Oxfam Urges Journalists to Advocate for Revival of Structured Agricultural Markets in Malawi

Oxfam in Malawi has called on journalists to support the revival of structured agricultural markets, a step that could significantly enhance earnings for smallholder farmers across the country.

During a two-day media training in Salima, Patson Nthala, Flanders Project Coordinator for Oxfam in Malawi, emphasized the role of structured markets—such as those previously managed by the Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (Admarc)—in securing fair prices for farmers’ produce.

Nthala highlighted that the lack of formal markets often forces smallholder farmers to sell their produce to vendors at much lower prices, which undermines their profitability and economic stability.

“Revitalizing these markets is essential to help farmers make fair profits from their hard work,” he said, underscoring the potential of structured markets to transform Malawi’s agricultural economy by providing stable and transparent platforms for transactions.

The training, attended by media representatives from various outlets, aimed to equip journalists with insights into a project titled Enhancing Access to Markets for Smallholder Farmers in Malawi.

Funded by the Flanders Government and implemented by Oxfam in collaboration with the Catholic Development Commission in Malawi (CADECOM) and the Circle for Integrated Community Development (CICOD), the project focuses on Kasungu district. It aims to support inclusive and profitable agricultural markets, specifically targeting the economic empowerment of women and youth among smallholder farmers and promoting resilience and sustainable livelihoods.

One participant, Amon Butao from Mlimi Radio, praised Oxfam for the training, stating it broadened his understanding of the challenges smallholder farmers face in accessing profitable markets and highlighted the media’s role in addressing these issues.

This initiative underscores the need to establish accessible, profitable market opportunities for smallholder farmers—particularly women and youth—who often struggle to secure fair returns on their investments.

Through empowering journalists with knowledge on these topics, Oxfam aims to build greater awareness and advocacy for structured markets that can enhance the livelihoods of Malawi’s farming communities.