Evidence for Transformation
The MwAPATA Institute is an independent agricultural policy think tank in Malawi. The Institute is engaging the Government of Malawi, private sector, and civil society stakeholders in a program of applied policy analysis, policy outreach, capacity building, and policy coordination. MwAPATA was established with a grant from the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World via Michigan State University and continues with the support of various strategic partners.
MwAPATA Institute
RECENT EVENTS
NEW RESEARCH
Dissemination Workshop for Two Food Systems Policy Brief
The MwAPATA Institute successfully disseminated the two Policy Briefs titled “Policy and Practice: Lessons for Localising Malawi’s Food Systems Transformation” and “Does accessing multiple social support programmes improve household resilience and food security? ”. The two Policy Briefs are the outcomes of the research conducted by the Institute under the Transformative Initiative for Food Systems (TI Malawi) Project, in partnership with GIZ Malawi and CSONA. MwAPATA’s Research Fellow, Dr Anderson Gondwe, and Research Analyst, Mrs Dinah Salonga presented the two Policy Briefs.
During the dissemination workshop which was conducted on 22 January 2026 at the BICC in Lilongwe, various stakeholders in the Food Systems sector including development partners, government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), farmers’ organizations, the youth, women, civil society, the private sector, the media, and academia, discussed actionable solutions that would empower policymakers and stakeholders with evidence-based insights to inform their decisions and initiatives related to food security and resilience.
The dissemination workshop also served as a vital platform for enhanced awareness and collaborative development of actionable strategies to address the identified challenges in the food systems based on policy research findings that are outlined in the two Policy Briefs. The event was graced by the Deputy Director of Planning at the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Readwell Musopole.
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Dr. Anderson Gondwe's Presentation Mrs Dinah Salonga's Presentation
The MwAPATA Institute, NYCOM and AGRA supported the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Decentralization in organizing the Ministerial Youth Pre-Budget Consultation for the 2026 - 2027 National Budget, held at BICC in Lilongwe on 19 January 2026. The consultation was facilitated by the responsible Minister, Hon. Joseph Mwanamvekha, MP.
MwPATA, NYCOM and AGRA are the implementing partners in the "Enhancing Inclusive Youth-Led Platform for Evidence-based Agricultural Policymaking and Implementation in Malawi " (LEAP4YOUTH Project). The project's main goal is to institutionalize Youth-led agri-food systems platforms that influence policymaking and policy implementation contributing to sustainable youth employment in Malawi.
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Watch the full event here.
Stay Informed on Research Releases
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​Does accessing multiple social support programmes improve household resilience and food security?
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​Policy Lessons for Localising the Food Systems Transformation Agenda in Malawi
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​Malawi Public Agricultural Expenditure Review
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Healthy foods cost more and differ by Region in Sub-Saharan Africa: A meta-analysis
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Assessment of agricultural diversification strategies and rural household food security in Malawi
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​The impact of site-specific soil-test-based extension advice on farm management in Malawi
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​In the News
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Research urges Malawi to bundle social support programmes to boost food security
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MwAPATA urges urgent action on Malawi’s soil crisis
Malawi needs to enhance organic fertilizer usage
Outdated forestry fees limit Malawi’s potential
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Conference calls for agri-food systems boost
Youth participation in agriculture still a pain-point for Malawi
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​Banana faces uncertain future, study shows
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Land reform pace affects agriculture
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