Determinants, challenges and opportunities in cultivating underutilized crops: Case of mombezi extension planning area in Chiradzulu District, Malawi.

Abstract

Cultivation and utilization of underutilized crops is gaining attention globally, including in Malawi, due to their diverse benefits to humans and the environment. Despite this potential, their mainstreaming faces several challenges. This study investigated the challenges and opportunities in cultivating underutilized crops in Mombezi EPA, Chiradzulu District, Malawi. An explanatory sequential design was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection through questionnaires and interviews. A total of 268 respondents were interviewed, with quantitative data analysed in SPSS version 27 and qualitative data coded using NVivo version 14. Findings revealed that farmers in Mombezi EPA cultivate a range of underutilized crops including Velvet beans (20.9%), Elephant beans (18.5%), Cowpeas (16.9%), Sorghum (16.1%), Garbanzo beans (15.7%), Hyacinth beans (15.3%), Pigeon peas (14.1%), Bambara nuts (13.7%), Millet (12.0%), Coco yams (3.6%), Okra (2.8%) and Amaranthus (2.0%). Farmers identified major challenges hindering production such as limited seed access (M=4.18), lack of knowledge in processing and value addition (M=3.85), inadequate extension services (M=3.97), poor access to affordable credit (M=4.41), and insufficient land (M=3.60). On the other hand, they noted opportunities including structured markets (M=3.69), high consumer demand (M=3.97), available labour (M=3.80), increasing food demand (M=4.34), fertile soils (M=3.49), and contributions to nutrition security (M=4.46). Chi-square analysis indicated significant associations between gender and cultivation of Bambara nuts (p=0.026) and Hyacinth beans (p=0.012), while awareness influenced cultivation of Velvet beans (p=0.047). Taste preferences significantly affected the cultivation of Velvet beans (p=0.021) and Coco yams (p=0.024). Labour availability was linked to Pigeon peas (p=0.039), Garbanzo beans (p=0.049) and Coco yams (p=0.021). The study concludes that strengthening land allocation, seed access, extension services, farmer training and credit facilities is essential. It further recommends integrated strategies involving awareness campaigns, cooperatives, gender-sensitive policies and infrastructure improvements to sustainably enhance underutilized crop production in Mombezi EPA.