Maize in Mixed Farming Systems in Malawi

Country/Site

Malawi

1.Problem Definition

Are there clear complex challenges (wicked problems) that require a systemic and interdisciplinary approach?

Maize dominated mixed farming systems in Malawi face compounded challenges of rapid soil degradation, small land sizes and declining agricultural productivity, in a context of high poverty levels, gender inequalities and climate variability and shocks. Unsustainable farming practices drive soil loss, whilst weak markets, finance and advisory systems discourage adoption of sustainable farming practices. There is need to validate and build capacity in systemic approaches that interlink agronomy, social sciences, policy and education, to redesign and strengthen resilient agri-food systems.

2. Disciplinary strength

Are there previous studies with strong disciplinary research and development efforts and main issues and single component options identified?

Malawi has a rich history of agricultural research, including the CGIAR mixed farming systems initiative and national programs, with a focus on biophysical sciences including agronomy, soil fertility, cropping systems, crop improvement. These have generated valuable insights on single component technologies (crop varieties, agronomic practices). However, social, economic and institutional dimensions of adoption, equity and scaling perspectives lag behind, limiting the translation of technical deliverables into holistic, inclusive and scalable system innovations.

3. Data richness

Have previous and current R&D activities generated sufficient specific or disciplinary data?

Malawi has diverse sets of disciplinary data sets:

Mixed Farming Systems Initiative Malawi Use case on quantitative farming systems analysis, a multi-level case study to support selection of STIBs towards sustainable intensification.
Soil fertility trials, crop responses, fertilizer data sets: DARS–CIAT national agronomy database with 20,000+ observations to establish site specific fertilizer recommendations.
Farm household surveys (IHS, LSMS): Socio-economic, climate, land use, and market data from CGIAR and national programs.
Agricultural Production Estimates (APES), FAO/WFP food security assessments, provide regular inputs to agricultural programs and early warning systems for food security.
Monitoring and Evaluation Data: Programs such as AgCom, ASWAp-SP II, IFAD’s SAPP, and the National Agriculture Management Information System (NAMIS) provide substantial data sets.

Although the data tend to be fragmented, efforts are underway to come up with data sharing agreements to establish national Ag Data Hub.

4. Development partnership

Are there partner institutions engaged in developing the region through socio-technical innovations?

The One-CGIAR initiative works with the Ministry of Agriculture and NARES on the co-design and validation of technical innovations, national academia and local NGOs. A District level Innovation Platform, managed by the District Agricultural Support Services (DAESS) institutionalizes feedback and networking at subnational level.

5. National investment plans aligned

Are there national investment plans aligned or prioritized?

National investment plans aligned
Are there national investment plans aligned and or prioritized?
Malawi has several national investment programs that align closely with sustainability, soil health, and agricultural transformation priorities.

1. The Agricultural Commercialization Project (AGCOM I & II, World Bank–funded) supports the commercialization of smallholder agriculture by strengthening producer organizations for collective marketing and input procurement. AGCOM also hosts an innovative Payment for Soil Health Services pilot, designed to link productivity gains and soil regeneration outcomes while informing the transformation of the Agricultural Input Program (AIP).
2. The Sustainable Agricultural Production Programme (SAPP II, IFAD-funded) promotes sustainable, climate-resilient, and inclusive agricultural growth through investments in soil fertility management, diversification, and value-chain development.

Both initiatives are anchored in the National Agricultural Investment Plan (NAIP II) and overlap with the One CGIAR Sustainable Farming Program, providing institutional platforms for validation and scaling of integrated innovation bundles across Malawi’s agro-ecological zones.

6. Representativeness

Is the case study representative of a wider region or other sites?

Malawi is characterized by smallholder mixed farming systems dominated by maize production, as found across the southern Africa and parts of East Africa region. Malawi also represents a diversity of agro-ecological and socio-economic contexts, with varying degrees of land pressure, soil and land degradation, exposure to climate risks. Diversity and dependency on agriculture make it an urgent case for testing and scaling sustainable farming approaches.

8. Donor interest

Are there donors interested in specific region/issue and prioritized for investment?

The World Bank, IFAD and AfDB are major funders, promoting diversification, sustainable intensification, entrepreneurship, value addition and commercialization, with strong components on legume and livestock value chains. The EU, GIZ, Irish Aid are funding complementary components on Greening Malawi through climate smart agriculture, sustainable land management, value chain approaches. These donors focus on working through government and NARES, linkages with CGIAR research are mostly limited. Opportunities to align research with delivery and scale systems level innovations exist.