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Malawi Country Report 2020

Author

Listed:
  • Mabaya, Edward
  • Kachule, Richard
  • Waithaka, Michael
  • Mugoya, Mainza
  • Kanyenji, George
  • Tihanyi, Krisztina

Abstract

The timely availability of improved seeds at affordable prices is critical to improving food security, resilience, and livelihoods for smallholder farmers in Malawi. Seed of improved varieties can deliver state-of-the-art technology to farmers including higher yields, disease and pest resistance, climate change adaptation, and improved nutrition. This report summarizes the key findings of the study conducted by The African Seed Access Index (TASAI) to appraise the structure and economic performance of Malawi’s formal seed sector. With a focus on the four grain and legume crops important to national food and nutritional security (maize, bean, groundnut, and soya bean) the report covers 22 key performance indicators divided into five categories: Research and Development, Industry Competitiveness, Seed Policy and Regulations, Institutional Support, and Service to Smallholder Farmers. We conclude that Malawi’s formal seed sector is in the growth stage of development. The seed policy environment in Malawi is supportive of private sector growth, but the variety release process and costs are not specified in the seed regulations. The seed market is competitive with multinational and local seed companies producing a wide range of high-quality seed. The government’s Food Input Subsidy Program is a major buyer of seed and has contributed to making seed prices affordable for farmers. In addition to these highlights, the report discusses many positive developments as well as areas for improvement in Malawi’s formal seed sector.

Suggested Citation

  • Mabaya, Edward & Kachule, Richard & Waithaka, Michael & Mugoya, Mainza & Kanyenji, George & Tihanyi, Krisztina, 2021. "Malawi Country Report 2020," TASAI: The African Seed Access Index-Reports 317014, TASAI: The African Seed Access Index.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:tasaii:317014
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.317014
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Joshua Ariga & Edward Mabaya & Michael Waithaka & Maria Wanzala‐Mlobela, 2019. "Can improved agricultural technologies spur a green revolution in Africa? A multicountry analysis of seed and fertilizer delivery systems," Agricultural Economics, International Association of Agricultural Economists, vol. 50(S1), pages 63-74, November.
    2. Shawn McGuire & Louise Sperling, 2016. "Seed systems smallholder farmers use," Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, Springer;The International Society for Plant Pathology, vol. 8(1), pages 179-195, February.
    3. Shawn McGuire & Louise Sperling, 2016. "Seed systems smallholder farmers use," Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, Springer;The International Society for Plant Pathology, vol. 8(1), pages 179-195, February.
    4. Ward Anseeuw & Thomas Jayne & Richard Kachule & John Kotsopoulos, 2016. "The Quiet Rise of Medium-Scale Farms in Malawi," Land, MDPI, vol. 5(3), pages 1-22, June.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    Keywords

    Agricultural and Food Policy; Food Security and Poverty; Production Economics;
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