Resilient and Sustainable Livelihood Transformation Project(RESULT)

Focus

• Effective, Equitable and Just Food Systems
• Sustainable Livelihoods
• Organization Strengthening

• Women and men, the youth, people living with HIV and Aids, people with physical disabilities and all other vulnerable households categorized as ultra-poor with low cost technologies aimed at increasing their resilience against food and nutrition insecurity but also to gradually graduate into self-reliance.

• AICC aims to implement interventions towards developing effective and just food systems and Sustainable Livelihoods through strengthening the Rice multi-stakeholder partnerships (with specific focus on Women and youth)
• AICC will adopt the value chain development approach to examine the way value is created and captured not only by rights holders, but also by other stakeholders, including workers, government and consumers.
• The innovative participatory multi-sector approach will also be employed to focus on market-driven value chains with women farmer organizations and proven climate smart practices to transform rural livelihoods from subsistence to sustainable business-oriented enterprises that
• Through the Rice Value Chain, the project will engage the technical working groups to lobby for a conducive environment for farmers to thrive and graduate out of poverty while ensuring that women have access to water and land tenure rights in their respective schemes.

Women Economic Empowerment in the Cotton Value Chain (WEECVC)

The Women Economic Empowerment for Cotton Value Chain Project (WEE CVC) is a two year project whose overall objective is to increase gender equality and empowerment of 9600 women and youth in the cotton sub-sector in Malawi. The project’s specific objectives are increasing the availability of, accessibility to and utilisation of productive resources, financial services and extension services among women and youth in the cotton value chain; reducing vulnerability and increasing resilience to negative environmental and climatic changes impacting smallholder cotton farmers and ensuring that women and female youth fully participate in and are able to meaningfully influence decision making processes in the cotton sub-sector at local, national and regional levels. The WEECVC project is being implemented in Namkumba EPA in Mangochi, Chipoka nd Chingulwe EPA in Salima and Rivirivi EPA in Balaka targeting smallholder women and youth cotton farmers and the cotton value chain players.

SMART Climate Project

This is a 2 Year project aimed at strengthening the rice value chain through a joint implementation to enhance resilience to CLIMATE change. In a consortium approach, the SMART CLIMATE project is been implemented in Karonga and Nkhotakota districts. In this project the Rice Development Trust is mandated to improve the management, networking, marketing and access to credit capabilities of rice cooperatives with particular attention to women and people with disabilities in the two districts.

Malawi Agricultural Partnership

The Malawi Agricultural Partnership (MAP) programme is one of the key programmes implemented by AICC. MAP has been supported by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) since 2009. The MAP programme enables the private sector to establish a multi-stakeholder platform with the goal of improving food security in Malawi and increasing profitability of smallholder farmers.MAP has facilitated the establishment of several public-private sector partnerships that provide commercial and developmental support to sustainable and profitable smallholder agriculture in Malawi. The following are some projects under MAP:
>Cotton Platform
>Rice Platform
>Legumes Platform
>Sustainable Agribusiness Initiative
>E-Voucher

African Approach to Corporate Citizenship

AICC is currently implementing a continental programme called African Approach to Corporate Citizenship. From the perspective of AICC, Corporate Citizenship refers to all the impacts that business enterprises have on society and the influences that affect the business institutional processes (the policies, legal and ethical frameworks that society adopts to license, govern and regulate business conduct) the mechanisms for organizing and managing the production of wealth; and the procedures for holding to account all types of business enterprises regardless of whether or not they are incorporated, formal or informal.

In African societies, it was the common good that inspired the creation of economic, legal, political, and social systems for enhancing the well-being of people in a community. In turn, and because it is the individual human being as a member of society that matters and counts most, all the individuals and the institutions in the community have moral obligations, commitments, duties and roles to be fulfilled in pursuit of the common good for each and every member. This is to ensure that the desires of every member of the community to attain the deserved peace, security, freedom, dignity, respect, justice, equality, and satisfaction are achieved.

The objectives of the programme is to build and strengthen the continental capacity and capability to adopt, promote, apply and implement the highest standards of corporate citizenship based on the African approach (at continental, regional, national, community and corporate levels) through:

>Research and development programmes that aim at the development, enhancement, refinement and improvement of methods, principles, and codes of best practice in corporate citizenship in all sectors of the economy; on how best to evaluate and assess the impact of good corporate citizenship practices on the wealth creation capacity of countries and the quality of life of citizens. It also seeks to develop appropriate methods for institutional networking as would promote partnerships for progress between the public sector, the private sector and the civil society to enhance better understanding of the role of business in society and corporate citizenship.

>Training and education targeting development of training materials, testing and validation of the training materials and training of a critical core of trainers to train government officials, directors and officers of corporations, civil society organizations activists in the relevant aspects of responsible corporate citizenship in consultation with institutions of higher learning and professional associations.

>Establishment of a data bank, resource and knowledge centre on corporate citizenship to serve as a depository, dissemination and networking centre on all matters relevant to corporate citizenship-– competitive excellence, governance, responsibility and sustainability- initiatives in Africa and with other regional and global initiatives including through electronically accessible dynamic and interactive website.

>Communication and advocacy programmes that would motivate, influence and otherwise excite the public sector, civil society and policy makers to understand the benefits of responsible corporate citizenship and otherwise excite and incite the people of Africa to actively demand the implementation and application of the highest standards of corporate citizenship for the greatest benefit for the people of Africa.

>Partnership and collaborative programmes with like minded institutions, development agencies and collaborative partners to facilitate implementation of the highest standards of corporate citizenship based on the African approach to ensure the sustainable creation, management and distribution of wealth for the greatest benefit for the people of Africa.

>Strengthening the institutional capacity, competence and capability of AICC to put in place appropriate mechanisms to promote implementation of responsible corporate citizenship based on the African approach in the whole of Africa.

Strategies of the Programme
The programme has four main components; namely

>Working to bring together key continental players {from the public & private sectors and civil society} and development partners interested in the implementation of good corporate citizenship in Africa to facilitate agreement on an African approach and the priorities of the continent; and to seek agreement on the technical and financial support necessary to ensure that those priorities are addressed in the implementation process and so as to build sustainable capacity to do so. This will involve

1. Agreement on a framework to facilitate the coordinated implementation of harmonized standards of corporate citizenship in Africa through collaboration, cooperation and consultation;
2. Agreement and establishment of a catalytic policy think tank (continental platform) to facilitate implementation of harmonized corporate citizenship standards that respond to the needs of the continent, promote continental integration, encourage coordinated, collaborative & consultative programs;
3. Strengthening the technical and professional capacity of the AICC enabling it efficiently and effectively play its role as the Continental Centre for corporate citizenship through;
4. Procurement and deployment of key critical resources- human, financial, technological, reputational -;
5. Putting in place appropriate governance and management structures and practices with enhanced planning, coordination and management capacity as will make it gain global recognition, reputation and image as the efficient, effective and technically competent institute that spearheads responsible corporate citizenship in Africa.
6. Facilitating the development, formulation and design-through diagnostic and design methodological approaches-of generic toolkits and procedures -that analyze the constraints to, problems and limitations experienced by business enterprises in the creation of wealth, corporate competitiveness, corporate governance, social accountability, and enhanced sustainability in Africa-; generic solutions, standards and programmesthat are practical and appropriate to the needs and circumstances of Africa in order to form the basis upon which to embark on a harmonized and coordinated approach in the implementation of responsible corporate citizenship in Africa based on the African Approach.
7. Facilitating the implementation and application of the harmonized and coordinated standards through collaborative programs to build institutional and technical capacities at the national and sub-regional levels enabling the respective nations or sub-regions adapt the generic guidelines

CADRE (Collaboration, Action and Dialogue to Reinforce the Engagement of Civil Society in improving Public Financial Management)

What's at stake?
To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, governments need strong and transparent public financial management systems that enable them to receive, allocate and spend the necessary funds sustainably, effectively and efficiently. When oversight is weak – often due to the limited capacity of audit institutions and civil society and gaps in regulations – the mismanagement of public funds can occur.

Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) provide a check on governments’ use of public resources through regular audits of government budgets, revenues and expenditures. Through their investigations, reporting and recommendations, SAIs are a key component of any government’s integrity and accountability system.

What we're doing about it
The Collaboration, Action and Dialogue to Reinforce the Engagement of Civil Society in improving public financial management (CADRE) project aims to strengthen the watchdog role of civil society and SAIs as key players that hold public institutions responsible and accountable on the use of public finances. By working together towards this common goal, they can strengthen each other and be more effective. This is what the CADRE initiative strives to facilitate.

Our approach
The CADRE project aims to strengthen the skills and systems of civil society and SAIs to hold governments to account for the use and management of public resources. Civil society in Malawi and Zambia are potential key partners for SAIs, given their important role in ensuring the equitable and effective distribution and use of public funds. Closer collaboration between them has been shown to enhance financial transparency and accountability in government. This capacity building could result in greater ownership of audit reports by citizens, additional access to key information for audits, including the perspectives of women and other vulnerable groups, increased public pressure on parliaments and governments to act on the findings and recommendations contained in these reports, and increased public trust in SAIs.

This project also raises awareness of the role of SAIs and civil society in public financial management, and advocates to enhance oversight of public spending. The role of independent and competent SAIs in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is recognised, but they still face some challenges. Too often, they cannot access the information they need to perform their function, and their findings do not always result in actual change.

Agribusiness Accelerate Initiative

The Agribusiness Accelerate Initiative, implemented jointly by Musika in Zambia and the African Institute of Corporate Citizenship (AICC) in Malawi with support from NORAD, is a regional programme designed to strengthen rural agribusinesses as catalysts for inclusive growth. Agriculture employs over 60% of people in Malawi and Zambia, yet rural poverty remains high because most smallholder farmers are trapped in low productivity systems, poor market access, and reliance on informal trade.

The project responds to this challenge by focusing on SME agribusiness intermediaries the agrodealers, aggregators, transporters, and service providers who connect smallholder farmers to inputs, technologies, finance, and markets. By building the capacity of these enterprises, the initiative creates sustainable “last-mile” linkages that enable farmers to improve productivity, diversify crops, and sell to structured markets.

At the heart of the initiative is the Agribusiness Accelerate Academy, which delivers a combination of training, mentorship, and market linkages. SME agribusinesses receive intensive training in product knowledge, marketing, financial management, business formalisation, and digital tools. Those who complete the training enter a mentorship programme that provides quarterly advisory visits to strengthen record keeping, business planning, and operations. High-performing SMEs graduate with tailored support such as “Step-Up Grants” for capital investment or down payments for loans. In Malawi, AICC has also played a key role in market building, demonstrating viable business models for distribution, aggregation, and service delivery to encourage private investment.

The initiative is anchored in public-private partnerships. Strategic support came from NORAD and the World Food Programme’s Farm to Market Alliance, while agribusiness firms such as Yara and SeedCo provided technical expertise, inputs, and supply chain linkages. AICC led training and mentorship in Malawi, drawing on its long-standing role in coordinating multi-stakeholder agricultural platforms. Financial institutions and digital service providers were also engaged to improve access to credit, investment readiness, and business solutions.

By the end of its implementation, the project aimed to train more than 800 rural SMEs, with at least 650 completing the mentorship cycle. This investment in intermediary businesses translates into wider benefits for smallholders, including better access to inputs, extension, and markets, alongside higher productivity, income gains, and opportunities for diversification. It also increases employment and expands the participation of women and youth in agribusiness.

The Agribusiness Accelerate Initiative has demonstrated that empowering rural SME agribusinesses is one of the most effective ways to transform agriculture. By equipping them with knowledge, networks, and investment readiness, the project has built a stronger foundation for inclusive, market-driven agricultural development in Zambia and Malawi.

Acess to Markets

Sustainable Cotton for Women and Youth Empowerment (SCOWOYE)

The SCOWOYE Project, implemented by the African Institute of Corporate Citizenship (AICC) with financial support from We Effect, aims to reduce poverty and injustice through improved productivity, profitability, and inclusiveness in Malawi’s cotton sector. Its specific objective is to ensure that women, men, and youth cotton farmers increase their incomes and livelihoods through the creation of decent jobs.

The project operates in four cotton-growing districts, targeting both smallholder farmers and private sector actors. It promotes decent work in cotton by ensuring fair incomes, stronger farmer organizations, better access to inputs and markets, and an enabling policy environment.

During the reporting period, SCOWOYE facilitated input access and production support by engaging the Cotton Council of Malawi, the Ministry of Agriculture, and private ginners. Over 30,000 smallholder farmers nationwide entered contractual agreements with ginners, including 13,550 women and 7,580 youth. These agreements secured access to hybrid seed and other inputs. In the targeted project areas, 8,000 farmers were mobilized, with 4,800 women and 1,600 youth among them.

The project also strengthened market access. Despite disruptions from COVID-19 and unstable cotton prices, AICC brokered linkages between farmers and ginners, ensuring that 25,000 metric tons of cotton were sold formally at an average price of MK300/kg. This allowed at least 65% of farmers to break even and realize a 30% profit margin, aligning with ILO standards for decent income.

To build confidence among farmers, SCOWOYE invested in farmer sensitization, organization, and capacity building. Over 45,000 smallholders were mobilized nationwide, with 12,400 reached in the targeted districts. Activities included community meetings, radio campaigns, and direct farmer engagement to address challenges from the previous season and strengthen trust in the sector.

AICC also advanced policy advocacy, particularly on cotton certification and government support for cotton marketing. Through its lobbying, ADMARC received MK1.2 billion to buy carry-over seed cotton, while government committed an additional MK1 billion towards inputs. Furthermore, a national cotton certification strategy and roadmap were initiated. In terms of private sector engagement, SCOWOYE collaborated with Quton Malawi to improve the availability of hybrid cotton seed and worked with Farmer Organization Limited to stock chemicals needed for production. These partnerships are designed to strengthen local agro-dealer networks and improve farmer access to critical inputs.

Despite challenges posed by COVID-19, political instability, and fluctuating world cotton prices, the SCOWOYE Project has laid the groundwork for a more resilient and inclusive cotton sector. By empowering women and youth, improving input and market systems, and influencing policy, the project is contributing to sustainable livelihoods and poverty reduction among cotton farming households in Malawi.

Commercial Agribusiness for Sustainable Horticulture (CASH)

The CASH Project, implemented by the African Institute of Corporate Citizenship (AICC) in partnership with the Norwegian Church Aid (NCA), is a micro-investment initiative designed to transform smallholder horticulture in Malawi. Piloted in Mndolera Extension Planning Area (EPA) in Dowa District, the project aims to reach 2,500 farmers over three years, improving incomes and reducing poverty through sustainable horticultural production. The project introduces farmers to Micro-Investment (MI) Kits, which include drip irrigation systems, fertilizers, and quality seedlings. These kits are simple, affordable, and highly profitable, enabling farmers to shift from labor-intensive traditional practices to climate-smart, efficient, and high-yield horticulture. Drip systems also conserve water and land, making them an effective adaptation to climate change.

Since its launch in 2019, the project has installed over 1,200 kits across 957 smallholder farmers, directly benefiting more than 5,300 household members. Farmers are producing tomatoes, cucumbers, okra, leafy vegetables, and watermelon, with cucumbers delivering the highest returns. Gross margin analysis shows that investments in these crops quickly cross the international poverty line, proving the model’s profitability and potential for scale.

CASH also promotes farmer-led extension and learning, with 145 lead farmers identified to provide localized training and demonstrations. Village-level meetings, field days, and trade fairs have strengthened farmer knowledge in good agricultural practices and marketing. The project has engaged exit partners such as input suppliers, hotels, schools, and restaurants, linking farmers to reliable input and output markets.

Key successes include increased reinvestment by farmers into additional kits, stronger planning and marketing skills, and the ability to diversify away from tobacco to more profitable horticulture. Challenges such as low produce prices, pest outbreaks, and slower-than-expected adoption were mitigated through improved market linkages, quality pest control inputs, and community mobilization. By combining climate-smart technology, market access, and farmer-led extension, the CASH Project is proving that small investments can generate big impacts improving household incomes, promoting gender inclusion, and building a sustainable model for commercial horticulture in Malawi.

Tingathe Spotlight Initiative for Women and Adolescent Girls

The Tingathe Spotlight Initiative, implemented by AICC with partners, is transforming the lives of women and adolescent girls in Malawi by addressing the root causes of gender-based violence (GBV), harmful practices, and economic exclusion. The programme recognizes that breaking cycles of violence requires not only protection but also sustainable opportunities for survivors to rebuild their lives with dignity, independence, and resilience.

At the heart of the initiative is a strong focus on decent work and sustainable livelihoods. Survivors are trained in vocational and technical skills such as tailoring, food processing, horticulture, and livestock production. In Mzimba, the Gonera survivor group of 35 young women received sewing machines and materials, enabling them to learn tailoring while gaining awareness of their human rights and the dangers of early marriage. These skills have provided adolescent girls with practical income opportunities while helping them make informed decisions about their futures.

The programme also emphasizes enterprise development and value addition. Survivors across Dowa, Ntchisi, Mzimba, and Nkhatabay have been trained in post-harvest handling, small-scale processing, and marketing. With support from AICC, women’s groups now operate micro-enterprises that add value to groundnuts, horticultural produce, and livestock products. Survivors are learning financial management, group leadership, and reinvestment strategies, allowing them to transition from subsistence to sustainable business ventures. Innovative micro-investment schemes, such as drip irrigation kits for horticulture, have further boosted production, enabling survivors to generate income throughout the year and reinvest profits into scaling up their enterprises.

Recognizing that trauma is a major barrier to empowerment, Tingathe integrates psychosocial support into its work. Survivors who have faced deep psychological wounds are receiving professional counselling and treatment through district hospitals. This approach has helped women like Rahema Phiri, who once lived in silence and fear, to regain confidence and actively participate in group activities and business training psychosocial. Alongside this, targeted marketing and business skills training is equipping survivors to overcome stigma and position their enterprises competitively in local markets.

Above all, Tingathe is restoring hope and agency. Survivors such as Joana Kabowa from Dowa, who was forced into marriage at fifteen, are now rebuilding their lives through enterprise support. After receiving tailoring machines and startup materials, Joana has renewed her sense of purpose and is generating income to care for her child. Her story is just one among many that illustrate how survivors are moving from despair and dependency to resilience and productivity bringing hope.

Through Tingathe, AICC demonstrates that empowering women and adolescent girls is not only about protecting them from violence, but also about unlocking their potential as entrepreneurs, leaders, and agents of change. By combining vocational training, enterprise development, psychosocial support, and market access, the initiative is building a generation of empowered women and girls who are central to Malawi’s social and economic transformation.