CONFLICT IN AGRICULTURAL POLICIES IN ACCOMMODATING RECENT ADVANCEMENTS IN THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR IN AFRICA: A CASE STUDY OF MALAWI

Abstract

Malawi, just like many African countries is struggling with inadequate agricultural productivity, making it difficult to meet the food demand of its growing population. This leads to increased demand for water and energy resources in agriculture production, posing environmental threats. Recent advancements like the water, energy, and food (WEF) nexus concept can increase food production and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This could improve food availability, ensuring a steady supply amidst climate change, and poverty. However, national policies often adopt a sectorial approach, neglecting potential interdependencies and conflicts that may arise from cross sectoral integration. This study, therefore, examines the conflict in agricultural policies in accommodating recent advancements in the agricultural sector in Malawi. The study set out to explore four research questions. The study uses a qualitative method design with Key-informant interviews and document reviews. A total of twenty-eight respondents were interviewed which included sixteen experts and twelve farmers and ten policy documents were purposelessly sampled. The NVIVO 14 Software was used to analyze the data collected. The results show that the use of the WEF nexus concept as a selected recent advancement in the agriculture sector in Malawi boosts crop yields, diversifies cropping patterns, and extends the growing season beyond traditional rain-fed cycles. It also contributes to rural development, job creation, and entrepreneurship. However, the implementation of the WEF nexus faces challenges such as poor irrigation development, catchment conservation, and technical, socioeconomic, and policy issues. The study further reveals that policies like Malawi Vision 2063 and Nation Agriculture Policy align with the WEF nexus concept in Malawi's agriculture sector, but inconsistencies and conflicts within existing frameworks hinder the effective implementation of integrated WEF approaches for sustainable development, including a lack of coordinated sectoral policies, competing interests, poor governance, and climate change. The study recommends the government create a coordinated policy framework that accommodates recent advancements and integrates water, energy, and food sectors, and the government should incorporate the WEF nexus concept into the Universities, Secondary, and Primary school curriculums.