Reaching Malawian Farmers Through CATI

For many households in Malawi, the farm is closely tied to the family’s ability to eat, earn and meet every day needs. Small-scale farming remains widespread, with rural communities depending on seasonal rainfall and household labor to keep production going. Land pressure, unpredictable weather, access to farm inputs and fluctuating prices can all affect what families harvest and how much they can sell. Understanding these realities requires research that listens to farmers about what is happening on the ground, not just what is recorded at the end of a harvest.

Telephone surveys make it possible to reach farmers across different parts of Malawi and ask about their experiences while agricultural activities are still fresh. CATI Africa can interview farming households about planting and harvesting, access to inputs, household food supplies, farm earnings, market participation and the support they receive from agricultural initiatives.

Supporting Agricultural Research, Monitoring and Evaluation

For agricultural research and M&E, telephone surveys can help to:

• Explore how households are responding to irregular rainfall and other seasonal difficulties
• Measure changes in farm income, food stocks, and household spending
• Learn whether farmers can obtain seeds, fertiliser, equipment, and other essentials
• Collect feedback on agricultural projects, training, and support services

Agriculture in Malawi is also closely connected to household resilience. When a poor season reduces what a family can harvest, the effects can reach food consumption, income, and other household priorities. Speaking directly with farmers can therefore reveal changes that may not be visible through production figures alone.

Across Malawi, CATI can be used for studies on:

• Smallholder farming and household livelihoods
• Food security and seasonal agricultural conditions
• Farmer access to inputs, finance, and markets
• Climate-related pressures on rural households
• Performance of agricultural support initiatives

CATI Africa conducts telephone surveys with agricultural communities in Malawi, helping development partners, government agencies, NGOs, agribusinesses, and research institutions gather direct feedback from farmers. This approach supports agricultural research, monitoring and evaluation by bringing household experiences into the evidence used to assess projects, identify emerging concerns, and guide future decisions.