Malawian farmers are being advised to prepare for uneven rainfall during the 2026/2027 farming season, according to Malawi24. Forecasts from the 33rd Southern Africa Regional Climate Outlook Forum indicate that the Northern Region will likely experience normal to above-normal rainfall, while the Southern Region is expected to receive below-normal precipitation. The Central Region will see changing conditions throughout the season. Agriculture expert Leonard Chimwaza urged farmers in areas anticipating lower rainfall to make early decisions regarding their crop selections and water management to protect national food production.
In other agricultural news, small and medium enterprises are increasingly turning to value addition to boost their earnings, Nation Online reports. Agribusiness dealers and cooperatives in districts such as Mangochi, Mulanje, Phalombe, and Thyolo are processing raw agricultural materials into goods like fruit juices, jams, and powders. Local business leaders note that this shift provides higher financial returns compared to selling raw produce and helps meet consumer demand for health-focused products.
Additionally, a new World Health Organization analysis highlights that tobacco leaf production in Africa is rising despite a broader global decline, with Malawi remaining one of the few economies heavily dependent on the crop's export. While global production dropped by nearly 19 percent between 2012 and 2024, African output grew by almost 9 percent over the same period. The WHO report urges governments and policymakers to support economic diversification to protect farming communities and the environment from the negative effects of tobacco cultivation.