Malawi Country Report 2020

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