Cisanetmw

30/05/2026

One more inspiring recap from the strategic plan launch.

“Transforming the agriculture sector requires collective action, strong advocacy, and evidence-based interventions exactly what CISANET has consistently championed over the years as a trusted platform for Civil Society Organizations working in the agriculture sector,” said Dr. Eluphy Nyirenda, Country Director of AGRA Malawi.

She reaffirmed AGRA Malawi’s commitment to four key strategic areas. The first is strengthening policy and advocacy for farmers through the generation of evidence that supports programmes aimed at amplifying farmers’ voices in both national and district-level policy processes. She noted that this is critical to achieving Malawi’s Vision 2063.

Secondly, she highlighted the importance of advancing food systems transformation by prioritizing farmers’ access to certified seeds, innovation, financing, and expanded market opportunities, particularly for farmers who need them most.

Dr. Nyirenda further emphasized the need to deepen partnerships and coordination by promoting a collaborative approach in which government, the private sector, and civil society organizations work together towards agricultural transformation.

In addition, she stated that AGRA Malawi remains committed to investing in capacity building and youth engagement in order to nurture the next generation of agricultural leaders. She therefore reaffirmed AGRA Malawi’s commitment to collaborating with CISANET to strengthen institutional capacity and create more opportunities for young people and women to take leading roles in driving the desired transformation within the agriculture sector.

Malawi International
Fund of Norway

28/05/2026

Did you miss anything during our Strategic Plan launch? if so, it’s not too late to catch up. As we continue sharing highlights from the event, we will bring you key insights and takeaways from the various speakers. Here is inspiring recap for you.

“Agricultural research must speak to the realities of farmers, innovation must solve practical challenges, evidence must influence policy, and knowledge must drive action. No country in the world has achieved agricultural transformation without a robust research and development programme,” said Professor Emmanuel Kaunda, Vice Chancellor of Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR).

Professor Kaunda stressed the importance of a strong commitment to generating high-quality, credible, and locally relevant research that responds to Malawi’s agricultural priorities.

He assured stakeholders that the institution will continue producing evidence to support sound policy-making, strengthen accountability, and inform investment across the agricultural sector.

“As a research institution, we are committed to supporting agricultural productivity through innovation and technology development. Malawi cannot achieve meaningful agricultural transformation using outdated systems and approaches. We must embrace climate-smart agriculture, digital extension services, improved seed systems, sustainable land management, mechanization, value addition, and market-driven production systems,” he said.

CISANET is highly committed and focused to effectively implement this newly launched strategic plan that will run form 2026-2031.

Malawi International
Fund of Norway

22/05/2026

Brief highlight of the CISANET new strategic plan launched on 20th of May 2026 at Crossroads hotel, Lilongwe

“Strategic planning is not merely a bureaucratic exercise; it is a declaration of intent and a statement to stakeholders, partners, government, and the communities we serve. CISANET knows where it is going and is prepared to lead,” said Bernadette Mukonyora, Chairperson of the Donor Community on Agriculture and Food Security (DCAFS) and Country Director for the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

The new CISANET strategic plan outlines nine strategic goals, including promoting mutual accountability and transparency in the agriculture sector. Key focus areas include conducting budget analysis and tracking, engaging the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture, and facilitating multi-stakeholder platforms.

The strategic plan also seeks to improve market access for smallholder farmers. To address post-harvest losses and weak linkages to formal markets, the plan proposes establishing aggregation centres, promoting digital market platforms and mobile-based price information systems, and supporting women-led agri-enterprises and cooperatives to access formal value chains.

The guest of honour during the launch of this strategic plan was the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development Honourable Thoko Tembo.

Malawi International
Fund of Norway

21/05/2026

Brief highlight of the CISANET new strategic plan launched yesterday at Crossroads hotel, Lilongwe

At CISANET, we are guided by the belief that agricultural policies must reflect the realities, needs, and aspirations of farmers, particularly smallholder farmers who are at the heart of Malawi’s food systems. Our new Strategic Plan translates this commitment into clear priorities that will guide the organization’s work over the next five years.

Among other key focus areas, CISANET will prioritize strengthening policy accountability, improving agricultural productivity, promoting inclusive market systems, and advancing nutrition-sensitive agriculture. These priorities are closely aligned with Malawi 2063 and the continental aspirations of the Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP). The strategy also underscores the importance of collective leadership and coordinated action among key stakeholders in the agriculture sector, including government, civil society, research institutions, and development partners.

As CISANET, we reaffirm our commitment to remaining a constructive partner and highly value your continued collaboration and support.

20/05/2026

20/05/2026

Transforming Malawi's Agriculture: Strengthening Policy Accountability, Productivity, Market Access and Nutrition.

20/05/2026

The wait is over!

Today is not just an ordinary day at CISANET; it is a day written in indelible ink , a day that will forever bring excitement to all CISANET stakeholders.

Oh yes, all roads lead to the Capital City at Crossroads Hotel, Lilongwe, where the new Strategic Plan is set to be launched.

Malawi International
Fund of Norway

19/05/2026

Real food systems transformation happens when government, civil society, farmers, and the private sector work together to align policy, production, markets, and nutrition.

It's just hours before we launch our new strategic plan. Join us tommorow at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe where this special event is expected to take place.

Malawi International
Fund of Norway

19/05/2026

Transforming agriculture requires more than good policy — it requires the market infrastructure that turns those policies into practice

It's tommorow. Join us as we are launching new strategic plan at Crossroads Hotel, Lilongwe.

Malawi International
Fund of Norway

18/05/2026

We believe lasting transformation for smallholder farmers will come through stronger market systems that connect farmers to finance, innovation, inputs, and markets.

Malawi International
Fund of Norway