Malawi - Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT

Our mission in Malawi

For over four decades, our work in Malawi has evolved from foundational bean research into a comprehensive partnership tackling food security, climate resilience and inclusive economic development. Building on proven successes like catalyzing the bean value chain, we now drive sustainable agricultural transformation, private-sector development and economic resilience.

Our strategic relevance lies in connecting science with on-the-ground impact. We develop and scale climate-resilient innovations such as the Mbili-Mbili intercropping system and future-ready crop varieties, while strengthening value chains and accelerating micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) through business support and access to finance.

Through long-term partnerships with the national government, the private sector and local communities, we ensure that these initiatives are locally relevant and scalable, directly contributing to improved livelihoods, diversified incomes, and greater resilience for the people of Malawi.

Malawi Map - Alliance Bioversity International - CIAT

Current Projects

5

Funders

3

Money Invested (USD

8700000

Challenges

Malawi's agricultural sector is dominated by smallholder farmers, and faces interconnected challenges that perpetuate poverty and food insecurity. Key issues include high vulnerability to climate shocks such as droughts, floods and erratic rainfall which threaten livelihoods and production. Farmers struggle with limited access to improved seeds, climate-resilient technologies and sustainable farming practices, leading to soil degradation and low productivity. Beyond the farm, weak market linkages, a lack of economic diversification, gender imbalances and high youth unemployment stifle growth. Critical barriers also include limited access to finance for agri-businesses, MSMEs and startups, hindering private sector development, job creation, and the broader resilience of rural households.

Thematic research areas

Our work in Malawi aligns primarily with the Alliance’s research on food environment and consumer behavior; climate actioncrops for nutrition and healthmultifunctional landscapes; and gender, youth and inclusion to deliver scalable impact for the people of Malawi. This is advanced through four interconnected thematic areas:

Climate-resilient agricultural systems 

We develop and scale practical innovations to help farmers adapt to climate variability. Our work includes co-designing and promoting systems like the approved Mbili-Mbili intercropping through multi-stakeholder platforms with national partners. This approach, central to our scaling efforts, ensures that these climate-smart practices are widely adopted, enhancing diversification, improving soil health, and strengthening crop-livestock integration

Crop improvement and breeding 

We develop climate-resilient, market-preferred and nutrient-dense crop varieties. Building on a legacy of releasing over 30 improved bean varieties, we now focus on strengthening seed systems and developing scalable delivery pathways to ensure equitable access to these innovations, boosting productivity, nutrition and farmer resilience.

Sustainable intensification and soil health 

We transform mixed farming systems through sustainable intensification tailored to local contexts. A key component of this work is developing a national agronomy and soil database to enable FAIR data sharing. This scaling tool, co-developed with national research institutions, is critical for generating and delivering targeted, scalable soil fertility recommendations to farmers across the country.

Inclusive markets and private-sector development 

We catalyze economic diversification by strengthening the broader private sector. Our Business Acceleration for Youth project provides incubation, acceleration and access to finance for startups and SMEs. This includes supporting agribusinesses as well as enterprises in sectors like agro-processing, sustainable energy and digital ICT. A core part of our scaling strategy involves building the capacity of local Malawian businesses to deliver these development services, creating a sustainable ecosystem for entrepreneurship.

Impact

competitive agricultural value chains

 

Building competitive agricultural value chains 

Climate resilient

 

Scaling climate-resilient farming practices 

Strengthening entrepreneurship

 

Strengthening entrepreneurship and MSME growth 

Improved crop

 

Developing improved crop varieties and seed systems

Advancing soil health

 

Advancing soil health and sustainable intensification 

enhancing nutrition

 

Enhancing nutrition through diversified food systems 

Job creation and economic growth

 

Job creation and economic growth

Collaboration and partners

In Malawi, our work and impact are built upon long-term, strategic partnerships. We work closely with the Government of Malawi - particularly its Department of Agricultural Research Services (DARS), District Agricultural Extension Support Services, Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Industrialization, Business, Trade and Tourism - national and local NGOs, producer organizations, a diverse network of private-sector partners including MSMEs, agribusinesses, seed companies and donor partners.

Projects and flagship initiatives

Reflecting the evolving mission of the Alliance in Malawi, the country now also hosts two major initiatives: the Business Acceleration for Youth Project and the Sustainable Intensification of Mixed Farming Systems.

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Leadership

David Slane

Senior Manager and Chief of Party, Business Acceleration for Youth Project, Country Representative for Malawi

Our office in Malawi

Alliance - Malawi Office
Chitedze Research Station
Off Mchinji Road, 20 Km
P.O. Box 158
Lilongwe, Malawi
Phone: +265 982 114 290
Contact person: David Slane ([email protected])

Talk to us

Would you like to reach out to our team of scientists working in Malawi?

CONTACT US HERE