Producing more with less: transforming mixed farming systems in Malawi through systems science

In Malawi, mixed farming systems are under significant strain due to a combination of challenges. Low agricultural productivity is a primary concern, driven by land degradation, declining soil health and nutrient depletion. Traditional reliance on inorganic fertilizers has proven inadequate, leading to persistent yield gaps and poor crop productivity.

As crop yields fluctuate, farmers are forced to intrude on natural pastures, resulting in shortages of livestock feed. This cycle of intrusion and depletion further diminishes the productivity of the farming system. Compounding these issues is the limited availability of reliable markets and off-farm opportunities, which exacerbates capital constraints, especially for women and youth who often own less productive assets.

Major agricultural shocks add to these challenges, with inflation, rising input prices, floods, droughts, pests and diseases frequently disrupting farming activities. These shocks strain the system’s capacity to sustain or improve livelihoods, making it increasingly difficult for farmers to achieve stability and growth. The cumulative effect of these issues underscores the urgent need for integrated and sustainable solutions to revitalize Malawi’s mixed farming systems.