Malawi’s cotton industry has suffered a dramatic collapse, leaving farmers and businesses that depend on the crop facing an uncertain future as production falls to its lowest levels in years.
The industry has seen production drop from more than 100,000 metric tonnes at its peak to about 6,000 metric tonnes, representing an estimated 94 per cent decline over the years.
Presenting a report in Parliament, Agriculture and Irrigation Committee Chairperson Anthony Kamoto said the Committee found that several factors had contributed to the decline of the cotton sector, affecting both production levels and farmer participation.
Kamoto said high seed prices, limited value addition, market challenges and concerns over the exploitation of farmers were among the key issues weakening the cotton industry.
The Committee observed that rising production costs have made cotton farming less attractive to many smallholder farmers, with some struggling to achieve meaningful returns from the crop.
The report further noted that Malawi’s limited value addition before exporting cotton has reduced opportunities for farmers and the country to maximise benefits from the sector.
Kamoto said the decline in cotton production had affected rural communities that previously depended on the crop as an important source of income and economic empowerment.
The Committee called for interventions aimed at improving access to affordable inputs, strengthening farmer protection and creating better market conditions to restore confidence among cotton growers.
The report also highlighted the need for increased investment in value addition, stronger regulation and improved coordination among government institutions, private sector players and farmers.
The Committee warned that continued neglect of the sector could lead to further decline of a crop that once played a significant role in Malawi’s agricultural economy.
The report recommended comprehensive reforms to revive cotton production, improve farmer earnings and rebuild a sustainable cotton value chain that benefits both producers and the country.
