An overview of spice production, promotion, and economic benefits in Malawi

ABSTRACT

The cultivation of spice crops in Malawi represents an underutilized opportunity to drive substantial economic growth. A variety of spice crops grown in Malawi include chilies, turmeric, ginger, pepper, coriander, masala, cardamom, paprika, and cinnamon. These are mainly sold locally, and the surplus is sold to the international markets in an unprocessed form. Spice production is limited due to a lack of suitable climate, improved seeds, poor soil fertility, prioritization of other crops, poor market infrastructure, poor market link, and lack of government support. Spices are not a priority for farmers in the country as they consider them unprofitable, but with prioritization, they can be a gateway to economic growth. Spices can be integrated into different cropping systems, especially in the organic farming system. This can provide a solution to the high demand for organically produced products which fetch premium prices. Malawi can increase spice production through proper research and development from seed development up to the consumer in the crop value chain. Spices can be processed into a variety of products primarily for flavoring or coloring food to improve palatability and taste. Mostly, local markets are flooded with imported packed and branded spices, while local spices are not. Thus, this needs action. Malawi has new potential markets from the neighboring countries, online platforms, processing, and packaging industries which need value-added processes such as processing, packaging, and branding. Good collaboration with other stakeholders will strongly strengthen the spices value chain in the country.

KEYWORDS:

• Cropping system
• climate
• infrastructure
• market links
• value addition

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Availability of data and materials

Study materials are available from the corresponding author upon request.

Consent for publication

All authors have given their consent so that this article is published.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

C. K. Phiri

Mr. Christopher Kalima Phiri is an agronomist. Currently, he is studying a PhD program in Field Crops at the Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Çukurova University, Adana, Turkey, since 2023. Phiri earned a Master’s degree in Agronomy from Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) and a bachelor’s degree in Agronomy from the University of Malawi, Bunda College of Agriculture. Phiri’s research interests include parasitic weeds, intercropping systems, legume agronomy and statistics. With a commitment to innovation and sustainable agricultural development, he strives to make meaningful contributions to the field of agronomy.

N. Alimoso

Nicholas Alimoso is currently pursuing Ph.D. from Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), Bunda Campus, Lilongwe, Malawi, since 2023. He has acquired his Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture, from the University of Malawi (UNIMA), Bunda College, and his Master of Science degree in Agronomy form Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), Bunda Campus. His areas of interest include integrated disease management, pathology (aflatoxin management), breeding, and design and analysis of agronomic experiments

F. Mabedi

Francis Mabedi is currently working with the Department of Agricultural Research Services in Malawi as a Senior Assistant Agricultural Research Officer specializing in agricultural entomology since July 2010. He acquired a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Agronomy from the University of Malawi in 2015 and a Diploma in Agriculture and Natural Resources Management from the Natural Resources College in 2009. His areas of interest are agricultural entomology, plant pathology, and agronomy.

G. Chitedze

Gloria Chitedze is currently working with the Department of Agricultural Research Services in Malawi as a Senior Assistant Agricultural Research Officer. She holds a Master’s degree in Agronomy (Plant Breeding) from Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Malawi, obtained in 2022. She also earned a bachelor’s degree in Horticulture from the University of Malawi, Bunda College of Agriculture, and a Diploma in Agriculture and Natural Resources Management. Her area of interest is molecular breeding.