Intraseasonal Variations in Time Use, Food Security, and Health Outcomes among Women in Rural Malawi

The sequential nature of agriculture poses significant challenges to rural women in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in managing health and balancing farm and domestic work across different periods of the agricultural cycle. Despite its importance, empirical evidence on these intraseasonal dynamics remains limited. This study investigates intraseasonal variations in time use, food security, and anthropometric outcomes among female caregivers in 300 farm households in rural Malawi, using panel data collected at four points during the 2022/2023 agricultural season. Results show that women’s work hours increase during the lean period, reducing leisure time. Food insecurity also worsens during this period, contributing to declines in women’s nutritional status, particularly as measured by mid-upper arm circumference. Fluctuations in body weight further suggest community-wide structural dynamics within the agricultural season beyond individual health, labor supply, and household food insecurity. Overall, the findings underscore the need for policies that account for within-season variation—particularly the pre-harvest hunger period—to improve food security, nutritional outcomes, and, ultimately, women’s welfare in rural Malawi.