Beyond Maize: Strengthening District Food Systems in Malawi

This report presents the findings of a sub-national Food System Assessment in Malawi focusing on Mangochi and Mchinji districts, commissioned by Welthungerhilfe (WHH) with support from Concern Worldwide.

The assessment applies a Market System Development (MSD) approach to examine local food system behaviour, structures, and patterns shaping food system activities and outputs, and how these factors currently influence system performance toward sustainable healthy diets.

It outlines key leverage points in shortlisted food markets and prototype actions to strengthen system functionality, resilience, and inclusivity in Mangochi and Mchinji districts.The findings aim to bridge national-level food system transformation goals with practical, district-level opportunities, fostering collective action that drives sub-national change with positive spillover effects across interconnected systems.