)
Schuenemann, Franziska; Thurlow, James; Zeller, Manfred. 2017
Agricultural Economics
48(3)
Targeting, bias, and expected impact of complex innovations on developing-country agriculture: Evidence from Malawi
Haile, Beliyou; Azzarri, Carlo; Roberts, Cleo; Spielman, David J.. 2017
Agricultural Economics
48(3)
Haile, Beliyou; Azzarri, Carlo; Roberts, Cleo; Spielman, David J.. 2017
Agricultural Economics
48(3)
Understanding compliance in programs promoting conservation agriculture
Ward, Patrick S.; Bell, Andrew R.; Droppelmann, Klaus; Benton, Tim. 2016
Ward, Patrick S.; Bell, Andrew R.; Droppelmann, Klaus; Benton, Tim. 2016
Responding to risk: Circumcision, information, and HIV prevention
Godlonton, Susan; Munthali, Alister; Thornton, Rebecca L.. 2016
Review of Economics and Statistics
98(2)
Godlonton, Susan; Munthali, Alister; Thornton, Rebecca L.. 2016
Review of Economics and Statistics
98(2)
Medical male circumcision: How does price affect the risk-profile of take-up?
Thornton, Rebecca L.; Godlonton, Susan. 2016
Preventive Medicine
92(November 2016)
Thornton, Rebecca L.; Godlonton, Susan. 2016
Preventive Medicine
92(November 2016)
Beyond agriculture versus non-agriculture: Decomposing sectoral growth–poverty linkages in five African countries
Dorosh, Paul A.; Thurlow, James. 2018
World Development
109 (September 2018)
Dorosh, Paul A.; Thurlow, James. 2018
World Development
109 (September 2018)
Abstract | View
Africa’s development debate is often cast as “agriculture versus non-agriculture”, with agriculture’s proponents arguing that agricultural growth is more effective at reducing poverty. This “dual economy” perspective overlooks the heterogeneity within and synergies between these two broad sectors. Recent studies decompose agriculture into subsectors and find that agricultural growth led by smallholder farmers is even more effective at reducing poverty than larger-scale estate farms. In contrast, few studies estimate subsectoral growth–poverty linkages for non-agriculture. Yet we strongly expect, for example, that growth led by informal traders or foreign-owned mining companies will have quite different implications for poverty reduction. Different perspectives on what constitutes “non-agriculture” might therefore explain divergent views on its relative importance for poverty reduction. To address this gap in our understanding, we estimate sectoral poverty–growth elasticities using economy-wide models for five African countries. While our estimated elasticities are higher for agriculture than for non-agriculture as a whole, the extent to which this is true varies considerably across nonagricultural subsectors (and across countries). We find that the poverty–growth elasticities for trade and transport services and manufacturing, especially agro-processing, are often close to, and sometimes exceed, agriculture’s. This means that growth led by these nonagricultural subsectors might be as effective as agriculture at reaching the poor. This confirms the need for a more nuanced treatment of non-agriculture in Africa’s policy debate, and may explain conflicting perspectives on agriculture’s role vis-à-vis non-agriculture.
Adapting Fomento to countries in Sub-Saharan Africa
Ambler, Kate; de Brauw, Alan; Godlonton, Susan. 2016
International Policy Centre for Inclusive Growth One Pager
325
Ambler, Kate; de Brauw, Alan; Godlonton, Susan. 2016
International Policy Centre for Inclusive Growth One Pager
325
Plant different, eat different?
Haile, Beliyou; Azzarri, Carlo; Roberts, Cleo; Ulimwengu, John M.; Randriamamonjy, Josée. 2016
Haile, Beliyou; Azzarri, Carlo; Roberts, Cleo; Ulimwengu, John M.; Randriamamonjy, Josée. 2016
Understanding the pathways to improved siets from the production of nutritious and marketable commodities
Aberman, Noora-Lisa; Roopnaraine, Terence. 2015
Aberman, Noora-Lisa; Roopnaraine, Terence. 2015
Stated preference of smallholder farmers for improved cookstoves in Malawi and Mozambique
Meyer, Stefan; Kato, Edward; Nkonya, Ephraim M.; Smith, Vincent H.. 2015
Meyer, Stefan; Kato, Edward; Nkonya, Ephraim M.; Smith, Vincent H.. 2015
Impacts of biofuel production on the food-energy-water nexus in Malawi
Schuenemann, Franziska; Thurlow, James; Zeller, Manfred. 2015
Schuenemann, Franziska; Thurlow, James; Zeller, Manfred. 2015
Heterogeneous preferences and the effects of incentives in promoting conservation agriculture in Malawi
Ward, Patrick S.; Bell, Andrew R.; Parkhurst, Gregory M.; Droppelmann, Klaus; Mapemba, Lawrence. 2016
Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment
222
Ward, Patrick S.; Bell, Andrew R.; Parkhurst, Gregory M.; Droppelmann, Klaus; Mapemba, Lawrence. 2016
Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment
222
Association between irrigated farming and improved nutrition in farm households in Malawi
Benson, Todd. 2015
Agrekon
Benson, Todd. 2015
Agrekon
Targeting, bias, and expected impact of complex innovations on developing-country agriculture: Evidence from Malawi
Haile, Beliyou; Azzarri, Carlo; Roberts, Cleo; Spielman, David J.. 2015
Haile, Beliyou; Azzarri, Carlo; Roberts, Cleo; Spielman, David J.. 2015
The economywide impacts and risks of Malawi’s farm input subsidy program
Arndt, Channing; Pauw, Karl; Thurlow, James. 2016
American Journal of Agricultural Economics
Arndt, Channing; Pauw, Karl; Thurlow, James. 2016
American Journal of Agricultural Economics
Measuring the forest and income impacts of forest user group participation under Malawi's Forest Co-management Program
Mazunda, John; Shively, Gerald. 2015
Ecological Economics
Mazunda, John; Shively, Gerald. 2015
Ecological Economics
Does a ban on informal health providers save lives?
Godlonton, Susan; Okeke, Edward N.. 2016
Journal of Development Economics
118(January 2016)
Godlonton, Susan; Okeke, Edward N.. 2016
Journal of Development Economics
118(January 2016)
Youth engagement in agricultural policy processes in Malawi
Mapila, Mariam A. T. J.; Kazembe, Cynthia. 2015
Mapila, Mariam A. T. J.; Kazembe, Cynthia. 2015
Geospatial analysis of condom availability and accessibility in urban Malawi
Schacham, E.; Thornton, Rebecca; Godlonton, Susan; Murphy, R.; Gilliland, J.. 2016
International Journal of STD & AIDS
Schacham, E.; Thornton, Rebecca; Godlonton, Susan; Murphy, R.; Gilliland, J.. 2016
International Journal of STD & AIDS
Scaling up male circumcision service provision: results from a randomised evaluation in Malawi
Thornton, Rebecca L.; Godlonton, Susan; Chinkhumba, Jobiba; Pierotti, Rachael. New Delhi, India 2014
3ie Impact Evaluation Report
13
Thornton, Rebecca L.; Godlonton, Susan; Chinkhumba, Jobiba; Pierotti, Rachael. New Delhi, India 2014
3ie Impact Evaluation Report
13
Did rapid smallholder-led agricultural growth fail to reduce rural poverty?
Pauw, Karl; Beck, Ulrik; Mussa, Richard. Helsinki, Finland 2014
WIDER Working Paper
123
Pauw, Karl; Beck, Ulrik; Mussa, Richard. Helsinki, Finland 2014
WIDER Working Paper
123
The economywide impacts and risks of Malawi’s farm input subsidy programme
Arndt, Channing; Pauw, Karl; Thurlow, James. Helsinki, Finland 2014
WIDER Working Paper
099
Arndt, Channing; Pauw, Karl; Thurlow, James. Helsinki, Finland 2014
WIDER Working Paper
099
A rapid initial assessment of the distribution and consumption of iron-folic acid tablets through antenatal care in Malawi
Fiedler, John L.; D'Agostino, Alexis; Sununtnasuk, Celeste. Arlington, VA 2014
SPRING Nutrition Technical Brief
Fiedler, John L.; D'Agostino, Alexis; Sununtnasuk, Celeste. Arlington, VA 2014
SPRING Nutrition Technical Brief
Climate change and economic growth prospects for Malawi
Arndt, Channing; Schlosser, Adam; Strzepek, Kenneth; Thurlow, James. 2014
Journal of African Economies
Arndt, Channing; Schlosser, Adam; Strzepek, Kenneth; Thurlow, James. 2014
Journal of African Economies
Resettlement for food security’s sake
Mueller, Valerie; Quisumbing, Agnes R.; Lee, Hak Lim; Droppelmann, Klaus. 2014
Land Economics
Mueller, Valerie; Quisumbing, Agnes R.; Lee, Hak Lim; Droppelmann, Klaus. 2014
Land Economics
Relative preferences for soil conservation incentives among smallholder farmers
Marenya, Paswel; Smith, Vincent H.; Nkonya, Ephraim M.. 2014
American Journal of Agricultural Economics
Marenya, Paswel; Smith, Vincent H.; Nkonya, Ephraim M.. 2014
American Journal of Agricultural Economics
Decentralised beneficiary targeting in large-scale development programmes
Kilic, Talip; Whitney, Edward; Winters, Paul. 2015
Journal of African Economies
Kilic, Talip; Whitney, Edward; Winters, Paul. 2015
Journal of African Economies
Who talks to whom in Malawi's agricultural research information network?
Mapila, Mariam A. T. J.; Yauney, Jason; Thangata, Paul; Droppelmann, Klaus; Mazunda, John. 2016
Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension
Mapila, Mariam A. T. J.; Yauney, Jason; Thangata, Paul; Droppelmann, Klaus; Mazunda, John. 2016
Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension
The economywide impacts and risks of Malawi’s farm input subsidy program
Arndt, Channing; Pauw, Karl; Thurlow, James. Milwaukee, WI, USA 2014
Arndt, Channing; Pauw, Karl; Thurlow, James. Milwaukee, WI, USA 2014
Challenges to soya export promotion in Malawi
Aberman, Noora-Lisa; Edelman, Brent. West Lafayette, Indiana, United States 2014
Aberman, Noora-Lisa; Edelman, Brent. West Lafayette, Indiana, United States 2014
Democratic trajectories in Africa
Resnick, Danielle; van de Walle, Nicolas. Oxford, UK 2013
UNU-WIDER Studies in Development Economics
Resnick, Danielle; van de Walle, Nicolas. Oxford, UK 2013
UNU-WIDER Studies in Development Economics
Introduction: Why aid and democracy?
Resnick, Danielle; van de Walle, Nicolas. Oxford, UK 2013
UNU-WIDER Studies in Development Economics
Resnick, Danielle; van de Walle, Nicolas. Oxford, UK 2013
UNU-WIDER Studies in Development Economics
Two steps forward, one step back
Resnick, Danielle. Oxford, UK 2013
UNU-WIDER Studies in Development Economics
Resnick, Danielle. Oxford, UK 2013
UNU-WIDER Studies in Development Economics
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