Measures to increase food production and mitigating against increased food prices: the Malawi case study

Abstract

The economy of Malawi is highly dependent on agricultural production and development initiatives in the country have been mostly dependent on improving agricultural production. Furthermore the sector comprises largely of smallholder farmers who produce primarily for own production and only the surplus is marketed. However, as in other parts of SSA the smallholder farming sector's productivity is quite low and the Malawi government has a history of supporting smallholder farmers but for the past three production seasons, Malawi embarked on a bold initiative to improve access to inputs and technologies through the Agricultural Input Subsidy Programme (AISP). The programme is hailed for having moved the country from a deficit producer of staple crops, especially maize, to a surplus producer. In addition, the programme has increased the food security status of the farming households and the economic growth of the country as it has been able to allow the participation of all agricultural stakeholders.