| Sumario: | The livestock sector is integral to Malawi’s mixed farming systems, contributing 22–30% of
GDP and employing over 80% of the labor force. However, a lack of scientific information on
integrating mixed farming systems, coupled with inadequate stakeholder coordination, has
hindered its potential to enhance farm productivity. This challenge is exacerbated by population
growth, which has led to land fragmentation among smallholder farmers. Farmers and
extension workers often fear that cultivating forages will reduce land available for food crops,
prioritizing crop production at the expense of livestock feed. Consequently, smallholder
farmers face low livestock productivity due to insufficient quality feed, while continuous
plowing has resulted in soil erosion, fertility loss, and declining crop yields—ultimately
reducing overall farm productivity and perpetuating household food insecurity. To address
these challenges, a reconnaissance survey was conducted in December 2024 to identify
opportunities for integrating multipurpose forages into Malawi’s mixed farming systems. The
study team assessed predominant farming systems, identified challenges, and gathered
stakeholder perspectives on cultivated and native forages. Field observations and discussions
with farmers, researchers, government officials, development agencies, and private sectors
across Malawi’s northern, central, and southern regions revealed opportunities for forage
integration. Forage production strategies such as backyard planting, intercropping, alley
cropping, crop rotation, agroforestry, and Push-Pull systems are recommended as entry points
for improving livestock feed availability while simultaneously enhancing soil fertility,
reducing erosion, and controlling pests. Prioritizing the development of improved forage
varieties and robust seed supply systems are also recommended to support these strategies. The
findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, farmers, private sector actors,
and international donors, offering actionable pathways to unlock the potential of mixed farming
systems in Malawi.
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