Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Food Security Policy Policy Research Brief 65 Analysis of the Value Chains for Root and Tuber Crops in Malawi: The Case of Cassava

The crop currently occupies 41% of the area under roots and tubers and 43% of the total production of roots and tubers according to Ministry of Agriculture Production Estimates for 2016/17. Cassava is relatively more drought tolerant compared to Malawi's staple crop, maize. IFPRI research indicates that cassava can contribute to multiple growth and development outcomes, including reducing rural poverty, improving/diversifying diets, and promoting agricultural food system Gross Domestic Product growth. The study was conducted in 11 districts of Malawi across all three regions to identify and analyze the roles of key players across the cassava value chain and inherent opportunities for possible investments. The study applied both quantitative and qualitative methods, collecting primary data from 250 farmers using Focus Group Discussions and 19 traders and 21 processors using Key Informant Interviews. Analytical techniques used included Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis, profitability analysis at various stages along the value chain, and input (seed) demand analysis. Cassava production in Malawi is dominated by smallholder farmers and is becoming commercially important due to maize's vulnerability to climate change impacts. Cassava production has nearly tripled since the early 2000s, partly due to yield improvement programs by the Government, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and CGIAR centers. Cassava productivity has increased from 15.5 mt/ha in 2001 to 21.8 mt/ha in 2017. However, the current productivity of cassava remains far below potential of 45 mt/ha. Available cassava crop suitability maps show that the crop is mostly grown in areas where it is generally not suitable. The most common source for cassava planting material (cuttings) is recycling from own field or fellow farmers' fields after harvesting the roots from the previous season. This is due to limited availability and access to clean planting materials, which contributes to the spread of pests and diseases and reduces the quality of production. Farmers also buy cassava seed from Farmer Organizations (FOs) and selected individual farmers who are certified seed multipliers. Government also provides planting material to farmers through certified multiplication farmers and as part of recovery programs in case of droughts and floods. After harvesting, cassava is mainly sold fresh as raw roots either at farm gate or transported to nearby trading centers, towns, and cities. Farmers also sell their surplus cassava (especially bitter varieties) to nearby processors. However, most processors have been complaining that households are not able to supply enough cassava as they have to meet their own food security needs first before they consider taking the cassava to the factory. Several actors are involved in the processing of cassava, including households, rural women, cooperatives, and individual entrepreneurs, who process both fermented cassava flour (kandoole) and High Quality Cassava Flour (HQCF).