The main source of income for more than 90% of the population in central and Northern Malawi is agriculture. In the project areas, Kasungu and Mzimba, the smallholder farmers mainly produce livestock and groundnuts. Despite the efforts, the productivity is low and most farmers have difficulty earning a descent income.
Groundnut is the most important cash crop grown in Kasungu. Yet, yields are low due to inadequate agricultural practices. Cooperatives are scarce and often dysfunctional and there is a lack of a reliable and structured markets. The production is threatened by diseases like aflatoxin. Women are active players in this value chain, but their capacity is not fully optimized.