Opportunities for integrating multipurpose forages in mixed farming systems of Malawi

Multipurpose forages offer great potential for both smallholder and commercial farmers in Malawi. Gaining insight into synergies, adoption pathways and farmers perceptions is important for effective integration in mixed farming systems. Strong partnerships are essential to improve forage and feed systems, boosting livelihoods, income, environmental sustainability, and nutrition. This was the conclusion drawn at the recent national forages seminar hosted by Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) and the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT (Alliance-CIAT). The event aimed to share preliminary research findings on multipurpose forages, identify research gaps, and outline an agenda for integrating forages into farming systems across Malawi.

Importance of multipurpose forages
Enhancing livelihood benefits: Since smallholder farmers typically own only a few animals, it is important that these are highly productive and well-integrated into the mixed farming system. Smallholder farmers value livestock primarily for their role in providing manure and for replenishing soil organic matter, especially as inorganic fertilizers remain unaffordable and their effectiveness in improving soil fertility has diminished. Additionally, livestock contribute to income diversification, helping farmers to navigate lean periods marked by food and cash shortages, and enabling the purchase of agricultural inputs for the next growing season.

Trade-offs with environment: As the demand for livestock grows, livestock holdings – especially among smallholders – are expanding – with restocking programs targeting vulnerable households. However, productivity of these animals remains low, largely due to inadequate feed and feeding practices. The increase in livestock populations has gone together with cropland expansion and the conversion of wetlands, which are vital dry-season feed reserves for livestock. This has led to a reduction in natural forage resources, causing land degradation and feed shortages. Livestock are often left to rely on low-quality, off-farm feed sources, mostly crop residues, which compete directly with other uses, such as composting for organic manure and mulching in conservation agriculture.

Niche for forages: Integrating dual-purpose crops such as maize and legumes, along with deep-rooted forages, can significantly benefit the farming systems. These forages can enhance quality biomass without compromising grain yields, and help conserve soil and water, stabilize crop yields, and utilize crop residues more productively, reducing practices like burning. By enhancing nutrient cycling through manure and crop residues, forages also promote soil health, biodiversity, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

When properly integrated, forages can be a key driver in transitioning towards sustainable mixed farming systems, while concurrently opening opportunities for market development and environmental protection programs.

Farmers’ perspectives and commercial insights
Ongoing trials in Kasungu and Mzimba Districts have demonstrated the value and potential contribution of forages in improving both crop and livestock productivity. Farmers participating in these trials reported better soil moisture retention, reduced soil erosion, and enhanced food security. Research in Mzimba District has also shown that combining contour bunds with perennial forage hedges significantly increased farm returns, with economic benefits arising from improved livestock feeding and the use of additional biomass for composting.

The commercial sector is also expressing a growing demand for forage seed and forage-based solutions. The need for maize and legume residue aggregation was highlighted, as well as the challenges posed by the drying up of pastures and the competition for land with irrigation schemes.

Pathways to scaling forages in Malawi.

The seminar highlighted several pathways for scaling up multipurpose forages in Malawi, while ensure access to clean plant material:

Commercial demand for forages: There is a growing need for cultivated forages to meet the demand of commercial enterprises. Partnerships with the beef and dairy industries, as well as out-grower schemes, are essential to improving access to quality forage seeds and boosting forage production across the country.

Increased engagement and partnerships with the commercial sector could create opportunities for investment and co-financing forage research and solutions, which are highly anticipated by the livestock industry.

The formation of the Forage Africa Network (FAN) offers an opportunity for Malawi to join other participating countries including Zambia, Tunisia, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Kenya and harness collaboration among forage scientist in the region.

Smallholder farmer awareness: Raising awareness among smallholder farmers about the benefits of both native and cultivated forages is critical by encouraging on-farm experimentation. Incarnating practical agribusiness skills development in feed conservation, value addition and packaging and linking forage producers to off takers supports conservation of off-farm feeds and income opportunities for farmers without livestock. There is a need to also identify opportunities for local forage production and engage farmers in multiplying forages at the local level. Additionally, soil and water conservation programs can be leveraged to promote the use of forages, enhancing their potential for commercialization.

Seed systems and multiplication: A significant bottleneck in forage production is the lack of robust seed systems. Establishing local seed multiplication and certification mechanisms, alongside supportive policies, can help overcome this challenge.

The private sector is well-positioned to develop forage seed systems, and clear guidelines and regulations on forage seeds are essential, especially for varieties that propagate vegetatively. Opportunities must be explored of having a forage breeding specialist and accessing pure forage seed, particularly legumes, as start-up materials. Absence of such guiding principles continue to proliferate circulation of inferior and often contaminated forage seed among farmers. Policies should recognize that technical standards for food crop seeds may not apply directly to forages, as parameters like digestibility and specific germination rates are often unique to forage species. In Kenya, for example, adapting seed regulations from food crops directly to forage seeds has proven unrealistic, with different forage species requiring tailored guidelines. Quality Declared Seeds (QDS), which assign quality assurance to the producer, are one solution, though these seeds are typically restricted for use within the regions where they are produced.

Seed companies developing dual-purpose maize and legume varieties are also well-positioned to enhance livestock feed quality without compromising crop yields. Where economically feasible, importing seeds within the region could allow Malawi to access quality forage varieties without duplicating efforts. Regional trade blocs, such as COMESA (The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa), have made strides in food crops in the region, e.g. where registration of a variety in two countries would only require one year of National Performance Trial in a third country within the block to be registered. This would save time and resources towards varieties registration, and ease adopting forages in the region, especially for forages that are conspicuously missing on the COMESA varieties list.

Strengthening livestock markets: The unstructured and weak livestock markets in Malawi are a major barrier to realizing the full potential of forages. Strengthening value chains, fostering inclusive business models, and improving coordination among government agencies and development organizations was emphasized, to empower farmers to invest in better livestock nutrition.

Next Steps
The seminar concluded with a call to form a community of practice that brings together diverse stakeholders—researchers, government agencies, development organizations, and the private sector. This community would champion the development of a common agenda for forages, foster commercialization, improve livestock markets, and promote partnerships to unleash the potential of multipurpose forages in Malawi. The Department of Animal Health and Livestock Development (DAHLD), LUANAR, and the Department of Agricultural Research Services (DARS) will play key roles in facilitating this agenda, with the Alliance-CIAT providing support for evidence-based development.

“Spearheading the forages and mixed farming systems agenda in Malawi is crucial,” said Mr. Innocent Mkangala, Deputy Director of DAHLD. “The insights gained from this seminar highlight the importance of collaboration from the start. Let us embark on this journey together.”

The virtual seminar, part of the CGIAR initiative on Mixed Farming Systems (MFS), brought together a diverse group of participants, including the Farmers Union of Malawi, development agencies, DAHLD, DARS, Malawi National Services, LUANAR, and several international research organizations such as Wageningen University and Research (WUR), CIFOR-ICRAF, CIMMYT, ILRI, and the Alliance-CIAT.

Source: The CGIAR