Analysing wetland enterprise in northern Malawi using a modified community capitals framework: the case of garlic farming

Abstract

Using a modified community capitals framework, this study explores 15 years of innovative garlic cultivation in seasonal wetlands in northern Malawi. This new enterprise has stimulated economic change for both male and female headed households through the growth of entrepreneurial, social and cultural capitals, especially in the marketing of their produce and the accumulation of capital for investment. However, the risks from dependence on a single crop and from damage to the natural capital directly and indirectly related to garlic farming pose threats to these communities’ livelihoods. The study concludes that there is a clear need for enhanced legal capital in the form of a national wetland policy and for stronger political capital in the communities to obtain government technical advice for wetland farming. Building groups of community capitals around four practical foci: policy, enterprise, technical skills and institutions, is seen as necessary if communities are to ensure the contribution of wetland agriculture to poverty reduction and food security in Malawi and other African countries in the face of climate change. The study shows the value of the modified community capital framework and its ability to penetrate diverse rural situations.