Introduction
This paper reviews social protection and agriculture policies
in Malawi in order to explore the links, synergies and
conflicts that lie between them. It begins with brief background
information about Malawi, in terms of its
economic and welfare indicators. Particular emphasis is
placed on understanding agricultural and social protection
policies within the context of (a) political issues and
(b) market and livelihood development. This is followed
with a review of agricultural and social protection policies,
their interactions and their impacts on livelihoods
and welfare. Specific attention is given to evolving input
subsidy policies which are of particular relevance to this
review. We conclude with a discussion of lessons that
can be learned from Malawian experience with agriculture
and social protection.