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
5th African Regional Conference on Loss and Damage
In collaboration with our partners led by the Civil Society Network on Climate Change (CISONECC), the MwAPATA Institute co-organized the 5th Edition of the African Regional Conference on Loss and Damage, held at BICC in Lilongwe from 25 – 27 March 2026. The theme for the conference was: “Advancing Sustainable, Equitable and Just Financing and Technical Support for Loss and Damage in Africa.” The Conference aimed to advance a coherent approach to financing, assessment, and addressing loss and damage (L&D), while enhancing access to technical assistance, including through the Santiago Network on Loss and Damage (SNLD). Minister of Natural Resources, Hon. Patricia Wiskes, was the Guest of Honour.
Representing the MwAPATA Institute at the conference, Research Fellow Dr. Maggie Munthali, moderated the discussion on the topic "Delivering Technical Support for Loss and Damage: Lessons from SNLD". The discussion focused on identifying financing models and governance structures capable of delivering accessible and equitable resources; improving robust, context-appropriate methodologies for assessing economic and non-economic losses; and examining how litigation, human rights frameworks, and accountability tools can reinforce climate justice in Africa.
Stay Informed on Research Releases
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​Do Land Reforms Promote Equity in Land Rental Market Participation? Evidence from Malawi​
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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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​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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The MwAPATA Institute is currently conducting a deep-dive analysis of the apiculture value chain as part of the Ulimi ndi Chilengedwe (UCHI) project. deep-dive analysis. This research involves engaging key industry stakeholders at different value chain nodes to learn and gather insights. These include manufacturers and suppliers of beekeeping inputs, beekeeping farmers, honey processors, honey off-takers, forestry conservation institutions, etc. The key outcome of the research will be a Policy Brief that MwAPATA will publish, highlighting apiculture practices, benefits, challenges, opportunities, and policy recommendations to improve the honey value chain in Malawi.
The UCHI Commercialisation Project is a five-year initiative (September 2024 - September 2029) financed by the European Union (EU) and implemented by UNDP Malawi in collaboration with the Malawi Government, particularly the Ministries of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development; Industrialisation, Business, Trade and Tourism; Local Government and Rural Development; Natural Resources, Energy and Mining; and Health.
