Climate-Resilient Crops Could Offer New Hope for Malawi's Agriculture, Study Finds
The findings come at a crucial moment for Malawi's agricultural sector, which is seeking to diversify beyond traditional staples like maize.
LILONGWE, Malawi — As climate change continues to threaten food security across southern Africa, a new study suggests that three traditional crops — cowpeas, sesame, and sorghum — could help transform Malawi's agricultural sector and boost economic resilience, writes Ireen Kayira.
The comprehensive analysis, unveiled Tuesday at a validation workshop in Lilongwe, was conducted by the Centre for Agricultural Research and Development at Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, with $1.4 million in funding from the World Food Programme (WFP).
"Traditional agricultural systems, which over 90 percent of Malawians rely on for their livelihoods, are under strain," said Paul Turnbull, WFP's Country Director in Malawi.
The impact is particularly severe in districts like Chikwawa, Nsanje, and Phalombe, where extreme weather events have left millions vulnerable to food insecurity.
The study reveals both promise and challenges. Sesame production has grown remarkably, with farmer participation soaring from 31% in 2019 to 91% by early 2024.
However, the crop's potential is hampered by price fluctuations and an underdeveloped seed system, with nearly half of farmers relying on recycled or uncertified seeds.
Cowpeas, known for their nutritional value and soil-enriching properties, are grown by only 2% of farmers, concentrated in regions like Balaka and Dedza.
The study found that pre-harvest losses can exceed 50% in some cases, highlighting the need for improved farming practices.
Despite its drought-resistant qualities, sorghum faces similar challenges. Only 4% of Malawian farmers currently grow the crop, and 86% use recycled seeds, reflecting systemic issues in seed access and market development.
"These crops are uniquely positioned to address critical challenges in food security, nutrition, and climate resilience," said Elida Kazira, Director of Crop Development in the Ministry of Agriculture.
She emphasized the government's commitment to transforming these value chains into "engines of economic growth and resilience."
The findings come at a crucial moment for Malawi's agricultural sector, which is seeking to diversify beyond traditional staples like maize.
The study identifies several systemic bottlenecks, including fragmented landholdings, limited access to quality inputs, and weak market structures, that need to be addressed to realize the full potential of these alternative crops.
As climate change continues to threaten agricultural productivity across Africa, the study suggests that investing in these resilient crops could offer a sustainable pathway to food security and economic development for millions of small-scale farmers in Malawi.