This paper considers potential strategic options for agriculture and development in Malawi in the
context of the country’s current situation and the prospects the country faces. After briefly reviewing
current national and sectoral policy and potential roles of smallholder agriculture in economic growth,
we set out the current situation in order to consider strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.
We conclude that a major emphasis is needed on supporting changes that reduce the rate of
population growth and promote capacity for adaptation and resilience to climate change. Rapid
increases in the productivity of agricultural land and labour and rural incomes will be critical to this
(alongside increased education and empowerment of girls and women). There are, however, difficult
potential trade-offs to negotiate (for example between increased irrigation and reduced inflows into
Lake Malawi) and these need further consideration.
From this analysis we derive a set of nine strategic principles and two operational principles that we
suggest could helpfully stimulate and guide strategy development that addresses the opportunities
and threats facing Malawian agriculture, as follows:
Strategic principles
1. Sustainable investments and activities that are viable for and acceptable to all stakeholders
2. Emphasis on land and wider labour productivity
3. Integration of complementary agricultural and non-agricultural strategies, policies and
investment
4. Emphasis on broad based and inclusive growth
5. Emphasis on increased quality and diversity in food production
6. Emphasis on market access and affordability of food for all, particularly the rural and urban poor
7. Promotion of sustainable practices with accumulation rather than depletion of natural
resources, taking account of both current and future threats to sustainability
8. Rapid achievement of broad based growth as a significant element in reducing the rate of
population growth and in supporting climate change adaptation and resilience
9. Pursuit of agro-processing opportunities to promote value addition with local (downstream)
linkages
Operational principles
10. Consistent coordinated vision
11. Clear priorities and roles
The application of these principles is illustrated by indicative consideration of policy and investment
options focusing on development of different commodities and (broadly defined) resources.
Consistent implementation of coordinated and consistent sectoral and inter-sectoral policies to
support smallholder agriculture development is critical for achievement of the desired growth and
diversification impacts. A number of concrete and immediate policy and investment recommendations
are made
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this report imply no endorsement by the Ministry of
Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, DFID, or any other party. This material
has been funded by UKaid from the Department for International Development; however
the views expressed do not necessarily reflect the organisations’ official policies.