Promoting a Resilient Innovative and Equitable Food System in Malawi (PRIEFS): Baseline Assessment Report (Malawi, 2026)

This is a baseline assessment report for the PRIEFS project, conducted in March 2026 in two Traditional Authorities (TAs), Kuntumanji and Malemia, in Zomba District. The report presents the key project performance indicators at impact and outcome level. The assessment was conducted in line with Save the Children monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning strategy. The first sections provide a summary of the project, its goals, duration, outcomes, and implementation arrangements. The baseline assessment purpose, objectives, and key questions follow. Research methodology, data analysis plan, and study limitations precede the baseline assessment findings, which are presented by order of technical project outcomes with disaggregated baseline values by TA, sex of household head, and disability status.

The final sections include a discussion of findings and recommendations. The baseline assessment is presented to project implementing stakeholders as a key component of programme quality assurance and monitoring, including Save the Children Country Programme MEAL team, Programme Development and Quality, Save the Children Italy, Total Land Care (TLC), Kusamala Institute for Ecological Services, relevant departments under the Ministry of Agriculture at Zomba district office (Extension, Land Resources, Irrigation, Agribusiness), Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare.