The CGIAR Initiative on Diversification in East and Southern Africa-Ukama Ustawi

The “Ukama Ustawi: Diversification for Resilient  Agribusiness Ecosystems in East and Southern Africa” initiative is led by the  International Water Management Institute (IWMI), in collaboration with  World Fish, IITA, IFPRI, and PABRA, under the CGIAR network. The initiative  supports smallholder farmers to transition from maize-dominated systems to  more diversified and resilient agrifood systems. One of its focus areas, Work  Package 5 – Empower and Engage,  aims to increase the participation of youth and women in agribusiness  ecosystems.

As part of this effort, a landscaping study was  conducted in Malawi to understand the enabling and limiting factors affecting  youth engagement in agribusiness. The study identified existing  opportunities, key value chains, current initiatives, and barriers faced by  youth.

Following this initial assessment, Equip Consulting  Group was engaged to design of specific, practical interventions to support  youth in agripreneurship. Using findings from the landscaping study, Equip  developed tailored recommendations that aligned with Ukama Ustawi’s broader  vision—helping young people participate meaningfully in a sustainable and  inclusive agribusiness environment in Malawi

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Organized and facilitated a stakeholder engagementworkshop

Supported the International Water Management Institute(IWMI) and International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) to design anagriprenuership program for Malawi

Designed an intervention for  youth involvement in agribusiness

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