Bananas are in high demand among Malawi’s population, serving as an important dietary staple and source of income in both domestic and regional markets. Despite ranking sixth in importance for food security and income generation, banana production faces several constraints including drought, poor soil quality, unsuitable cultivars, and pest and disease pressures, notably Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV) – challenges that contribute to low and declining yields.

Significant opportunities exist to strengthen the banana value chain across production, aggregation, distribution, marketing and processing. Untapped potential also exists to recover to pre-epidemic production levels and expand further, making bananas a strategic focus for agricultural development.

A key element of the strategy is strengthening farmer organization and collective action through community-based, gender-responsive associations. This approach enables resource sharing and inclusive decision-making among smallholder banana farmers.

The strategy promotes access to disease-free planting material by linking associations with tissue-culture laboratories. It also supports local hardening facilities to reduce costs. An enhanced farmer-to-farmer extension model will build capacity in integrated pest management, micro-irrigation and soil management, supported by trained government extension officers and lead farmers.

To strengthen market linkages, the strategy promotes out-grower/off-taker models that connect smallholders with commercial farms and processors. It also incentivizes private investment in processing through equipment, infrastructure and other forms of assistance. Marketing support will help expand domestic and export markets for processed products.