The impacts of agricultural commercialisation project on female farmers’ livelihood in Malawi

In Malawi, women comprise a substantial portion of the agricultural labour force. Nevertheless, women in agriculture face structural barriers, including limited access to land, credit, training, and market opportunities. These disparities hinder women’s ability to fully participate in and benefit from agricultural activities. Recognizing this, numerous programs worldwide have been established to empower women to commercialize their agricultural activities. The Agricultural Commercialization (AGCOM) project in Malawi is one of the agricultural development projects designed to enhance agricultural productivity. This study explores the impact of the AGCOM project on the livelihoods of female farmers in Mjogo Village. The study employed a qualitative research approach with a case study design to address the central research question. Interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect information from purposively selected respondents. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis. The study revealed that the AGCOM project aligns well with the needs of women farmers, enhancing their agricultural production and income through improved access to quality inputs and modern farming techniques. Women beneficiaries reported significant improvements in their livelihoods, with many now able to support their families and some even initiating new agricultural ventures, such as poultry farming. The project’s efforts have empowered women by increasing their involvement in decision-making, transforming cultural perceptions of gender roles, and fostering a supportive environment for women in agricultural leadership. The study recommends the importance of enhancing access to finance, strengthening market linkages, promoting gender-sensitive policies, and offering flexible training opportunities for women to increase their participation in commercial farming.