IMPACT ASSESSMENT USING PARTICIPATORY APPROACHES: 'STARTER PACK' AND SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE IN MALAWI

Abstract

paper is based on a study undertaken as part of the Malawi Starter Pack Evaluation Programme (1999- 2000). Focusing on the concept of 'sustainable agriculture', it describes how participatory approaches can be used for impact assessment and the kind of information that emerges from such an approach. The study explored how farmers themselves perceive the concept of sustainable agriculture and how this relates to their livelihoods. Detailed information was collected from 30 villages and was used to determine variations in sustainability across regions, between different households, and trends over the last 30 years. The types of inputs required for increased agricultural sustainability were also ascertained. Research findings • The use of participatory approaches revealed that farmers' perceptions on sustainable agriculture were closely related to their concerns for immediate family food security. Cropping practices and the availability of seed to support these were regarded by farmers as the most important indicators of sustainable agriculture.  Malawi's experience does not appear to fall within the commonly assumed paradigm of highly biodiverse small farm agriculture at risk from the interventions of the formal seed sector. Rather, small farmers appear to be short of crops and varieties and are keenly seeking new sources.  Starter Pack beneficiaries indicated a desire to see the quality of the packs improved, both in terms of content and delivery systems.