• How much sunflower does Malawi produce annually?
  • Malawi’s annual production of sunflower hovers around 11,000 metric tonnes (mT) despite the increased demand of sunflower at local and international markets. The country’s processor requires around 30-40,000 mT of sunflower seed annually.
  • Why is sunflower popular in Malawi?
  • Sunflower, a crop with large golden flowers grown for its edible seeds which yield oil, was in high demand more than two decades ago in Malawi. Smallholder farmers like Phiri in Chitipi, Lilongwe, were able to produce a lot of sunflower and were within reach of making a fortune from it.
  • Can small farmers produce oilseeds in Malawi?
  • This analysis suggests that efforts to increase small farmers¡¯ production of oilseeds in Malawi should focus on farmers with larger landholdings in the Mid-altitude plateau zone. Land availability appears to be an important consideration in both farmers¡¯ decisions to produce oilseeds and how much of this to sell.
  • Which countries sell sunflower oil?
  • Refined sunflower oil to South Africa (US$ 1,589,200), Egypt (US$ 162,730), Ukraine (US$ 60,470), Kenya (US$23,590) and the United Arab Emirates (US$ 18,130). Margarine to Kenya (US$2,660,970), South Africa (US$ 453,750) Indonesia (US$117,420), Zimbabwe (US$ 76,190) and the United Arab Emirates (US$4420).
  • Why is the production of sunflower decreasing?
  • Since the 90s, production of sunflower has been decreasing due to a lack of markets for farmers. The acquisition of the raw material from outside the country by the sole major processor, Unilever, literally killed the sunflower sector. Seed companies, which were few at the time, stopped supplying the market with planting seed.
  • Why are sunflower prices still unattractive?
  • Despite the increasing demand for sunflowers, prices remain unattractive for farmers like Malika. She currently holds a yield of 1900 kilograms (kgs) from the previous year, but is waiting for improved market prices to sell it, which is equivalent to 38 bags weighing 50kg each.