The Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) has launched a Policy Innovation Hub to strengthen evidence-based policymaking in Malawi’s agriculture and food systems sector.
Launched in Lilongwe on Thursday, the hub will help define future research priorities to support food systems transformation toward 2030 while improving the use of existing research in national decision-making.
Clemens Breisinger, CGIAR director of Policy Innovations Science Program described the hub as “a one-stop shop for donors and partners” to collaborate on agricultural and food policy.
“Malawi is an important partner for CGIAR,” he said. “We look forward to more positive policy change in 2026 and beyond.”
Malawi continues to face persistent food system challenges, including recurrent hunger, undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, supply disruptions and price volatility.
Analysts say this threatens progress toward national development goals and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Speaking on behalf of CGIAR centres operating in Malawi, Sika Gbegbelegbe said the organisation has supported government efforts through seed system innovations, genetic improvements and evidence-based policy research.
“We have reached over two million smallholder farmers through improved planting materials and sustainable practices,” she said.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, Thoko Tembo, officially launched the hub, emphasising agriculture’s central role in Malawi’s economy.
“We must craft policies that are responsive to the rapidly evolving political, economic and social environment,” Tembo said.
He added that the hub should serve as an inclusive platform for addressing public challenges.
The event drew researchers, government officials, civil society representatives and farmers.
