Malawi: ASTI–DARS Country Factsheet

Inflation-driven spending decline

Since 2012, Malawi’s agricultural research spending has fallen substantially in inflation-adjusted terms in response to slowing economic growth, caused by a currency devaluation and a suspension of donor aid over corruption allegations. The country’s agricultural research intensity ratio declined as well; in 2014 agricultural research spending as a share of agricultural GDP was 0.53%, its lowest level since 2008.

Funding constraints at DARS

Since 2012, government funding to DARS has steadily fallen in inflation-adjusted terms, and is now barely sufficient to cover the cost of staff salaries, electricity, and water. Suspensions of donor aid have exacerbated the financial situation. On a positive note, the World Bank loan under APPSA provided an important source of income for DARS, enabling both capacity strengthening and infrastructure improvements targeting maize research.

DARS’ staff retention challenges

All public service recruitment has been halted since 2011. DARS therefore has longstanding vacancies based on staff turnover and retirement. In addition, some MSc- and PhD-qualified researchers have left DARS for positions in the higher education sector, where salaries and benefits are generally more attractive. Nonetheless, many of DARS’ BSc-qualified researchers are undertaking MSc-degree training, mainly supported by the World Bank and IFAD. Opportunities for PhD degree training overseas remain limited, however.

Restructuring LUANAR

BCA and NRC were merged to form LUANAR in 2012. The new entity comprises five faculties, four of which are based at the Bunda campus and one at the NRC campus. No staff were let go as a result of the merger; in fact, researcher numbers have grown over time. LUANAR’s funding from the government is secure, and new buildings and facilities are currently under construction.