Assessment of agricultural diversification strategies and rural household food security in Malawi

• The share of households growing Tobacco has declined with a shift towards the cultivation of legumes, especially Soybeans. • The share of households engaged in livestock production has increased, particularly chickens, goats, and sheep. • Agricultural diversification is positively associated with household per capita income and household dietary diversity. • Diversification strategies involving "Tobacco and Livestock" are the most important in improving household income and dietary diversity. • "Cereals and Livestock," "Legumes and Livestock," "Tobacco and Livestock," and "Horticulture and Livestock" diversification strategies are the most important in improving diet diversity. While the potential benefits of diversification are widely recognised, evidence of the emergence of specific diversification strategies among farm households and their relationship with household welfare remains elusive. In this study, we addressed this gap by first identifying patterns in agricultural diversification among rural households in Malawi and defining the predominant agricultural diversification strategies used. Second, we analyse the extent to which household food security and total household farm income vary across particular agricultural diversification strategies. Third, the study identifies the diversification strategies or patterns that are the most important for income generation and enhancing household dietary diversity. Fourth, we assess the factors associated with household participation in specific agricultural diversification strategies. We employ the Malawi Rural Agricultural Livelihoods Panel Survey (MRALS) data and econometric techniques to address this objective. Our analysis reveals a growing trend in diversification, as evidenced by an increase in the share of households growing or keeping more than one type of crop or livestock between 2019 and 2024. Overall, the study finds that agricultural diversification is positively associated with household per capita income and household dietary diversity. Finally, the study suggests diversification strategies which policymakers should consider to enhance rural household welfare. We further suggest other factors which need to be considered when promoting these strategies.