DRIVING A SUNFLOWER VALUE CHAIN IN MALAWI: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

The document examines the sunflower value chain in Malawi, noting that while the crop is drought-tolerant and suitable for smallholders, its industry is underdeveloped compared to soybean. Key constraints include a lack of certified seed, weak extension services, and competition from cheaper, smuggled palm oil. However, recent developments such as a new Seed Policy (May 2018), the removal of VAT on edible oil in 2017, and the establishment of a 'fridge-free' margarine factory by Sunseed Oil in 2017 provide pathways for growth. The briefing recommends increased collaboration between processors, government, and farmer organisations to promote certified seeds and the use of sunflower cake in animal feed.

• Sunflower production in Malawi is significantly lower than soybean; in 2016, sunflower production was 15,736 metric tonnes compared to 132,417 metric tonnes for soybean.
• The domestic sunflower value chain is hindered by a lack of certified seed, which is essential for high yields and profit margins. While the MOST programme introduced three certified South African varieties in 2014, awareness among farmers remains low.
• Local processors face competition from cheaper imports and illegal trade, specifically smuggled palm oil from Mozambique and refined oil mislabelled as crude oil to avoid tariffs.
• The profitability of sunflower processing is limited by the lack of a consistent market for sunflower cake, which is high in fibre and low in protein, making it less attractive for poultry feed than soybean.
• Recent policy and industrial developments aim to stimulate the sector, including the removal of VAT on edible oil in 2017 and the May 2018 Seed Policy, which facilitates the domestication of the SADC Seed Protocol.
• Sunseed Oil established a 'fridge-free' margarine production facility in 2017 to address the lack of household refrigeration in Malawi, creating a demand for 14,000 metric tonnes of sunflower annually.

APA

MARKOWITZ, C. (2018). DRIVING A SUNFLOWER VALUE CHAIN IN MALAWI: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES. South African Institute of International Affairs. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Policy-Briefing-179.pdf

Chicago

MARKOWITZ, CHELSEA. DRIVING A SUNFLOWER VALUE CHAIN IN MALAWI: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES. South African Institute of International Affairs, 2018. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Policy-Briefing-179.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=MARKOWITZ |first1=CHELSEA |title=DRIVING A SUNFLOWER VALUE CHAIN IN MALAWI: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES |publisher=South African Institute of International Affairs |date=November 2018 |url=https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Policy-Briefing-179.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{markowitz2018driving, author = {MARKOWITZ, CHELSEA}, title = {{DRIVING A SUNFLOWER VALUE CHAIN IN MALAWI: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES}}, institution = {South African Institute of International Affairs}, year = {2018}, month = nov, url = {https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Policy-Briefing-179.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }