Malawi’s smallholder farming systems are not just agricultural—they are deeply shaped by household relationships, roles, and decision-making dynamics. The MVC GESI work explores how these gender dynamics influence productivity, access to opportunities, and the adoption of improved farming practices.

Drawing on research with smallholder farmers in Mzimba and Thyolo, this work highlights a central reality: farms are typically managed jointly—but not always equally. While both men and women contribute significantly to farming activities, decision-making power, access to resources, and participation in training are often uneven, shaped by cultural norms and structural barriers.