The Impacts of Agricultural Commercialisation Project on Female Farmers' Livelihood in Malawi

The Impacts of Agricultural Commercialisation Project on Female Farmers' Livelihood in Malawi | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Case Report The Impacts of Agricultural Commercialisation Project on Female Farmers' Livelihood in Malawi Audrey Khanyizira, Violet Khanyizira This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-7537792/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract In Malawi, women comprise a substantial portion of the agricultural labour force. Nevertheless, women in agriculture face structural barriers, including limited access to land, credit, training, and market opportunities. These disparities hinder women's ability to fully participate in and benefit from agricultural activities. Recognising this, numerous programs have been established worldwide to empower women to commercialise their agricultural activities. The Agricultural Commercialisation (AGCOM) project in Malawi is one of the agricultural development projects designed to enhance agricultural productivity. This study explores the impact of the AGCOM project on the livelihoods of female farmers in Mjogo Village. The study employed a qualitative research approach with a case study design to address the central research question. Interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect information from purposively selected respondents. Data were analysed through thematic analysis. The study revealed that the AGCOM project aligns well with the needs of women farmers, enhancing their agricultural production and income through improved access to quality inputs and modern farming techniques. Women beneficiaries reported significant improvements in their livelihoods, with many now able to support their families and some even initiating new agricultural ventures, such as poultry farming. The project's efforts have empowered women by increasing women's involvement in decision-making and transforming cultural perceptions of gender roles, fostering a supportive environment for women in agricultural leadership. The study emphasises the importance of enhancing access to finance, strengthening market linkages, promoting gender-sensitive policies, and offering flexible training opportunities for women to increase their participation in commercial farming. Agricultural commercialisation female farmers women in agriculture Malawi Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 1. Introduction As in many sub-Saharan African countries, agriculture remains the backbone of Malawi's economy. Agriculture accounts for 64% of jobs and contributes approximately 22% of the country's GDP, as well as 80% of export earnings [ 1 ]. Most farmers in Malawi are subsistence farmers who primarily produce food to cater to their own needs, with little surplus, which is insufficient for household economic growth. It is therefore stated that Malawian agriculture is vital; however, numerous obstacles hinder its development and poverty reduction. The dominance of the small-scale subsistence system impedes income generation and the growth of the rural economy. Additionally, poor market connections, inadequate infrastructure, and susceptibility to climate shocks all reduce agricultural profitability and production [ 2 ]. In the context of Malawi, as in many other less-developed countries, women significantly contribute to the agricultural labour force but often lack control over productive resources [ 3 ]. Historically, women in agriculture face structural barriers, including limited access to land, credit, training, and market opportunities [ 4 ]. These disparities hinder women's ability to fully participate in and benefit from agricultural activities. Addressing these gender-specific challenges is essential for the success of development projects aimed at reducing poverty and improving livelihoods. Agricultural gender relationships have a significant impact on productivity, resource access, and economic outcomes. Gender considerations have become increasingly important in agricultural development programs over the past few decades. Providing equal access to resources and opportunities for women can boost agricultural productivity by up to 30%. This highlights the importance of addressing gender disparities to ensure sustainable agricultural development. As stated earlier, women are among the most vulnerable social groups, primarily affected by low agricultural productivity. Recognising this, numerous programs have been established worldwide to empower women to commercialise their agricultural activities. This is simply because women play a significant role in agriculture and household development. The Agricultural Commercialisation (AGCOM) project in Malawi is one of the agricultural development projects designed to enhance agricultural productivity and commercialise integrated, gender-sensitive strategies. AGCOM [ 5 ] states that the project aims to enhance the efficiency of the agricultural value chain, improve market access, and provide training and resources to farmers, with a particular focus on women. Specifically, the measurable impacts of such initiatives on the income of the designated female farmers are crucial for assessing the project and informing subsequent policy. The AGCOM Project's interventions, such as access to credit, training in modern farming techniques, and improved market linkages, are designed to directly impact income levels [ 6 ]. Against this background, this study aims to explore the impacts of agricultural commercialisation projects on the livelihoods of female farmers in Malawi, using Mjogo Village in Mangochi District as a reference point. The primary question of this study is: What are the impacts of the AGCOM project on the livelihoods of female farmers in Mjogo Village, Mangochi District, Malawi? The following specific questions helped to answer the central question: How well are the AGCOM Project objectives aligned with the needs of female farmers in Mjogo Village? What are the views of female farmers about their involvement and influence in the decision-making process of the AGCOM project? How has the AGCOM project affected the social status and empowerment of female farmers in the community? 2. Analytical Framework: Sustainable Livelihood Approach The analysis of this study is guided by the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach (SLA). The SLA is one of the most widely used frameworks for understanding rural livelihoods and rural development, particularly the livelihoods of marginalised women. This framework has garnered widespread recognition from rural development practitioners, researchers, academics, and policymakers over the past two decades. Although the origin of the SRLA can be traced back to the 1980s and 1990s, Ian Scoones is widely recognised for reshaping the SRLA as it is understood today. His 1998 paper "Sustainable Rural Livelihoods: A Framework for Analysis," published as the IDS working paper, is highly cited and well noted as a basis for what is referred to as SLA [ 7 ]. Rooted in the actor-oriented or participatory rural development approach, the SLA emphasises individual agency. Early works, such as Robert Chambers' "Rural Development: Putting the Last First" (Chambers, 1983), as well as the 1992 IDS working paper "Sustainable rural livelihoods: practical concepts for the 21st century" by Chambers and Conway (1991), form the basis for the SRLA. However, its history can still be traced back to these publications. Most scholars who use the livelihood framework draw on the definition of livelihoods from Chambers and Conway (1992), who define livelihoods as "the capabilities, assets, and activities required for a means of living." For them, "livelihood is sustainable when they can cope with and recover from stress and shocks, maintain or enhance their capabilities and assets, and support future generations". A central concern of any livelihood analysis is understanding "who is poor and better off and why" [ 8 ]. In this case, his framework is constructed by focusing on the analysis of the three major dimensions, namely (i) livelihood resources (assets/capitals), (ii) mediating processes, and (iii) livelihood strategies. Scoones considers livelihood resources as inputs and livelihood strategies as outputs that together produce livelihood outcomes. In his framework, Scoones highlights five kinds of livelihood resources (assets/capitals), namely natural capital (natural resources like soil, water, etc.), economic/financial capital (cash and non-cash resources that can be converted into cash, e.g., cattle, etc.), human capital (knowledge and skills, good health, etc.), social capital (social relations, social networks, association, etc.), and others. According to Scoones, different mediating processes enable or constrain livelihood assets into livelihood outcomes, including contexts, conditions, and trends. In this case, meditating processes dictate that rural people adopt different livelihood strategies. Scoones highlights three livelihood strategies: agricultural intensification and extensification, livelihood diversification (developing a diverse livelihood portfolio to overcome shocks and stress or build resilience), and migration (mainly rural-rural or rural-urban migration). He further argues that most individuals or rural households opt to combine the three livelihood strategies, which can result in positive or negative livelihood outcomes. The SLA can serve as an appropriate framework for this study, as agricultural intensification and extensification are among the livelihood strategies proposed in the SLA. In the context of AGCOM, the SLA can help to understand the opportunities and challenges faced by female farmers that prevent them from commercialising their agriculture, thereby improving their livelihoods. In this case, the framework helps to understand the various types of capital (physical, human, financial, social, and natural) that women farmers must utilise to commercialise agriculture (Fig. 1 ). 3. Methods 3.1 The study area Mjogo Village is situated in Malawi's southern region, specifically in the Mangochi District (Fig. 2 ). It is situated next to Lake Malawi, which is Africa's second-deepest and third-largest lake. Rolling hills and farmland encircle the settlement. Mjogo Village is primarily a rural community home to about a thousand residents. Most locals are subsistence farmers who make their living from crops, including groundnuts, cassava, and maise. In the village, fishing is a significant source of both food and money. As Mjogo Village is located in a tropical savanna, its climate is characterised by distinct wet and dry seasons. The village experiences warm to hot conditions throughout the year, with a monthly average temperature of approximately 22°C (72°F). The rainy season, with an annual average rainfall of around 1,000 mm (39 in), typically runs from November to April. From May to October, the dry season is characterised by minimal rainfall. Grasslands seem to be the dominant vegetation in the village of Mjogo, with bushes, trees, and plants infrequently adding colour. Three important kinds of trees exist: miombo forests, acacias, and baobabs. 3.2 Research Design This study employed a qualitative research approach to investigate the impact of the AGCOM project on the livelihoods of female farmers in Mjogo village, Mangochi District, Malawi. The qualitative method enables a thorough examination of the multifaceted aspects of female farmers' income situation in relation to the project objectives, their needs, changes in agricultural productivity, social and empowerment dynamics, and challenges encountered during the project process. Qualitative research focuses on answering questions of "how" and "why", while the quantitative approach focuses on answering questions such as "how many" or "how much" [ 9 ] Qualitative research seeks to understand complex social processes in their natural settings. Qualitative research typically aims to draw a case-specific rather than a general conclusion on the matters under study [ 10 ]. Open-ended inquiries and direct interaction with participants will allow female farmers to express their perspectives authentically. Qualitative research captures the contextual complexities of agricultural practices and gender dynamics, revealing underlying meanings, patterns, and relationships that quantitative approaches may overlook. 3.3 Sampling Design The study employs purposive sampling in the selection process of participants. The study employed a purposive sampling design to obtain the targeted respondents. Strategies of purposive sampling are designed to enhance understanding of selected respondents' experiences or to develop concepts and theories. A researcher seeks to fulfil this mission by choosing "information-rich" respondents with high insights into the problem under study [ 11 ]. Purposive sampling was mainly employed as it helps researchers prepare criteria and choose suitable respondents knowledgeable about the question under study. Purposive sampling is employed to avoid wasting resources (time and money). Therefore, this study selected respondents purposely to respond to the central research question. For example, the eight key informants were selected based on their knowledge, attitudes, and experiences regarding the impact of the AGCOM project on the livelihoods of female farmers in Mjogo village, Mangochi District, Malawi. These key informants included representatives from the government, non-governmental organisations, and other stakeholders. Additionally, the women who were beneficiaries of the AGCOM project were selected using purposive sampling. 3.4 Types and Sources of Data To address the central research question, a three-month fieldwork period was conducted in Mjogo village from July to September 2024. This immersive research involved collecting data through various techniques, including semi-structured interviews with 49 women who were beneficiaries of the AGCOM project, key informant interviews, and observational methods. The semi-structured interviews aimed to gather rich and detailed information regarding the project's operations and its impact on women's livelihoods [ 12 ].Through these interviews, the researcher sought to uncover not only how the project aligns with the needs and expectations of the women but also to understand their perceptions of the project, its effects on their social status, and the challenges they face in accessing the resources and benefits offered. Semi-structured interviews were chosen for this study due to their effectiveness in qualitative data collection, as they allow for in-depth exploration of complex topics through probing questions [ 13 ]. This flexibility enabled the researcher to adapt the conversation, delving deeper into specific areas of interest that emerged during the discussions, thereby helping to illuminate the nuanced experiences of the women involved. The researcher gained valuable insights into women's perspectives on the AGCOM project through open-ended dialogue, highlighting its successes and the barriers they encountered. The data collected from both the semi-structured interviews contributes significantly to understanding the broader social dynamics in Mjogo village, ultimately informing future initiatives to enhance women's participation and empowerment within their community. In addition to the semi-structured interviews, the researcher conducted Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with women and men farmers who benefited from the project to get their perceptions of the project. FGDs can be used as a strong qualitative data collection tool because they involve several participants expressing their thoughts, experiences, ideas, and beliefs on an issue in a large group [ 14 ]. FGDs involve in-depth discussions among participants, exploring concepts of group dynamics that help reveal general attitudes and norms that may not emerge during direct interviews with individual participants [ 15 ]. The FGDs purposively involved both the women and the men farmers to capture gender-specific ideas while comparing and contrasting ideas held in parallel. The constant response and extension of one's thoughts by the other participants helped the researcher develop a more comprehensive view of the specific community and its perception of the AGCOM project. It is clear that FGDs in qualitative research focus on data collection and offer deeper insights into social contexts and group environments that may influence certain individuals [ 16 ]. Consequently, FGDs facilitated better discussions to understand the farmers' perceived project achievements and value, and to reveal the social and cultural aspects of farmers' engagement in the AGCOM project. FGDs bring out participants' views without pressure, providing a deeper understanding than personal interviews. Additionally, FGDs have the advantage of revealing a more socially constructed understanding of the community among participants. As a result of integrating FGDs into the research study, the researcher gained a deeper understanding of how AGCOM improves or affects the livelihoods of farmers, thereby enhancing the overall findings, conclusions, and recommendations that may be useful in future complementary projects designed for the development of the targeted communities. The researcher also conducted key informant interviews with cooperatives, gathering useful information concerning the AGCOM project. These interviews were crucial for establishing the organisational setting, objectives, and issues of concern regarding the project among the cooperatives involved. Through interviews with key informants, such as cooperative leaders and project facilitators, it became clear how the personal stories of the women farmers fit into a broader context. From their perspective, the study demonstrated how the cooperative model could help farmers enhance their resource accessibility and cooperation, while also highlighting some areas where potential support may hinder the overall project outcomes. Mzatonse Producers and Marketing Cooperative Society was one of the places the researcher visited to meet with key informants and project beneficiaries. Apart from interviews, field observations were conducted to gain an empirical understanding of the day-to-day activities of the women farmers benefiting from the program. This way, the researcher could observe firsthand how the women farmed, interacted with others, and engaged in economic practices that defined their lives. This approach enabled the researchers to capture many interactions and context-related factors that would not have been observable at a normal pace—time organisation, task and responsibility distribution, and the availability of community resources—that define the efficiency of the AGCOM project. Combining field observations with interviews enabled the researcher to gain a deeper understanding of how the program affected women and the broader community. 3.5 Data Analysis Methods Data collected through semi-structured interviews, key-informant interviews, and FGDs were audio-taped with permission from the respondents. After data collection, the audio-taped content was transcribed and translated into English, ready for analysis. Since the research employs a qualitative approach, thematic analysis was employed to analyse the data [ 17 ]. Thematic analysis identifies, analyses, and interprets the themes within qualitative data. Thematic analysis facilitates the coding of qualitative data and the systematic generation of themes [ 18 ]. The thematic analysis process reveals recurring patterns, significant concepts, and underlying meanings within the participants' narratives. As the analysis progressed, codes were grouped into broader themes and sub-themes, guided by research objectives and grounded in the data. Themes were refined and validated through constant comparison and triangulation, capturing the essence of the participants' experiences and the relevant information on the impacts of the AGCOM project on the income of female farmers in Mjogo village, Mangochi District, Malawi. The iterative nature of thematic analysis allows for flexibility and openness to unexpected findings, enabling researchers to explore emergent themes and delve deeper into areas of interest. 4. Results 4.1 Socio-economic and demographic characteristics of the respondents It was important to describe the socio-economic features of the respondents (Table 1 ). Based on gender, 18 respondents (37%) were male, while the remaining 31 respondents (63%) were female. Although the study targeted female farmers, male farmers were also involved to explore their views on the project. Table 1 Demographic characteristics of the respondents Variable Sub-category Frequency Percentage Gender Male 18 37 Female 31 63 Age 18–36 27 55 37–59 16 33 60 and above 6 12 Marital Status Single 5 10 Married 41 84 Widow 2 4 Divorced 1 2 Education Level No formal education 4 8 Primary education 34 69 Secondary education 7 14 Intermediary college 3 6 Bachelor's degree 1 2 Total 49 100 Based on age, most respondents (27 respondents representing 55%) were aged 18–36. This is regarded as a young age according to the Malawian constitution. Sixteen respondents (33%) fell within the 37- to 59-year age range, representing the adult age group. The remaining six respondents (12%) were aged 60 and above, representing the elderly age. Based on marital status, 10% were single, 84% were married, 4% were widows, and 1% were divorced. The trend indicates that married women (84%) primarily struggle to engage in commercial farming as they seek financial means to support their families. Based on the educational level, 8% had no formal education, while 69% had attained primary education. 14% had secondary education, while 6% and 2% had intermediate and bachelor's degrees, respectively. 4.1.1 Distribution of respondents based on the kind of commercial farming Respondents were also grouped based on the type of commercial farming in which they were involved (Fig. 2 ). In this case, three categories of respondents were found: farmers who engage in crop production only (35%), those who engage in animal keeping only (10%), and those who engage in both crop production and animal keeping (55%). The data show that most respondents grow maise, beans, groundnuts, and horticultural crops for both food and the market. Most respondents keep a limited number of animals, such as goats and chickens, for food and market. The decision to diversify crops and combine crop production and animal keeping has been widely influenced by AGCOM, which focuses on promoting resilient livelihood strategies. 4.2 An overview of the AGCOM project in Malawi The Agricultural Commercialisation (AGCOM) project in Malawi was officially established in 2018. The project is a significant initiative spearheaded by the Government of Malawi, with funding from the World Bank. The AGCOM represents a pivotal move towards transforming Malawi's agricultural sector, which is predominantly characterised by smallholder farming, into a more market-oriented and competitive system. The project's inception signalled a commitment to address the persistent challenges that hinder agricultural growth and fully limit farmers' ability to participate in the economic benefits of their labour. This ambitious undertaking has been designed as a multi-phased development program, with the first phase running from 2018 to 2023, setting the foundation for future expansions [ 19 ]. The primary objectives of AGCOM are to enhance agricultural productivity and production by promoting the adoption of improved technologies, farming practices, and access to financial resources. A critical component of AGCOM focuses on enhancing market access for farmers, improving infrastructure such as rural roads and storage facilities, and strengthening value chains for selected agricultural commodities, including maise, groundnuts, soybeans, and pigeon peas. Moreover, the project aims to foster a business-friendly environment through policy and regulatory reforms. Ultimately, AGCOM aims to enhance the incomes of smallholder farmers and promote sustainable agricultural practices that contribute to Malawi's food security and economic development. Smallholder farmers throughout Malawi are the primary beneficiaries of the AGCOM project. This project is primarily aimed at farmers who have the potential — and the willingness — to adopt a more commercialised style of farming. This includes farmers organised into farmer groups, cooperatives, and associations. AGCOM focuses on certain social groups, with women farmers being a more targeted group. AGCOM also focuses on actors along the agricultural value chain (trading, processing, transport, etc.) who have a direct link to the livelihoods of smallholder producers. By creating a holistic agricultural ecosystem, AGCOM is indirectly helping consumers, as the overall environment for quality agricultural products at lower costs is developed. The AGCOM project ensured the meaningful participation of women farmers through targeted interventions, and women farmers occupy a central place in the AGCOM strategy. The project acknowledges women's vital role in Malawi's agriculture and promotes gender equity and empowerment. The project is designed to consider gender through its activities and targets, including access to finance, training, and extension services that cater to the needs of women farmers. This can be achieved, for instance, by promoting women's participation in farmer organisations, helping them access productive resources, and ensuring that they have a voice in decision-making processes. Agricultural transformation and the key role of women farmers: AGCOM has developed a report on women farmers to help unlock that potential, while highlighting barriers to women farmers participating in this transformation. AGCOM comprises various actors, each with unique functions and roles. The Ministry of Agriculture is the lead implementing agency responsible for project coordination, policy guidance, and oversight. The World Bank provides financial and technical assistance, ensuring compliance with project guidelines and international best practices. District-level local government authorities are responsible for beneficiary identification, delivering extension services, and facilitating the implementation of project activities. Farmer organisations and cooperatives mobilise farmers and disseminate information, ensuring that farmers' needs are effectively addressed. Private sector actors, such as financial institutions and agribusinesses, are contracted to provide inputs, marketing services, and other support along the value chain. What mattered was that collaboration through this process was crucial to the success of their project. 4.3 The alignment of the AGCOM project objectives with the needs of female farmers in Mjogo Village The AGCOM project is designed with a keen understanding of the unique challenges faced by female farmers in rural Malawi, particularly those in Mjogo village. One of AGCOM's primary objectives is to enhance agricultural productivity, directly addressing the needs of women who often engage in subsistence farming. In Mjogo village, many women farmers rely on traditional agricultural practices that do not yield sufficient produce for household sustenance or income generation. AGCOM's training in modern agricultural techniques, access to quality seeds, and improved irrigation methods align with the women's aspirations to increase crop yields. As one participant expressed: Prior to AGCOM, their task was to try to produce enough food to feed their families and survive. Most of us have experienced tough situations when even the ground was unproductive and yielded meagre output. Thanks to AGCOM's capacity development, we have acquired the appropriate approaches and methods for applying seeds and fertilisers to the crops we grow. Today, we not only provide for our families, but we are also able to produce a surplus. We have received knowledge that changed our lives and brought hope to our communities. (Interview with the beneficiary of AGCOM, August 2024). From the above statement, it is clear that AGCOM's objectives are driven by the need to meet the demands of and support women farmers. As such, the program ensures that women receive specialised training tailored to their specific needs, enabling them to take charge of matters related to agriculture. Increasing crop production means more resources for their families and greater financial independence. Furthermore, women are regarded as capable local stakeholders ready to propel the conventional gender norms forward. Therefore, the community is beginning to realise better and more equal participation, particularly among women in the agricultural sectors. Furthermore, the AGCOM project recognises that many women farmers face financial challenges, particularly in accessing credit and financial resources. This gap often limits their ability to purchase the essential farming inputs they need for their farm. To overcome this, AGCOM offers financial literacy training to women and connects them to MFIs upon completing the program. This strategic focus consistently recognises women and their needs, especially regarding financial freedom. For instance, one woman shared: Thanks to the financial savings group we established through AGCOM, I can now access credit to purchase seeds and fertilisers. I have gained improved access to funds through this program, which has enabled me to enhance my farming business practices by investing in them. Having learned that I have the capacity to make financial decisions that directly affect my family gives me power. Savings has provided me with new financial and personal independence, and has encouraged other women in my community to join the savings movement. It means we are building a community through which people help one another in advancing financially. (Interview with a beneficiary woman, September 2024) Such statements complement the project's focus on ensuring financial literacy among women, aiming to enhance their economic capacity back home. Women receive relevant training on how to save, budget, and invest to help plan for their families' economic future. The result of this newfound financial literacy is evident in the improved allocation of resources to households, enabling them to grow and achieve stability during lean years. Finally, as women gain improved ranks in economic positions, they positively impact the community's development as they progress, and having a stable foundation creates stable branches that help the community grow progressively. Another significant aspect of AGCOM's alignment with the needs of women farmers is its approach to market access. Women in Mjogo village often lack connections to markets or information about market conditions, which hampers their ability to sell produce at fair prices. AGCOM addresses this by facilitating market linkages and providing training in the dissemination of market information. As a result, women are better positioned to make informed decisions about what crops to plant based on market demand. One farmer remarked: Now I know when the market has a high demand for tomatoes, and therefore, I sell my tomatoes when the prices are high. I can sell them and earn more money than I expected, which has greatly enhanced the household income. It is not about farming, but rather my responsibility of providing for the entire family, ensuring my children receive the necessary supplies for school, we can afford medical bills, and we can feed on quality food. With this knowledge, I am pleased to be in a position to pass it on to other farmers in my region, enabling us all to be uplifted. (Interview with the beneficiary of AGCOM, August 2024). The project's ability to impart market knowledge to women effectively reflects what they want: financial stability as well as engagement in community affairs. Therefore, empowering them by providing them with those strategies enables them to make informed decisions about their businesses and investments, thereby becoming economically empowered. This financial empowerment also fosters communities among women; hence, there is a sharing of resources among them, resulting in the formation of networks. Apart from enhancing their status and improving their daily lives, these women, as they become more confident in the market, make significant contributions to the economic development of their society. Moreover, it is noteworthy that AGCOM also plans for soft skills training, including leadership and negotiation, as a shortage of such skills can be an issue for every woman. Patriarchal bias in speaking positions has been evident in recent years, particularly in the representation of women in agricultural organisations and communities. According to its authority, AGCOM's leadership development now aligns with the urgent need for women to participate in the decision-making of their respective communities. A female participant noted: I used to have no voice, and I used to refrain from speaking on any issues that may have arisen in class. However, I am present in community meetings and can speak and share what I and other women in this community go through. It has given me the confidence to speak out for all our needs, wants, and requirements, and has helped build a sense of unity among us all. (Interview with the beneficiary of AGCOM, August 2024). Through building self-confidence and leadership skills, not only are the economic objectives of women promoted, but they also receive the signal that is heard throughout the entire AGCOM community: claim back your agency. As the beneficiaries of AGCOM programs, female audiences are empowered to speak volumes and assert themselves within and outside households. This empowers them to participate in local projects and decision-making processes, thereby enhancing their influence. As I type this, I notice that these women achieve success and become an inspiration to other young women in society. Finally, AGCOM is creating strong, self-sufficient women who help their families and neighbours succeed. 4.4 The views of female farmers about their involvement and influence in the decision-making process of the AGCOM project Many women feel that AGCOM has provided them with a platform to voice their needs and concerns. Initially, however, there was scepticism among some women about how much their opinions would be valued. As one participant articulated: At first, I assumed they would only listen to us, but they would not genuinely listen. I remained unclear if these would allow our opinions to impact the decisions made. However, I have come to realise, by and large, that our input does count and is appreciated by the project team. Hearing that what we are saying is listened to and valued ensures that we are useful members of society, not just waiting to be served, but contributing to the betterment of that society. Such a shift in perception means that the strategies AGCOM adopted to engage women struck a raw nerve, ensuring that the women felt 'owned' by the decisions made on their behalf. Through engaging the women in discussions and recognising the essence of their input, AGCOM has empowered these women with the assurance that they will be part of effecting change. It helps improve some associated and primary project commitments and fosters a culture of ownership and cooperation within the community. Therefore, women develop new ideas and solutions that are more suitable to their needs as they engage in agricultural production, thereby enhancing productivity. This shift in attitude represents a significant step toward achieving gender equity and underscores the importance of women's involvement in the decision-making process for sustainable development. Moreover, women are increasingly recognising their roles as active contributors rather than passive recipients of assistance. The project encourages participatory decision-making, inviting women to contribute their insights and experiences regarding agricultural practices and community needs. As one woman shared: It is no longer a situation whereby we are passive receivers of knowledge; we are co-creating knowledge that adds value to our world. To my surprise, I proposed a chicken-rearing project, and the group considered it, wow! This kind of collaboration also enables us to own the program or idea and demonstrates that our ideas are worth consideration. In this way, we are building up strands of adaptability and creativity to pave the way for others to contribute their ideas in solving the problem as a whole. (Interview with the beneficiary of AGCOM, July 2024). This empowerment reflects a dynamic shift, where female farmers feel equipped to suggest and shape project activities that affect their livelihoods. Such engagement fosters personal growth and a sense of collective agency among women in Mjogo village. However, despite these positive perceptions, women still face challenges regarding equal involvement. While AGCOM encourages female participation, cultural norms and biases sometimes hinder women's full engagement in decision-making. Women reported feeling that their male counterparts still overshadowed their voices during community meetings. One woman expressed the concern: Sometimes, when we speak, the men of this community do not pay attention, which is very discouraging. This absence makes it nearly impossible to bring forward suggestions and ensure that they receive the level of consideration they deserve. Despite these difficulties, we continue to work to improve our ability to be heard and to demonstrate that the contributions of women of colour in academia are important, hoping that someday these reforms will be implemented in practice. (Interview with the beneficiary of AGCOM, September 2024). These gendered behaviours are deeply entrenched in societies and thus still require constant lobbying and sensitisation to try and ensure women are given the recognition they deserve. Women want forums to disseminate their experiences, learning, and opinions without being discouraged or ridiculed. Moreover, involving men as supporters of this cause would be beneficial because it enables achieving broader results and fostering a constructive discussion. To be biased: We should combine our efforts globally, and for the change to be progressive, gender perspectives should contribute to making society embrace and appreciate everyone's work. Nevertheless, the overall sentiment is one of empowerment and gradual change. Many women feel hopeful about the future, indicating a newfound confidence in their abilities to influence their circumstances and the broader agricultural landscape. A farmer paraphrased the collective spirit by stating: AGCOM has just granted us this opportunity, providing the community with the tools and support it needs. At least we know that is possible, not just as a farm but as a village, as a community unit. Thanks to the AGCOM tools and knowledge, we are increasingly encouraged to take action that positively impacts our production and that of our neighbors. Suppose we join hands or support each other and our achievements. In that case, we will create a sense of togetherness and strive for a noble effort towards the betterment of life for every individual within that society. (Interview with the beneficiary of AGCOM, August 2024). This optimism is crucial for the continuity of developing more projects, especially after the AGCOM project, as women still desire a fair chance to make decisions and participate in activities that will enhance their status and roles in the agricultural sphere within Mjogo village. Thus, we can bring about the necessary changes to make the voices of women significant and effective not only for each person but for the whole community. Ultimately, the development of organisational and individual capacity will lead to improved governance representation and farming practices, paving the way for a better future for all individuals within the Mjogo village. 4.5 The effects of the AGCOM project on the social status and empowerment of female farmers in the Mjogo village The third objective of this study was to explore the impact of the AGCOM project on the social status and empowerment of female farmers in Mjogo village. The study found that the project had a positive impact on raising women's social status and empowering women involved in small-scale commercial farming for many years. The main noticeable impacts are as follows: Firstly, the AGCOM project was reported to help women farmers increase agricultural productivity. The AGCOM project has a significant impact on agricultural productivity for women farmers in Mjogo village, Mangochi District, Malawi. One of the primary objectives of AGCOM is to enhance agricultural practices among smallholder farmers, who often rely on traditional farming methods and lack access to modern technologies and high-quality inputs. The project fosters a culture of knowledge sharing and capacity building by providing women farmers with training in advanced agricultural techniques, including proper crop rotation, intercropping, and improved pest management. Women who traditionally manage household food production are strengthening their skills and, consequently, their productivity levels. As one woman reported during the interview: My farm productivity has increased significantly compared to the years prior to my joining AGCOM. The same plot of land that used to yield two to three bags of maise now yields more than ten bags of maise. The project has taught us the importance of effectively using chemical fertilisers and improved seeds to increase agricultural productivity. Thanks to the project, I can now harvest more from my farm. (Interview with a woman beneficiary, July 2024) Moreover, the AGCOM project connects women farmers to agricultural extension services, ensuring they receive timely information on best practices, market trends, and environmental conditions affecting their crops. This access to information is crucial for making informed decisions that enhance crop yields. The project also promotes the use of improved seed varieties and organic fertilisers, leading to healthier crops and higher yields. Notably, as women farmers adopt these innovations, they contribute to local food security by increasing the availability of staple crops, thereby reducing their households' reliance on external food sources. Collaboration with agricultural cooperatives and women's groups also plays a pivotal role in enhancing productivity. By working collectively, female farmers share resources, knowledge, and labour, enabling them to overcome the constraints of limited land and capital. As a woman narrated: AGCOM taught us the importance of working together as a team. We usually work together and learn from one another. Sometimes, we invite agricultural extension officers to our farm to help us identify and provide solutions to farm-related problems. In cooperatives, we also learn the importance of financial freedom and cultivating high-value crops, rather than relying solely on staple food crops. (FGD Transcript, August 2024) As one woman narrated: If I had to admit it clearly, the AGCOM has been so helpful in providing us with extension services that we have never had before. The AGCOM has provided us with agricultural extension service workers who visit our fields and offer solutions to our problems. We now enjoy learning from them and feel satisfied with their services. (Interview with a woman beneficiary, August 2024) This cooperative model fosters a supportive community where women can learn from and motivate one another to achieve higher productivity. As women in Mjogo village experience increased agricultural productivity, they improve their livelihoods, uplift their families and communities, creating a ripple effect of positive outcomes that extend beyond individual households. The project was also reported to play a great role in enhancing women's income. The AGCOM project is pivotal in enhancing the income levels of women farmers in Mjogo village, Mangochi district. By focusing on commercialising agriculture, the project encourages women to shift from subsistence farming to more market-oriented production. This transition is facilitated through training that emphasises financial literacy, market access, and pricing strategies, empowering women to make more informed financial decisions. Women are taught how to evaluate market demands for various crops, which in turn helps them decide which crops to cultivate for maximum profitability. With a clearer understanding of market dynamics, many women have diversified their production to include higher-value crops such as fruits and vegetables, which fetch better prices than staple grains. As one fruit and vegetable grower stated: I began growing vegetables commercially when I joined the AGCOM project. Before that, I was not aware that vegetables could help me increase my income more rapidly than maise. The AGCOM helped us identify the hidden market opportunity associated with growing vegetables, and I decided to embark on it. I now enjoy a good income from vegetables, as their market is more stable than that of maise. (Interview with a woman beneficiary, August 2024) Furthermore, the project facilitates linkage to markets, which ensures that produce reaches consumers efficiently. AGCOM connects women farmers with local traders and cooperatives, giving them better bargaining power and direct access to lucrative markets. As women sell their agricultural products fairly, they realise significant gains, leading to improved financial independence. Increased income enables women to reinvest in their farms, support their families, and contribute to community development projects, reinforcing the economic resilience of their households and the broader socio-economic framework of Mjogo village. One woman witnessed during the interview: Before the AGCOM project was established in our area, I had never had direct contact with businessmen in the town. I sold my farm products directly to intermediaries in this village, who bought them at a low price. Since AGCOM implemented strategies to connect us with potential buyers in town, I can now earn enough money to sell my crops directly to the city without relying on intermediaries. (Interview with a woman beneficiary of the AGCOM, September 2024) The AGCOM project was also reported to play a crucial role in empowering female farmers. The empowerment of female farmers in Mjogo village is one of the most significant outcomes of the AGCOM project. The project addresses systemic barriers that have historically hindered women's full participation in agricultural development by creating an environment that enables women to access education, resources, and opportunities. The training programs offered by AGCOM encompass agronomy and critical areas such as leadership, negotiation, and conflict resolution. This holistic capacity-building approach equips women with skills that transcend agricultural boundaries, contributing to their overall personal and professional growth. For example, the AGCOM project teaches women the importance of integrating crop production and animal keeping. As a result, some women integrate crop production with the raising of chickens or pigs. Raising animals helps women gain access to animal manure, which is primarily helpful in horticultural production and thereby increases farmers' diversified income. During the research, one woman who raises local chicken while also engaging in growing food and cash crops as guided by the AGCOM had this to say: Since joining AGCOM, I have learned the importance of integrating food and cash crop production with animal husbandry. Currently, I raise local chickens, and besides earning quick money by selling eggs and chicken, I also benefit from the chicken manure that I apply to my garden. This helps my family to obtain healthy food grown from our own farms. (Interview with the AGCOM beneficiary, August 2024) Moreover, AGCOM emphasises the importance of women's participation in decision-making processes related to agriculture and community development. By actively involving women in planning and implementing agricultural projects, the initiative ensures that their voices are heard and their needs addressed. This involvement cultivates women's sense of agency and ownership as they become integral contributors to their households' economic decisions. Such empowerment fosters self-confidence and encourages women to challenge traditional gender norms that often relegate them to passive roles in agricultural activities. There are also peer support networks that women participating in AGCOM have created through this project. Women farmers utilise these networks to share their experiences, resources, and best practices, thereby further establishing a strong community of support. Creating such collaborative environments fosters solidarity and collective bargaining power, enabling women to better weather the storms they face. Furthermore, as they gain confidence in their skills and capabilities, women are more likely to take on leadership roles within their communities, serving as role models for other aspiring female farmers. Empowering women farmers through AGCOM transforms their individual lives and contributes to a broader societal shift that recognises and values the critical role of women in agriculture. As one woman admitted during the interview: My social capital and social network have significantly increased since joining AGCOM. Currently, I can collaborate effectively with my fellow women and share various issues related to agriculture and other topics. This was indeed a rare chance for most of us before the arrival of the AGCOM . (Interview with the AGCOM beneficiary, September 2024) The increased social status of women farmers was another notable impact of the project. The AGCOM project is instrumental in elevating the social status of women farmers in Mjogo village, Mangochi district, by shifting perceptions about women's roles in agriculture and the broader community. The project challenges entrenched gender norms that often restrict women's participation in agricultural activities and decision-making. AGCOM affirms women's capabilities as competent agricultural producers and business leaders by providing them with tools, training, and resources. This paradigm shift has profound implications for women's views within their households and communities. As one local community leader admitted: Empowering women through the AGCOM has been a significant step towards raising women's status in our village. Women are no longer disregarded, as they have achieved their own economic freedom. Women are no longer asking for everything from their husbands, as they can get money from what they harvest from their farms. (Interview with local community leaders in Mjongo village, August 2024) Women improve their agricultural skills and are shown to be able to make a significant contribution to household income; the study observed that their place in the social fabric begins to shift accordingly. Improved agricultural production and higher income gain respect from family members and community leaders, working toward a more balanced power dynamic within the home. This evolution in decision-making reflects not only an economic necessity but also a growing recognition of women's crucial contributions to food security and household resilience. This newfound agency empowers them and solidifies their position among other community governance and development initiatives. As one woman narrated during the FGD: I am no longer the same. AGCOM has helped me a great deal in understanding what to grow and how to grow it, both for food and for the market. The agricultural knowledge and skills I obtained through AGCOM are crucial in helping me improve agricultural productivity and increase my income. (FGD, August 2024) AGCOM's support for networks and platforms for women farmers enhances their visibility and recognition in the agriculture and food security sectors. The new generation of women farmers is working in concert to develop the most desirable, market-oriented type of agriculture and advocating for their needs, which leads to policy adjustments that promote more gender-inclusive agricultural policies and practices. Workshops and awareness campaigns organised under AGCOM have helped to recognise the value that female farmers bring to the agricultural sector, with the overall objective of changing gendered perceptions regarding women in agriculture. Over time, increased visibility and advocacy efforts attract allyship from local and national counterparts, leading to changes in the mindset and environment within which women's agricultural roles are valued and celebrated. Meanwhile, by gaining social capital and recognition, these farmers encourage the girls in their communities to pursue careers in agriculture or leadership roles, thereby establishing a legacy of empowerment that extends beyond their communities. This transformation contributes to a more equitable and inclusive agricultural landscape across Malawi, where the contributions of women are recognised and valued. 5. Discussion of the findings Guided by the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach (SLA), this study examines the impact of the AGCOM project on female farmers in Malawi. Using the SLA to dissect the project, we can identify the resources, capabilities, and risks that encase those women's livelihoods. The SLA highlights five key asset categories: "human capital, social capital, natural capital, physical capital, and financial capital" [ 7 ], [ 8 ], [ 20 ], which are evident in the outcomes and challenges of the project. The AGCOM project is specifically designed to support female farmers by enhancing their human capital through training and capacity building. The project provides knowledge about improved farming methods, money management, and marketing, which are the main issues identified by the women of Mjogo village. For example, one participant stated that the project helped her understand when and how to use seeds or fertilisers effectively, thereby improving her yield. This improvement can be directly associated with the human capital aspect of the SLA, as increasing knowledge and skills results in not only concrete measures, such as increased productivity and food security for their households [ 21 ], [ 22 ], but also in enhanced well-being. However, as women become more experienced, they not only aid their families but also the broader community by consuming locally produced goods and encouraging many female farmers. Financial literacy, as well as the formation of savings groups, forms the special interest of AGCOM and offers core financial capital that enhances the economic power of women. As the study demonstrates, the participating women can use the credit to purchase essential farming inputs, thereby reducing their susceptibility to credit limitations. The formation of financial networks facilitates the coordination of planning and the sharing of scarce resources, thereby improving the economic base within the community, which aligns well with the social capital dimension of the SLA [ 23 ]. The involvement of women in such groups helps foster involvement, interdependence, assurance, and responsible behaviour within their groups. This demonstrates how social relations can make women economically productive when they are empowered, thereby emphasising the importance of women's involvement in economic development. Other AGCOM activities, designed to improve market access and provide training in the market environment, demonstrate how the project enhances the financial and physical capital of female farmers. By linking women to the markets within their communities, along with information on how to effectively price their agricultural produce, the project enables women to make informed decisions about their crop production. This empowerment is well illustrated, as women mentioned that they earn more because they can assess market needs and determine what to grow that yields good returns. From this perspective, AGCOM changes not only the existence of the people and their self-employment rendering but also plays a part in the economic productivity of Mjogo village, thus achieving the objective of the SLA, where multiple income-generating activities can support households [ 24 ], [ 25 ], [ 26 ], [ 27 ], [ 28 ] Moreover, the work of the AGCOM project brings about direct social transformations, as women gain self-confidence and the right to make decisions. Participation in leadership training reveals another paradigm shift in social capital, where women are eager to contribute to various community discussions. This shift is crucial to disrupting patriarchal structures that excluded women's input in the first place [ 29 ]. Through active promotion of involving women in decision-making, AGCOM empowers them to challenge and negotiate distorted views of female roles in society. This aligns with the dynamism and power emphasised by the SLA as core determinants of livelihoods [ 8 ]. 6. Conclusion and recommendations The present research demonstrates the achievement of the AGCOM project goals: increased agricultural production, improved income levels, and an empowered status for women farmers in Mjogo Village. The program succeeds in meeting the needs of these women by delivering basic skills training, agricultural inputs, and financial services, which in turn improve crop productivity and income for these women. Additionally, the women have gained a sense of self-ownership in their actions as they embrace their participation in corporate decision-making and actively engage in the latest innovations in farming, despite the still prevalent civil and social cultures that often marginalise women. Through the expansion of their voices, female farmers demonstrate the potential for change not only for themselves but also for society as a whole. Based on the findings, the study recommends collaborating and engaging AGCOM to work with financial institutions in offering special credit products that will enable women farmers to access loans without necessarily requiring collateral, which are well known to compromise female farmers' access to credit; conducting awareness creation campaigns, inclusive of leadership training and mentorship, targeting female farmers within the four cooperative societies to increase women's capacity to compete for leadership positions in the cooperative and other community-based decision-making structures and incorporating strategic market linkages to enhance partnerships and facilitate easier access to markets for women farmers within urban settings. This can cover transport cooperatives that help women sell their products and have little dependence on middlemen. The study also recommends campaign for the enactment and enhancement of local and national policies on women's property ownership, especially land, and for addressing inadequate representation in agricultural organisations and parastatals, to ensure gender equality in land ownership and fund nontraditional learning opportunities for women since many of them are trapped in household chores, offering classes during the weekends or after sunset, and flexible training to be able to train more women to further the skills needed in the agricultural and business sectors. Declarations Ethical approval: All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki Declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards. The study was approved by the College of Humanities and Development Studies of China Agricultural University [20240708] Consent to Participate: All participants provided an informed consent to participate in this study. Consent to Publish: Not applicable Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests. Funding: The authors declare that they received no funding for this study Author Contribution Conceptualisation, methodology, writing of original draft, and editing were done by AK and VK. All authors reviewed and approved the manuscript before submission. Data Availability The datasets used and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request. References Bank W. Poverty, Prosperity, and Planet Report 2024: Pathways Out of the Polycrisis, 2024, Washington, DC: World Bank . doi: 10.1596/978-1-4648-2123-3 Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). 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2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":548140,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eMap of the study site\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7537792/v1/f28be2d64fe4c752155c1f5f.png"},{"id":96240315,"identity":"bd845c06-7474-4dfd-8f48-c2f723e529ba","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-19 07:08:47","extension":"png","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":6876,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFigure 2. Distribution of respondents based on the kind of commercial farming\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage3.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7537792/v1/d12afc814063df86369eca91.png"},{"id":103887051,"identity":"13b7a003-622a-4b4f-bf87-3214505f686f","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-03-04 07:12:29","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":1400946,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7537792/v1/7d49d932-b065-4bee-a95e-aa74fcaf62ff.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"The Impacts of Agricultural Commercialisation Project on Female Farmers' Livelihood in Malawi","fulltext":[{"header":"1. Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eAs in many sub-Saharan African countries, agriculture remains the backbone of Malawi's economy. Agriculture accounts for 64% of jobs and contributes approximately 22% of the country's GDP, as well as 80% of export earnings [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e]. Most farmers in Malawi are subsistence farmers who primarily produce food to cater to their own needs, with little surplus, which is insufficient for household economic growth. It is therefore stated that Malawian agriculture is vital; however, numerous obstacles hinder its development and poverty reduction. The dominance of the small-scale subsistence system impedes income generation and the growth of the rural economy. Additionally, poor market connections, inadequate infrastructure, and susceptibility to climate shocks all reduce agricultural profitability and production [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the context of Malawi, as in many other less-developed countries, women significantly contribute to the agricultural labour force but often lack control over productive resources [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e]. Historically, women in agriculture face structural barriers, including limited access to land, credit, training, and market opportunities [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e]. These disparities hinder women's ability to fully participate in and benefit from agricultural activities. Addressing these gender-specific challenges is essential for the success of development projects aimed at reducing poverty and improving livelihoods. Agricultural gender relationships have a significant impact on productivity, resource access, and economic outcomes. Gender considerations have become increasingly important in agricultural development programs over the past few decades. Providing equal access to resources and opportunities for women can boost agricultural productivity by up to 30%. This highlights the importance of addressing gender disparities to ensure sustainable agricultural development.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs stated earlier, women are among the most vulnerable social groups, primarily affected by low agricultural productivity. Recognising this, numerous programs have been established worldwide to empower women to commercialise their agricultural activities. This is simply because women play a significant role in agriculture and household development. The Agricultural Commercialisation (AGCOM) project in Malawi is one of the agricultural development projects designed to enhance agricultural productivity and commercialise integrated, gender-sensitive strategies. AGCOM [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e] states that the project aims to enhance the efficiency of the agricultural value chain, improve market access, and provide training and resources to farmers, with a particular focus on women. Specifically, the measurable impacts of such initiatives on the income of the designated female farmers are crucial for assessing the project and informing subsequent policy. The AGCOM Project's interventions, such as access to credit, training in modern farming techniques, and improved market linkages, are designed to directly impact income levels [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e]. Against this background, this study aims to explore the impacts of agricultural commercialisation projects on the livelihoods of female farmers in Malawi, using Mjogo Village in Mangochi District as a reference point. The primary question of this study is: \u003cem\u003eWhat are the impacts of the AGCOM project on the livelihoods of female farmers in Mjogo Village, Mangochi District, Malawi?\u003c/em\u003e The following specific questions helped to answer the central question:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003col\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eHow well are the AGCOM Project objectives aligned with the needs of female farmers in Mjogo Village?\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat are the views of female farmers about their involvement and influence in the decision-making process of the AGCOM project?\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eHow has the AGCOM project affected the social status and empowerment of female farmers in the community?\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"2. Analytical Framework: Sustainable Livelihood Approach","content":"\u003cp\u003e The analysis of this study is guided by the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach (SLA). The SLA is one of the most widely used frameworks for understanding rural livelihoods and rural development, particularly the livelihoods of marginalised women. This framework has garnered widespread recognition from rural development practitioners, researchers, academics, and policymakers over the past two decades. Although the origin of the SRLA can be traced back to the 1980s and 1990s, Ian Scoones is widely recognised for reshaping the SRLA as it is understood today. His 1998 paper \"Sustainable Rural Livelihoods: A Framework for Analysis,\" published as the IDS working paper, is highly cited and well noted as a basis for what is referred to as SLA [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e]. Rooted in the actor-oriented or participatory rural development approach, the SLA emphasises individual agency. Early works, such as Robert Chambers' \"Rural Development: Putting the Last First\" (Chambers, 1983), as well as the 1992 IDS working paper \"Sustainable rural livelihoods: practical concepts for the 21st century\" by Chambers and Conway (1991), form the basis for the SRLA. However, its history can still be traced back to these publications.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMost scholars who use the livelihood framework draw on the definition of livelihoods from Chambers and Conway (1992), who define livelihoods as \"the capabilities, assets, and activities required for a means of living.\" For them, \"livelihood is sustainable when they can cope with and recover from stress and shocks, maintain or enhance their capabilities and assets, and support future generations\". A central concern of any livelihood analysis is understanding \"who is poor and better off and why\" [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e]. In this case, his framework is constructed by focusing on the analysis of the three major dimensions, namely (i) livelihood resources (assets/capitals), (ii) mediating processes, and (iii) livelihood strategies. Scoones considers livelihood resources as inputs and livelihood strategies as outputs that together produce livelihood outcomes. In his framework, Scoones highlights five kinds of livelihood resources (assets/capitals), namely natural capital (natural resources like soil, water, etc.), economic/financial capital (cash and non-cash resources that can be converted into cash, e.g., cattle, etc.), human capital (knowledge and skills, good health, etc.), social capital (social relations, social networks, association, etc.), and others.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAccording to Scoones, different mediating processes enable or constrain livelihood assets into livelihood outcomes, including contexts, conditions, and trends. In this case, meditating processes dictate that rural people adopt different livelihood strategies. Scoones highlights three livelihood strategies: agricultural intensification and extensification, livelihood diversification (developing a diverse livelihood portfolio to overcome shocks and stress or build resilience), and migration (mainly rural-rural or rural-urban migration). He further argues that most individuals or rural households opt to combine the three livelihood strategies, which can result in positive or negative livelihood outcomes.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe SLA can serve as an appropriate framework for this study, as agricultural intensification and extensification are among the livelihood strategies proposed in the SLA. In the context of AGCOM, the SLA can help to understand the opportunities and challenges faced by female farmers that prevent them from commercialising their agriculture, thereby improving their livelihoods. In this case, the framework helps to understand the various types of capital (physical, human, financial, social, and natural) that women farmers must utilise to commercialise agriculture (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"3. Methods","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e3.1 The study area\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eMjogo Village is situated in Malawi's southern region, specifically in the Mangochi District (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). It is situated next to Lake Malawi, which is Africa's second-deepest and third-largest lake. Rolling hills and farmland encircle the settlement. Mjogo Village is primarily a rural community home to about a thousand residents. Most locals are subsistence farmers who make their living from crops, including groundnuts, cassava, and maise. In the village, fishing is a significant source of both food and money. As Mjogo Village is located in a tropical savanna, its climate is characterised by distinct wet and dry seasons. The village experiences warm to hot conditions throughout the year, with a monthly average temperature of approximately 22\u0026deg;C (72\u0026deg;F). The rainy season, with an annual average rainfall of around 1,000 mm\u0026ensp;(39 in), typically runs from November to April. From May to October, the dry season is characterised by minimal rainfall. Grasslands seem to be the dominant vegetation in the village of Mjogo, with bushes, trees, and plants infrequently adding colour. Three important kinds of trees exist: miombo forests, acacias, and baobabs.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e3.2 Research Design\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis study employed a qualitative research approach to investigate the impact of the AGCOM project on the livelihoods of female farmers in Mjogo village, Mangochi District, Malawi. The qualitative method enables a thorough examination of the multifaceted aspects of female farmers' income situation in relation to the project objectives, their needs, changes in agricultural productivity, social and empowerment dynamics, and challenges encountered during the project process. Qualitative research focuses on answering questions of \"how\" and \"why\", while the quantitative approach focuses on answering questions such as \"how many\" or \"how much\" [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e] Qualitative research seeks to understand complex social processes in their natural settings. Qualitative research typically aims to draw a case-specific rather than a general conclusion on the matters under study [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e]. Open-ended inquiries and direct interaction with participants will allow female farmers to express their perspectives authentically. Qualitative research captures the contextual complexities of agricultural practices and gender dynamics, revealing underlying meanings, patterns, and relationships that quantitative approaches may overlook.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e3.3 Sampling Design\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe study employs purposive sampling in the selection process of participants. The study employed a purposive sampling design to obtain the targeted respondents. Strategies of purposive sampling are designed to enhance understanding of selected respondents' experiences or to develop concepts and theories. A researcher seeks to fulfil this mission by choosing \"information-rich\" respondents with high insights into the problem under study [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e]. Purposive sampling was mainly employed as it helps researchers prepare criteria and choose suitable respondents knowledgeable about the question under study. Purposive sampling is employed to avoid wasting resources (time and money). Therefore, this study selected respondents purposely to respond to the central research question. For example, the eight key informants were selected based on their knowledge, attitudes, and experiences regarding the impact of the AGCOM project on the livelihoods of female farmers in Mjogo village, Mangochi District, Malawi. These key informants included representatives from the government, non-governmental organisations, and other stakeholders. Additionally, the women who were beneficiaries of the AGCOM project were selected using purposive sampling.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e3.4 Types and Sources of Data\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eTo address the central research question, a three-month fieldwork period was conducted in Mjogo village from July to September 2024. This immersive research involved collecting data through various techniques, including semi-structured interviews with 49 women who were beneficiaries of the AGCOM project, key informant interviews, and observational methods. The semi-structured interviews aimed to gather rich and detailed information regarding the project's operations and its impact on women's livelihoods [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e].Through these interviews, the researcher sought to uncover not only how the project aligns with the needs and expectations of the women but also to understand their perceptions of the project, its effects on their social status, and the challenges they face in accessing the resources and benefits offered.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSemi-structured interviews were chosen for this study due to their effectiveness in qualitative data collection, as they allow for in-depth exploration of complex topics through probing questions [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e]. This flexibility enabled the researcher to adapt the conversation, delving deeper into specific areas of interest that emerged during the discussions, thereby helping to illuminate the nuanced experiences of the women involved. The researcher gained valuable insights into women's perspectives on the AGCOM project through open-ended dialogue, highlighting its successes and the barriers they encountered. The data collected from both the semi-structured interviews contributes significantly to understanding the broader social dynamics in Mjogo village, ultimately informing future initiatives to enhance women's participation and empowerment within their community.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn addition to the semi-structured interviews, the researcher conducted Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with women and men farmers who benefited from the project to get their perceptions of the project. FGDs can be used as a strong qualitative data collection tool because they involve several participants expressing their thoughts, experiences, ideas, and beliefs on an issue in a large group [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e]. FGDs involve in-depth discussions among participants, exploring concepts of group dynamics that help reveal general attitudes and norms that may not emerge during direct interviews with individual participants [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e]. The FGDs purposively involved both the women and the men farmers to capture gender-specific ideas while comparing and contrasting ideas held in parallel. The constant response and extension of one's thoughts by the other participants helped the researcher develop a more comprehensive view of the specific community and its perception of the AGCOM project.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt is clear that FGDs in qualitative research focus on data collection and offer deeper insights into social contexts and group environments that may influence certain individuals [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e]. Consequently, FGDs facilitated better discussions to understand the farmers' perceived project achievements and value, and to reveal the social and cultural aspects of farmers' engagement in the AGCOM project. FGDs bring out participants' views without pressure, providing a deeper understanding than personal interviews. Additionally, FGDs have the advantage of revealing a more socially constructed understanding of the community among participants. As a result of integrating FGDs into the research study, the researcher gained a deeper understanding of how AGCOM improves or affects the livelihoods of farmers, thereby enhancing the overall findings, conclusions, and recommendations that may be useful in future complementary projects designed for the development of the targeted communities.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe researcher also conducted key informant interviews with cooperatives, gathering useful information concerning the AGCOM project. These interviews were crucial for establishing the organisational setting, objectives, and issues of concern regarding the project among the cooperatives involved. Through interviews with key informants, such as cooperative leaders and project facilitators, it became clear how the personal stories of the women farmers fit into a broader context. From their perspective, the study demonstrated how the cooperative model could help farmers enhance their resource accessibility and cooperation, while also highlighting some areas where potential support may hinder the overall project outcomes. Mzatonse Producers and Marketing Cooperative Society was one of the places the researcher visited to meet with key informants and project beneficiaries.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eApart from interviews, field observations were conducted to gain an empirical understanding of the day-to-day activities of the women farmers benefiting from the program. This way, the researcher could observe firsthand how the women farmed, interacted with others, and engaged in economic practices that defined their lives. This approach enabled the researchers to capture many interactions and context-related factors that would not have been observable at a normal pace\u0026mdash;time organisation, task and responsibility distribution, and the availability of community resources\u0026mdash;that define the efficiency of the AGCOM project. Combining field observations with interviews enabled the researcher to gain a deeper understanding of how the program affected women and the broader community.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e3.5 Data Analysis Methods\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eData collected through semi-structured interviews, key-informant interviews, and FGDs were audio-taped with permission from the respondents. After data collection, the audio-taped content was transcribed and translated into English, ready for analysis. Since the research employs a qualitative approach, thematic analysis was employed to analyse the data [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e]. Thematic analysis identifies, analyses, and interprets the themes within qualitative data. Thematic analysis facilitates the coding of qualitative data and the systematic generation of themes [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e]. The thematic analysis process reveals recurring patterns, significant concepts, and underlying meanings within the participants' narratives. As the analysis progressed, codes were grouped into broader themes and sub-themes, guided by research objectives and grounded in the data. Themes were refined and validated through constant comparison and triangulation, capturing the essence of the participants' experiences and the relevant information on the impacts of the AGCOM project on the income of female farmers in Mjogo village, Mangochi District, Malawi. The iterative nature of thematic analysis allows for flexibility and openness to unexpected findings, enabling researchers to explore emergent themes and delve deeper into areas of interest.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"4. Results","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec10\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e4.1 Socio-economic and demographic characteristics of the respondents\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt was important to describe the socio-economic features of the respondents (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). Based on gender, 18 respondents (37%) were male, while the remaining 31 respondents (63%) were female. Although the study targeted female farmers, male farmers were also involved to explore their views on the project.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDemographic characteristics of the respondents\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVariable\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSub-category\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrequency\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePercentage\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eGender\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMale\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e37\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFemale\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e31\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e63\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAge\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18\u0026ndash;36\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e27\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e55\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e37\u0026ndash;59\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e33\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e60 and above\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMarital Status\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSingle\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMarried\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e41\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e84\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eWidow\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDivorced\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEducation Level\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo formal education\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePrimary education\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e34\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e69\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSecondary education\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e14\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eIntermediary college\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBachelor's degree\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTotal\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e49\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e100\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBased on age, most respondents (27 respondents representing 55%) were aged 18\u0026ndash;36. This is regarded as a young age according to the Malawian constitution. Sixteen respondents (33%) fell within the 37- to 59-year age range, representing the adult age group. The remaining six respondents (12%) were aged 60 and above, representing the elderly age. Based on marital status, 10% were single, 84% were married, 4% were widows, and 1% were divorced. The trend indicates that married women (84%) primarily struggle to engage in commercial farming as they seek financial means to support their families. Based on the educational level, 8% had no formal education, while 69% had attained primary education. 14% had secondary education, while 6% and 2% had intermediate and bachelor's degrees, respectively.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e4.1.1 Distribution of respondents based on the kind of commercial farming\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eRespondents were also grouped based on the type of commercial farming in which they were involved (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). In this case, three categories of respondents were found: farmers who engage in crop production only (35%), those who engage in animal keeping only (10%), and those who engage in both crop production and animal keeping (55%). The data show that most respondents grow maise, beans, groundnuts, and horticultural crops for both food and the market. Most respondents keep a limited number of animals, such as goats and chickens, for food and market. The decision to diversify crops and combine crop production and animal keeping has been widely influenced by AGCOM, which focuses on promoting resilient livelihood strategies.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e4.2 An overview of the AGCOM project in Malawi\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Agricultural Commercialisation (AGCOM) project in Malawi was officially established in 2018. The project is a significant initiative spearheaded by the Government of Malawi, with funding from the World Bank. The AGCOM represents a pivotal move towards transforming Malawi's agricultural sector, which is predominantly characterised by smallholder farming, into a more market-oriented and competitive system. The project's inception signalled a commitment to address the persistent challenges that hinder agricultural growth and fully limit farmers' ability to participate in the economic benefits of their labour. This ambitious undertaking has been designed as a multi-phased development program, with the first phase running from 2018 to 2023, setting the foundation for future expansions [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe primary objectives of AGCOM are to enhance agricultural productivity and production by promoting the adoption of improved technologies, farming practices, and access to financial resources. A critical component of AGCOM focuses on enhancing market access for farmers, improving infrastructure such as rural roads and storage facilities, and strengthening value chains for selected agricultural commodities, including maise, groundnuts, soybeans, and pigeon peas. Moreover, the project aims to foster a business-friendly environment through policy and regulatory reforms. Ultimately, AGCOM aims to enhance the incomes of smallholder farmers and promote sustainable agricultural practices that contribute to Malawi's food security and economic development.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSmallholder farmers throughout Malawi are the primary beneficiaries of the AGCOM project. This project is primarily aimed at farmers who have the potential \u0026mdash; and the willingness \u0026mdash; to adopt a more commercialised style of farming. This includes farmers organised into farmer groups, cooperatives, and associations. AGCOM focuses on certain social groups, with women\u0026ensp;farmers being a more targeted group. AGCOM also focuses on actors along the agricultural value chain (trading, processing, transport, etc.) who have a direct link to the livelihoods of smallholder producers. By creating a holistic agricultural ecosystem, AGCOM is indirectly helping consumers, as the overall environment for quality agricultural products at lower costs is developed.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe AGCOM project ensured the meaningful participation of women farmers through targeted interventions, and women farmers occupy a central place in the AGCOM strategy. The project acknowledges\u0026ensp;women's vital role in Malawi's agriculture and promotes gender equity and empowerment. The project is designed to consider gender through its activities and targets, including access to finance, training, and extension services that cater to the needs of women farmers. This can be achieved, for instance, by promoting women's participation in farmer organisations, helping them access productive resources, and ensuring that they have a voice in decision-making processes. Agricultural transformation and the key role of women farmers: AGCOM has developed a report on women farmers to help unlock that potential, while highlighting barriers to women farmers participating in this transformation.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAGCOM comprises various actors, each with unique functions and roles. The Ministry of Agriculture is the lead implementing agency responsible for project coordination, policy guidance, and oversight. The World Bank provides financial and technical assistance, ensuring compliance with project guidelines and international best practices. District-level local government authorities are responsible for beneficiary identification, delivering extension services, and facilitating the implementation of project activities. Farmer organisations and cooperatives mobilise farmers and disseminate information, ensuring that farmers' needs are effectively addressed. Private sector actors, such as financial institutions and agribusinesses, are contracted to provide inputs, marketing services, and other support along the value chain. What mattered was that collaboration through this process was crucial to the success of their project.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e4.3 The alignment of the AGCOM project objectives with the needs of female farmers in Mjogo Village\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe AGCOM project is designed with a keen understanding of the unique challenges faced by female farmers in rural Malawi, particularly those in Mjogo village. One of AGCOM's primary objectives is to enhance agricultural productivity, directly addressing the needs of women who often engage in subsistence farming. In Mjogo village, many women farmers rely on traditional agricultural practices that do not yield sufficient produce for household sustenance or income generation. AGCOM's training in modern agricultural techniques, access to quality seeds, and improved irrigation methods align with the women's aspirations to increase crop yields. As one participant expressed:\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePrior to AGCOM, their task was to try to produce enough food to feed their families and survive. Most of us have experienced tough situations when even the ground was unproductive and yielded meagre output. Thanks to AGCOM's capacity development, we have acquired the appropriate approaches and methods for applying seeds and fertilisers to the crops we grow. Today, we not only provide for our families, but we are also able to produce a surplus. We have received knowledge that changed our lives and brought hope to our communities.\u003c/em\u003e (Interview with the beneficiary of AGCOM, August 2024).\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrom the above statement, it is clear that AGCOM's objectives are driven by the need to meet the demands of and support women farmers. As such, the program ensures that women receive specialised training tailored to their specific needs, enabling them to take charge of matters related to agriculture. Increasing crop production means more resources for their families and greater financial independence. Furthermore, women are regarded as capable local stakeholders ready to propel the conventional gender norms forward. Therefore, the community is beginning to realise better and more equal participation, particularly among women in the agricultural sectors. Furthermore, the AGCOM project recognises that many women farmers face financial challenges, particularly in accessing credit and financial resources. This gap often limits their ability to purchase the essential farming inputs they need for their farm. To overcome this, AGCOM offers financial literacy training to women and connects them to MFIs upon completing the program. This strategic focus consistently recognises women and their needs, especially regarding financial freedom. For instance, one woman shared:\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThanks to the financial savings group we established through AGCOM, I can now access credit to purchase seeds and fertilisers. I have gained improved access to funds through this program, which has enabled me to enhance my farming business practices by investing in them. Having learned that I have the capacity to make financial decisions that directly affect my family gives me power. Savings has provided me with new financial and personal independence, and has encouraged other women in my community to join the savings movement. It means we are building a community through which people help one another in advancing financially.\u003c/em\u003e (Interview with a beneficiary woman, September 2024)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSuch statements complement the project's focus on ensuring financial literacy among women, aiming to enhance their economic capacity back home. Women receive relevant training on how to save, budget, and invest to help plan for their families' economic future. The result of this newfound financial literacy is evident in the improved allocation of resources to households, enabling them to grow and achieve stability during lean years. Finally, as women gain improved ranks in economic positions, they positively impact the community's development as they progress, and having a stable foundation creates stable branches that help the community grow progressively.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnother significant aspect of AGCOM's alignment with the needs of women farmers is its approach to market access. Women in Mjogo village often lack connections to markets or information about market conditions, which hampers their ability to sell produce at fair prices. AGCOM addresses this by facilitating market linkages and providing training in the dissemination of market information. As a result, women are better positioned to make informed decisions about what crops to plant based on market demand. One farmer remarked:\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eNow I know when the market has a high demand for tomatoes, and therefore, I sell my tomatoes when the prices are high. I can sell them and earn more money than I expected, which has greatly enhanced the household income. It is not about farming, but rather my responsibility of providing for the entire family, ensuring my children receive the necessary supplies for school, we can afford medical bills, and we can feed on quality food. With this knowledge, I am pleased to be in a position to pass it on to other farmers in my region, enabling us all to be uplifted.\u003c/em\u003e (Interview with the beneficiary of AGCOM, August 2024).\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe project's ability to impart market knowledge to women effectively reflects what they want: financial stability as well as engagement in community affairs. Therefore, empowering them by providing them with those strategies enables them to make informed decisions about their businesses and investments, thereby becoming economically empowered. This financial empowerment also fosters communities among women; hence, there is a sharing of resources among them, resulting in the formation of networks. Apart from enhancing their status and improving their daily lives, these women, as they become more confident in the market, make significant contributions to the economic development of their society.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMoreover, it is noteworthy that AGCOM also plans for soft skills training, including leadership and negotiation, as a shortage of such skills can be an issue for every woman. Patriarchal bias in speaking positions has been evident in recent years, particularly in the representation of women in agricultural organisations and communities. According to its authority, AGCOM's leadership development now aligns with the urgent need for women to participate in the decision-making of their respective communities. A female participant noted:\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eI used to have no voice, and I used to refrain from speaking on any issues that may have arisen in class. However, I am present in community meetings and can speak and share what I and other women in this community go through. It has given me the confidence to speak out for all our needs, wants, and requirements, and has helped build a sense of unity among us all.\u003c/em\u003e (Interview with the beneficiary of AGCOM, August 2024).\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThrough building self-confidence and leadership skills, not only are the economic objectives of women promoted, but they also receive the signal that is heard throughout the entire AGCOM community: claim back your agency. As the beneficiaries of AGCOM programs, female audiences are empowered to speak volumes and assert themselves within and outside households. This empowers them to participate in local projects and decision-making processes, thereby enhancing their influence. As I type this, I notice that these women achieve success and become an inspiration to other young women in society. Finally, AGCOM is creating strong, self-sufficient women who help their families and neighbours succeed.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e4.4 The views of female farmers about their involvement and influence in the decision-making process of the AGCOM project\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMany women feel that AGCOM has provided them with a platform to voice their needs and concerns. Initially, however, there was scepticism among some women about how much their opinions would be valued. As one participant articulated:\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAt first, I assumed they would only listen to us, but they would not genuinely listen. I remained unclear if these would allow our opinions to impact the decisions made. However, I have come to realise, by and large, that our input does count and is appreciated by the project team. Hearing that what we are saying is listened to and valued ensures that we are useful members of society, not just waiting to be served, but contributing to the betterment of that society.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSuch a shift in perception means that the strategies AGCOM adopted to engage women struck a raw nerve, ensuring that the women felt 'owned' by the decisions made on their behalf. Through engaging the women in discussions and recognising the essence of their input, AGCOM has empowered these women with the assurance that they will be part of effecting change. It helps improve some associated and primary project commitments and fosters a culture of ownership and cooperation within the community. Therefore, women develop new ideas and solutions that are more suitable to their needs as they engage in agricultural production, thereby enhancing productivity. This shift in attitude represents a significant step toward achieving gender equity and underscores the importance of women's involvement in the decision-making process for sustainable development. Moreover, women are increasingly recognising their roles as active contributors rather than passive recipients of assistance. The project encourages participatory decision-making, inviting women to contribute their insights and experiences regarding agricultural practices and community needs. As one woman shared:\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIt is no longer a situation whereby we are passive receivers of knowledge; we are co-creating knowledge that adds value to our world. To my surprise, I proposed a chicken-rearing project, and the group considered it, wow! This kind of collaboration also enables us to own the program or idea and demonstrates that our ideas are worth consideration. In this way, we are building up strands of adaptability and creativity to pave the way for others to contribute their ideas in solving the problem as a whole.\u003c/em\u003e (Interview with the beneficiary of AGCOM, July 2024).\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis empowerment reflects a dynamic shift, where female farmers feel equipped to suggest and shape project activities that affect their livelihoods. Such engagement fosters personal growth and a sense of collective agency among women in Mjogo village. However, despite these positive perceptions, women still face challenges regarding equal involvement. While AGCOM encourages female participation, cultural norms and biases sometimes hinder women's full engagement in decision-making. Women reported feeling that their male counterparts still overshadowed their voices during community meetings. One woman expressed the concern:\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSometimes, when we speak, the men of this community do not pay attention, which is very discouraging. This absence makes it nearly impossible to bring forward suggestions and ensure that they receive the level of consideration they deserve. Despite these difficulties, we continue to work to improve our ability to be heard and to demonstrate that the contributions of women of colour in academia are important, hoping that someday these reforms will be implemented in practice.\u003c/em\u003e (Interview with the beneficiary of AGCOM, September 2024).\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThese gendered behaviours are deeply entrenched in societies and thus still require constant lobbying and sensitisation to try and ensure women are given the recognition they deserve. Women want forums to disseminate their experiences, learning, and opinions without being discouraged or ridiculed. Moreover, involving men as supporters of this cause would be beneficial because it enables achieving broader results and fostering a constructive discussion. To be biased: We should combine our efforts globally, and for the change to be progressive, gender perspectives should contribute to making society embrace and appreciate everyone's work. Nevertheless, the overall sentiment is one of empowerment and gradual change. Many women feel hopeful about the future, indicating a newfound confidence in their abilities to influence their circumstances and the broader agricultural landscape. A farmer paraphrased the collective spirit by stating:\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAGCOM has just granted us this opportunity, providing the community with the tools and support it needs. At least we know that is possible, not just as a farm but as a village, as a community unit. Thanks to the AGCOM tools and knowledge, we are increasingly encouraged to take action that positively impacts our production and that of our neighbors. Suppose we join hands or support each other and our achievements. In that case, we will create a sense of togetherness and strive for a noble effort towards the betterment of life for every individual within that society.\u003c/em\u003e (Interview with the beneficiary of AGCOM, August 2024).\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis optimism is crucial for the continuity of developing more projects, especially after the AGCOM project, as women still desire a fair chance to make decisions and participate in activities that will enhance their status and roles in the agricultural sphere within Mjogo village. Thus, we can bring about the necessary changes to make the voices of women significant and effective not only for each person but for the whole community. Ultimately, the development of organisational and individual capacity will lead to improved governance representation and farming practices, paving the way for a better future for all individuals within the Mjogo village.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e4.5 The effects of the AGCOM project on the social status and empowerment of female farmers in the Mjogo village\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe third objective of this study was to explore the impact of the AGCOM project on the social status and empowerment of female farmers in Mjogo village. The study found that the project had a positive impact on raising women's social status and empowering women involved in small-scale commercial farming for many years. The main noticeable impacts are as follows: Firstly, the AGCOM project was reported to help women farmers increase agricultural productivity. The AGCOM project has a significant impact on agricultural productivity for women farmers in Mjogo village, Mangochi District, Malawi. One of the primary objectives of AGCOM is to enhance agricultural practices among smallholder farmers, who often rely on traditional farming methods and lack access to modern technologies and high-quality inputs. The project fosters a culture of knowledge sharing and capacity building by providing women farmers with training in advanced agricultural techniques, including proper crop rotation, intercropping, and improved pest management.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWomen who traditionally manage household food production are strengthening their skills and, consequently, their productivity levels. As one woman reported during the interview:\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMy farm productivity has increased significantly compared to the years prior to my joining AGCOM. The same plot of land that used to yield two to three bags of maise now yields more than ten bags of maise. The project has taught us the importance of effectively using chemical fertilisers and improved seeds to increase agricultural productivity. Thanks to the project, I can now harvest more from my farm.\u003c/em\u003e (Interview with a woman beneficiary, July 2024)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMoreover, the AGCOM project connects women farmers to agricultural extension services, ensuring they receive timely information on best practices, market trends, and environmental conditions affecting their crops. This access to information is crucial for making informed decisions that enhance crop yields. The project also promotes the use of improved seed varieties and organic fertilisers, leading to healthier crops and higher yields. Notably, as women farmers adopt these innovations, they contribute to local food security by increasing the availability of staple crops, thereby reducing their households' reliance on external food sources. Collaboration with agricultural cooperatives and women's groups also plays a pivotal role in enhancing productivity. By working collectively, female farmers share resources, knowledge, and labour, enabling them to overcome the constraints of limited land and capital. As a woman narrated:\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAGCOM taught us the importance of working together as a team. We usually work together and learn from one another. Sometimes, we invite agricultural extension officers to our farm to help us identify and provide solutions to farm-related problems. In cooperatives, we also learn the importance of financial freedom and cultivating high-value crops, rather than relying solely on staple food crops.\u003c/em\u003e (FGD Transcript, August 2024)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs one woman narrated:\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIf I had to admit it clearly, the AGCOM has been so helpful in providing us with extension services that we have never had before. The AGCOM has provided us with agricultural extension service workers who visit our fields and offer solutions to our problems. We now enjoy learning from them and feel satisfied with their services.\u003c/em\u003e (Interview with a woman beneficiary, August 2024)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis cooperative model fosters a supportive community where women can learn from and motivate one another to achieve higher productivity. As women in Mjogo village experience increased agricultural productivity, they improve their livelihoods, uplift their families and communities, creating a ripple effect of positive outcomes that extend beyond individual households.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe project was also reported to play a great role in enhancing women's income. The AGCOM project is pivotal in enhancing the income levels of women farmers in Mjogo village, Mangochi district. By focusing on commercialising agriculture, the project encourages women to shift from subsistence farming to more market-oriented production. This transition is facilitated through training that emphasises financial literacy, market access, and pricing strategies, empowering women to make more informed financial decisions. Women are taught how to evaluate market demands for various crops, which in turn helps them decide which crops to cultivate for maximum profitability. With a clearer understanding of market dynamics, many women have diversified their production to include higher-value crops such as fruits and vegetables, which fetch better prices than staple grains. As one fruit and vegetable grower stated:\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eI began growing vegetables commercially when I joined the AGCOM project. Before that, I was not aware that vegetables could help me increase my income more rapidly than maise. The AGCOM helped us identify the hidden market opportunity associated with growing vegetables, and I decided to embark on it. I now enjoy a good income from vegetables, as their market is more stable than that of maise.\u003c/em\u003e (Interview with a woman beneficiary, August 2024)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFurthermore, the project facilitates linkage to markets, which ensures that produce reaches consumers efficiently. AGCOM connects women farmers with local traders and cooperatives, giving them better bargaining power and direct access to lucrative markets. As women sell their agricultural products fairly, they realise significant gains, leading to improved financial independence. Increased income enables women to reinvest in their farms, support their families, and contribute to community development projects, reinforcing the economic resilience of their households and the broader socio-economic framework of Mjogo village. One woman witnessed during the interview:\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBefore the AGCOM project was established in our area, I had never had direct contact with businessmen in the town. I sold my farm products directly to intermediaries in this village, who bought them at a low price. Since AGCOM implemented strategies to connect us with potential buyers in town, I can now earn enough money to sell my crops directly to the city without relying on intermediaries.\u003c/em\u003e (Interview with a woman beneficiary of the AGCOM, September 2024)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe AGCOM project was also reported to play a crucial role in empowering female farmers. The empowerment of female farmers in Mjogo village is one of the most significant outcomes of the AGCOM project. The project addresses systemic barriers that have historically hindered women's full participation in agricultural development by creating an environment that enables women to access education, resources, and opportunities. The training programs offered by AGCOM encompass agronomy and critical areas such as leadership, negotiation, and conflict resolution. This holistic capacity-building approach equips women with skills that transcend agricultural boundaries, contributing to their overall personal and professional growth. For example, the AGCOM project teaches women the importance of integrating crop production and animal keeping. As a result, some women integrate crop production with the raising of chickens or pigs.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRaising animals helps women gain access to animal manure, which is primarily helpful in horticultural production and thereby increases farmers' diversified income. During the research, one woman who raises local chicken while also engaging in growing food and cash crops as guided by the AGCOM had this to say:\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSince joining AGCOM, I have learned the importance of integrating food and cash crop production with animal husbandry. Currently, I raise local chickens, and besides earning quick money by selling eggs and chicken, I also benefit from the chicken manure that I apply to my garden. This helps my family to obtain healthy food grown from our own farms.\u003c/em\u003e (Interview with the AGCOM beneficiary, August 2024)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMoreover, AGCOM emphasises the importance of women's participation in decision-making processes related to agriculture and community development. By actively involving women in planning and implementing agricultural projects, the initiative ensures that their voices are heard and their needs addressed. This involvement cultivates women's sense of agency and ownership as they become integral contributors to their households' economic decisions. Such empowerment fosters self-confidence and encourages women to challenge traditional gender norms that often relegate them to passive roles in agricultural activities.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThere are also peer support networks that women participating in AGCOM have created through this project. Women farmers utilise these networks to share their experiences, resources, and best practices, thereby further establishing a strong community of support. Creating such collaborative environments fosters solidarity and collective bargaining power, enabling women to better \u0026ensp;weather the storms they face. Furthermore, as they gain confidence in their skills and capabilities, women are more likely to take on leadership roles within their communities, serving as role models for other aspiring female farmers. Empowering women farmers through AGCOM transforms their individual lives and contributes to a broader societal shift that recognises and values the critical role of women in agriculture. As one woman admitted during the interview:\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMy social capital and social network have significantly increased since joining AGCOM. Currently, I can collaborate effectively with my fellow women and share various issues related to agriculture and other topics. This was indeed a rare chance for most of us before the arrival of the AGCOM\u003c/em\u003e. (Interview with the AGCOM beneficiary, September 2024)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe increased social status of women farmers was another notable impact of the project. The AGCOM project is instrumental in elevating the social status of women farmers in Mjogo village, Mangochi district, by shifting perceptions about women's roles in agriculture and the broader community. The project challenges entrenched gender norms that often restrict women's participation in agricultural activities and decision-making. AGCOM affirms women's capabilities as competent agricultural producers and business leaders by providing them with tools, training, and resources. This paradigm shift has profound implications for women's views within their households and communities. As one local community leader admitted:\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eEmpowering women through the AGCOM has been a significant step towards raising women's status in our village. Women are no longer disregarded, as they have achieved their own economic freedom. Women are no longer asking for everything from their husbands, as they can get money from what they harvest from their farms.\u003c/em\u003e (Interview with local community leaders in Mjongo village, August 2024)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWomen improve their agricultural skills and are shown to be able to make a significant contribution to household income; the study observed that their place in the social fabric begins to shift accordingly. Improved agricultural production and higher income gain respect from family members and community leaders, working toward a more balanced power dynamic within the home. This evolution in decision-making reflects not only an economic necessity but also a growing recognition of women's crucial contributions to food security and household resilience. This newfound agency empowers them and solidifies\u0026ensp;their position among other community governance and development initiatives. As one woman narrated during the FGD:\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eI am no longer the same. AGCOM has helped me a great deal in understanding what to grow and how to grow it, both for food and for the market. The agricultural knowledge and skills I obtained through AGCOM are crucial in helping me improve agricultural productivity and increase my income.\u003c/em\u003e (FGD, August 2024)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAGCOM's support for networks and platforms for women farmers enhances their visibility and recognition in the agriculture and food security sectors. The new generation of women farmers is working in concert to develop the most desirable, market-oriented type of agriculture and advocating for their needs, which leads to policy adjustments that promote more gender-inclusive agricultural policies and practices. Workshops and awareness campaigns organised under AGCOM have helped to recognise the value that female farmers bring to the agricultural sector, with the overall objective of changing gendered perceptions regarding women in agriculture. Over time, increased visibility and advocacy efforts attract allyship from local and national counterparts, leading to changes in the mindset and environment within which women's agricultural roles are valued and celebrated. Meanwhile, by gaining social capital and recognition, these farmers encourage the girls in their communities to pursue careers in agriculture or leadership roles, thereby establishing a legacy of empowerment that extends beyond their communities. This transformation contributes to a more equitable and inclusive agricultural landscape across Malawi, where the contributions of women are recognised and valued.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"5. Discussion of the findings","content":"\u003cp\u003eGuided by the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach (SLA), this study examines the impact of the AGCOM project on female farmers in Malawi. Using the SLA to dissect the project, we can identify the resources, capabilities, and risks that encase those women's livelihoods. The SLA highlights five key asset categories: \"human capital, social capital, natural capital, physical capital, and financial capital\" [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e], which are evident in the outcomes and challenges of the project. The AGCOM project is specifically designed to support female farmers by enhancing their human capital through training and capacity building. The project provides knowledge about improved farming methods, money management, and marketing, which are the main issues identified by the women of Mjogo village. For example, one participant stated that the project helped her understand when and how to use seeds or fertilisers effectively, thereby improving her yield. This improvement can be directly associated with the human capital aspect of the SLA, as increasing knowledge and skills results in not only concrete measures, such as increased productivity and food security for their households [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e], but also in enhanced well-being. However, as women become more experienced, they not only aid their families but also the broader community by consuming locally produced goods and encouraging many female farmers.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFinancial literacy, as well as the formation of savings groups, forms the special interest of AGCOM and offers core financial capital that enhances the economic power of women. As the study demonstrates, the participating women can use the credit to purchase essential farming inputs, thereby reducing their susceptibility to credit limitations. The formation of financial networks facilitates the coordination of planning and the sharing of scarce resources, thereby improving the economic base within the community, which aligns well with the social capital dimension of the SLA [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e]. The involvement of women in such groups helps foster involvement, interdependence, assurance, and responsible behaviour within their groups. This demonstrates how social relations can make women economically productive when they are empowered, thereby emphasising the importance of women's involvement in economic development.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOther AGCOM activities, designed to improve market access and provide training in the market environment, demonstrate how the project enhances the financial and physical capital of female farmers. By linking women to the markets within their communities, along with information on how to effectively price their agricultural produce, the project enables women to make informed decisions about their crop production. This empowerment is well illustrated, as women mentioned that they earn more because they can assess market needs and determine what to grow that yields good returns. From this perspective, AGCOM changes not only the existence of the people and their self-employment rendering but also plays a part in the economic productivity of Mjogo village, thus achieving the objective of the SLA, where multiple income-generating activities can support households [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e], [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMoreover, the work of the AGCOM project brings about direct social transformations, as women gain self-confidence and the right to make decisions. Participation in leadership training reveals another paradigm shift in social capital, where women are eager to contribute to various community discussions. This shift is crucial to disrupting patriarchal structures that excluded women's input in the first place [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e]. Through active promotion of involving women in decision-making, AGCOM empowers them to challenge and negotiate distorted views of female roles in society. This aligns with the dynamism and power emphasised by the SLA as core determinants of livelihoods [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"6. Conclusion and recommendations","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe present research demonstrates the achievement of the AGCOM project goals: increased agricultural production, improved income levels, and an empowered status for women farmers in Mjogo Village. The program succeeds in meeting the needs of these women by delivering basic skills training, agricultural inputs, and financial services, which in turn improve crop productivity and income for these women. Additionally, the women have gained a sense of self-ownership in their actions as they embrace their participation in corporate decision-making and actively engage in the latest innovations in farming, despite the still prevalent civil and social cultures that often marginalise women. Through the expansion of their voices, female farmers demonstrate the potential for change not only for themselves but also for society as a whole.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBased on the findings, the study recommends collaborating and engaging AGCOM to work with financial institutions in offering special credit products that will enable women farmers to access loans without necessarily requiring collateral, which are well known to compromise female farmers' access to credit; conducting awareness creation campaigns, inclusive of leadership training and mentorship, targeting female farmers within the four cooperative societies to increase women's capacity to compete for leadership positions in the cooperative and other community-based decision-making structures and incorporating strategic market linkages to enhance partnerships and facilitate easier access to markets for women farmers within urban settings. This can cover transport cooperatives that help women sell their products and have little dependence on middlemen. The study also recommends campaign for the enactment and enhancement of local and national policies on women's property ownership, especially land, and for addressing inadequate representation in agricultural organisations and parastatals, to ensure gender equality in land ownership and fund nontraditional learning opportunities for women since many of them are trapped in household chores, offering classes during the weekends or after sunset, and flexible training to be able to train more women to further the skills needed in the agricultural and business sectors.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthical approval:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki Declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards. The study was approved by the College of Humanities and Development Studies of China Agricultural University [20240708]\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent to Participate:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eAll participants provided an informed consent to participate in this study.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent to Publish:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eNot applicable\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting interests:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare no competing interests.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFunding:\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare that they received no funding for this study\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eConceptualisation, methodology, writing of original draft, and editing were done by AK and VK. All authors reviewed and approved the manuscript before submission.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eData Availability\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe datasets used and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBank W. Poverty, Prosperity, and Planet Report 2024: Pathways Out of the Polycrisis, 2024, \u003cem\u003eWashington, DC: World Bank\u003c/em\u003e. doi: \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003e10.1596/978-1-4648-2123-3\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1596/978-1-4648-2123-3\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFood and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The State of Food and Agriculture 2010\u0026ndash;2011: Women in Agriculture: Closing the Gender Gap for Development. 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Household livelihood diversification in rural Africa. Agric Econ. 2022;53(2):246\u0026ndash;56.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOyawole FP, Shittu A, Kehinde M, Ogunnaike G, Akinjobi LT. Women empowerment and adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices in Nigeria. Afr J Econ Manag Stud. 2021;12(1):105\u0026ndash;19.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Agricultural commercialisation, female farmers, women in agriculture, Malawi","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7537792/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7537792/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eIn Malawi, women comprise a substantial portion of the agricultural labour force. Nevertheless, women in agriculture face structural barriers, including limited access to land, credit, training, and market opportunities. These disparities hinder women's ability to fully participate in and benefit from agricultural activities. Recognising this, numerous programs have been established worldwide to empower women to commercialise their agricultural activities. The Agricultural Commercialisation (AGCOM) project in Malawi is one of the agricultural development projects designed to enhance agricultural productivity. This study explores the impact of the AGCOM project on the livelihoods of female farmers in Mjogo Village. The study employed a qualitative research approach with a case study design to address the central research question. Interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect information from purposively selected respondents. Data were analysed through thematic analysis. The study revealed that the AGCOM project aligns well with the needs of women farmers, enhancing their agricultural production and income through improved access to quality inputs and modern farming techniques. Women beneficiaries reported significant improvements in their livelihoods, with many now able to support their families and some even initiating new agricultural ventures, such as poultry farming. The project's efforts have empowered women by increasing women's involvement in decision-making and transforming cultural perceptions of gender roles, fostering a supportive environment for women in agricultural leadership. The study emphasises the importance of enhancing access to finance, strengthening market linkages, promoting gender-sensitive policies, and offering flexible training opportunities for women to increase their participation in commercial farming.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"The Impacts of Agricultural Commercialisation Project on Female Farmers' Livelihood in Malawi","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-11-13 14:47:57","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7537792/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"2f9441b0-74e5-42c5-952f-a8d412666877","owner":[],"postedDate":"November 13th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-03-04T07:12:01+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-11-13 14:47:57","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-7537792","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-7537792","identity":"rs-7537792","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}