Country: Malawi
Sector: Agriculture, Livelihoods
Background:
Our partner planned to roll out a subsidized input distribution scheme targeting smallholder farmers affected by erratic weather and pest infestations. However, before launching, they needed clear data on what inputs were most needed, access barriers, and the local distribution ecosystem. We were brought in to conduct a robust needs assessment.
Approach:
We surveyed 1,200 smallholder farmers across four districts using structured questionnaires and GPS-assisted farm observations. Key informant interviews were conducted with local agro-dealers, extension workers, and cooperatives.
Special modules assessed gendered differences in land ownership, input access, and decision-making power within farming households.
Findings:
The most requested inputs were drought-tolerant maize, fertilizer, and pesticide kits. Only 38% of women-headed households had accessed extension services in the past year. Many respondents highlighted delayed input availability, long travel distances to markets, and low trust in government supply chains. The assessment also uncovered post-harvest losses due to lack of proper storage.
Impact:
The insights led the implementing partner to create a tiered input voucher system, coupled with mobile delivery trucks to reach remote areas. The program also incorporated training on storage solutions and allocated more extension workers specifically to women farmers. Our report played a central role in designing a more gender-responsive and efficient input subsidy model.
