AGRA in Malawi
The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA)
supports government efforts to provide comprehensive support to
smallholder farmers. A key innovation has been the provision of "smart
subsidies" targeted at resource poor farmers.
The program enables resource-poor farmers to redeem government-issued
vouchers at certified agro dealers in exchange for subsidized,
high-quality seeds and fertilizers.
AGRA promotes rapid, sustainable agricultural growth based on
Malawi's smallholder farmers. Its integrated approach addresses key
challenges across the agricultural value chain.
AGRA's public- and private-sector partners in Malawi include the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, NEPAD, the University of Malawi's Bunda College of Agriculture, private seed companies, the Rural Market Development Trust, and the Association of Smallholder Seed Multiplication Action Groups.
To help Malawi meet its agricultural potential, AGRA supports
Malawi's efforts to: improve the productivity of food staples including
maize, cassava, rice, sorghum, beans and pigeon pea; expand the
availability of improved seed and fertilizer; develop national networks
of agro-dealers who can reach remote farmers; improve farmers' access to
markets; strengthen the private seed sector; and strengthen farmers'
organizations. In addition, AGRA's Policy Program has pioneered the
development of "smart subsidies," tailored to countries' specific
circumstances.
