The sunflower trade balance is -$2,894,000 in Malawi, with other edible oils also showing negative balances,13 reflecting a net overall deficit of edible oil production domestically. Foreign exchange is limited in the country, which has driven processors to seek sunflower from local producers.
Is there a demand for sunflower in Malawi?
However, there is increasing demand for sunflower in the country. The sunflower trade balance is -$2,894,000 in Malawi, with other edible oils also showing negative balances,13 reflecting a net overall deficit of edible oil production domestically.
What happened to sunflower production in Malawi?
Sunflower production in Malawi peaked in the 1990s, but the industry collapsed after the only significant buyer left the market and prices plummeted.10 This history still informs a lingering pessimistic attitude around sunflower production to this day. community crushers, who sell the unrefined oil to local communities.
What should be done to promote sunflower production in Malawi?
1 The processors currently invested in Malawi should work together to promote the benefits of growing sunflower, along with the government, extension oficers, NASFAM and FUM. Sunseed Oil should actively market the 2 new margarine factory in Malawi to alert producers and processors to the potential of sunflower as a consumer product.
