Land Reforms, Markets, Investment Decisions, and Agricultural Productivity in Malawi
Posted: June 19, 2025 Posted By: Evance Mzembeni
Innocent Pangapanga-Phiri, Lumbani Banda, Wongani Chirwa, Patrick Kawaye, Richard Nyoni, Keston Simkhonde, Sithembire Kasambala, Iness Gondwe, and Maria Phoka
Secure land tenure, through advanced land registration, re-demarcation, and the development of functional land markets, plays a crucial role in reducing land-related conflicts and promoting long-term investments in soil conservation, irrigation, and agroforestry. In their absence, countries like Malawi continue to grapple with persistent challenges, such as land degradation, declining agricultural productivity, and widespread food insecurity, which are further intensified by unsustainable farming practices and recurrent climate shocks. This study investigates the impact of land registration on key agricultural and socioeconomic outcomes, including soil health restoration, crop productivity, farm returns, employment generation, and household food security in Malawi. Using data from 600 households across four districts, Mchinji, Nkhotakota, Chikwawa, and Nsanje, the research employs robust micro-simulation techniques to estimate the biophysical and economic effects of land tenure reforms at the household level. To strengthen the analysis, the study integrates remote sensing, drone imagery, and machine learning tools with household survey data. The findings will offer evidence-based insights to inform policy reforms on land tenure, promote sustainable land management, and enhance food and livelihood security in rural Malawi...