In Malawi, agriculture is the mainstay of the economy, accounting for about 32% of GDP, 64.1% of the labor force and about 80% of export revenues. Both crop and livestock production depend on rainfall as the main source of water because less than 5% of arable land is irrigated.

Malawi is highly vulnerable to natural disasters, primarily related to climate variability and change. Over the past two decades, droughts and floods have increased in frequency, intensity, and magnitude. As a consequence, there have been negative impacts on food and water security, and on the sustainable livelihoods of rural people.  

EPIC research activities

1. Data collection and analysis of climate variability, changes projections and impacts.
2. Identify priority areas for CSA
3. Provide the baseline information for strategic and policy frameworks.
4. Land Care
5. Crop production and value chain
6. Capacity development for farmers or crop producers.
7. Agroforestry/perennials
8. Legume crop rotation
9. Adoption of High Yielding Varieties
10. Dairy farming