Malawi : food security in a market-oriented economy

Since 1989, a number of food security assessments have been conducted for Malawi, the latest a May, 1996 report prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture with the assistance of the Food and Agricultural Organization. The present report builds on these studies and related reports in examining the food security situation in Malawi in light of the shift from a centrally controlled to a market-oriented economy. Following an introduction, Chapter 1 offers a brief review of the changes that have taken place in Malawi"s economic and political institutions that necessitate consideration of a market-oriented approach to the food security situation. After some comments on terminology, the chapter provides a brief review of a market-oriented approach to food security. This background material is followed in Chapter 2 by an analysis of the impact of markets on household food security in Malawi. Chapter 3 presents an analysis of the national food situation, contrasting a market view with a more traditional "food gap" analysis. Chapter 4 looks at current public interventions supporting food security. Finally, Chapter 5 examines approaches that could be taken by government and donors to address food security, and evaluates their appropriateness within a market economy. A major conclusion is that competitive market development rather than direct or indirect government intervention is the best short-term answer to food security in Malawi. Appendices include a bibliography and Malawi-specific discussions of household typology of food security, maize price instability, targeting the food-insecure, safety nets, and public works/food for work programs. (Author abstract, modified)