Gender norms and the marketing of seeds and ware potatoes in Malawi.

Gender dynamics shape and influence the nature of participation in, as well as the ability to benefit from, seed and ware potato markets in Malawi. 35 sex-disaggregated focus group discussions with farmers and 4 interviews with extension officers were conducted in Dedza and Ntcheu districts. Data on seed marketing and purchase, ware potato marketing, affordability, marketing decisions, and clients, as well as social norms and values that influence market participation by men and women were collected and analyzed using the Real Markets Approach focusing on social relations within markets. Results demonstrate that agricultural market interventions that do not address underlying social structures - such as those related to gender relations and access to key resources - will benefit one group of people over another; in this case men over women

Understanding collective action and women's empowerment in potato farmer groups in Ntcheu and Dedza in Malawi.

This paper explores the potential for potato farmer groups to empower women in Malawi. It does this by examining how social and gender norms in communities, including the distribution of power, resources and responsibilities, may have an impact on the ability of farmer groups to empower female group participants

Effect of uptake of improved seed potato and donor-funded training on smallholder farmers’ market participation

Enhancing the productivity of crops through the adoption and uptake of technologies improves farmers' socio-economic status through increased market participation. However, smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) face a myriad of challenges that make it difficult for them to access and participate in the output markets. Like most SSA countries, the uptake of improved technologies is still low in Malawi. This paper examines the relationship between uptake of improved potato seed and donor-funded training on market participation. Using secondary data from 393 potato farmers in Malawi, the study applied a triple-hurdle model to examine the extent to which such interventions and other socio-economic and institutional factors influence market participation. The results showed that male-headed farm households, more experienced farmers, and those who participated in CIP-led training were likely to market their potato output. Further, farmers closer to urban centers, those with off-farm income, those who had participated in potato training, use of improved potato seed and quantity of output positively influenced the decision to sell in high-value markets such as supermarkets. On the other hand, land size, ownership of transport equipment, group membership, and access to credit had positive effects on the amount of potato sold while distance to the markets reduced the quantity sold. Based on these findings, there is a need to set up a seed system within the local communities where farmers can easily access the seeds. Additionally, there is a need for a collaborative effort between public and private sector stakeholders to invest in the production of improved potato seeds that would help to address the shortfall in supply. Finally, institutional support interventions that utilize farmer groups as a key entry point in sustaining training on improved potato seed, relaxing credit constraints and promoting diversification into off-farm enterprises would enhance potato production and marketing

Gender norms and access to extension services and training among potato farmers in Dedza and Ntcheu in Malawi.

This paper explores the interaction between extension services and gender relations in order to suggest ways and strategies that can be useful in ensuring that extension services are gender-equitable and empowering for women

Malawi potato variety catalogue 2021

This catalogue is the first for potato varieties registered in Malawi with the Agricultural Technology Clearing Committee (ATCC) of the Department of Agricultural Research Services (DARS) under the Ministry of Agriculture. The catalogue describes potato varieties in terms of use, tuber features, maturity period, yields, and resistance to diseases. A brief description of the growth characteristics has also been provided for each variety. Using the details provided, it is easy to identify each variety to target specific markets. This initiative is aimed at enhancing awareness about the released varieties and helping create the links between seed growers and potato farmers. This catalogue is, therefore, an important reference material for farmers and other market actors