Groundnut production technologies From the 1980s, groundnut production in Malawi and the SADC region as a whole has declined. The decline is due to a number of constraints ranging from biotic (rosette epidemics) to abiotic (harsh weather), and marketing problems and poor pricing policies (Chiyembekeza 1999).
What is the trend of Groundnut exports in Malawi?
Trend of groundnut exports in Malawi in relation to other agricultural exports Source: Compiled from NSO, Malawi (2006) The NSO in 2004 reported that agriculture contributed more than 35% of the GDP and accounted for almost 85% of the country’s export earnings.
Is groundnut a woman’s crop in Malawi?
Description of groundnut-based farming systems in Malawi Groundnut is mostly grown by resource-poor farmers, particularly women farmers. For this reason, groundnut is referred to as a woman’s crop in Malawi (Ngulube et al. 2001). Farmers grow groundnut as a sole crop or in combination with cereals such as maize (Zea mays).
Where do groundnuts grow in Malawi?
Groundnut grows well in the plateau areas with deep, well-drained sandy loamy soils (Chiyembekeza et al. 1998). The crop is mainly produced in 10 fthe Lilongwe-Kasungu plain, the Mchinji district in the central region of Malawi and some areas in Salima as well as along the lakeshore.