A flagship programme supporting smallholder farmers in Malawi to move from subsistence to market-oriented agriculture through stronger value chains, productive alliances and inclusive investments.
AGCOM is a Malawi Government programme that brings together producer organisations, service providers and off-takers to grow a more competitive and resilient agricultural sector.
The Agricultural Commercialisation (AGCOM) Project aims to help organised groups of smallholder farmers move from mainly subsistence production to commercially oriented agriculture. The project promotes stronger value chains by facilitating partnerships between Producer Organisations (POs), agribusiness off-takers and key public and private service providers.
Through productive alliances and targeted investments, AGCOM focuses on increasing productivity, improving market access and strengthening the capacity of farmers to meet quality and volume requirements in local, regional and international markets.
AGCOM works with:
These actors collaborate around bankable business plans that unlock investment and shared value along strategic agricultural value chains.
The project is structured around several components that together support commercialisation, investment, resilience and effective coordination.
Supports the formation and implementation of productive alliances between POs, off-takers and service providers, anchored in business plans with matching grants and last-mile infrastructure.
Strengthens services that enable investment, such as market information, financial services, research, extension and policy support that improve the business environment for agriculture.
Provides a mechanism for rapid reallocation of resources to respond to eligible crises or emergencies that affect agricultural production and markets.
Ensures effective planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the project through a dedicated coordination unit and implementing partners.
Mainstreams environmental and social safeguards, gender, youth and other cross-cutting issues to ensure that investments are sustainable and inclusive.
Productive alliances are at the heart of AGCOM’s approach to commercialising smallholder agriculture.
A productive alliance under AGCOM typically brings together three main partners: a Producer Organisation representing smallholder farmers, an off-taker or agribusiness that buys and processes the produce, and service providers that supply inputs, finance or technical support. The partners agree on a business plan that defines roles, investment needs and market arrangements.
Through this model, farmers gain more reliable market outlets, off-takers secure consistent supply of raw materials, and service providers expand their client base. AGCOM supports these alliances with matching grants, capacity building and complementary public investments so that the overall value chain becomes more competitive and resilient.
Recent highlights from producer organisations and partners implementing activities under AGCOM.
Representatives of producer organisations from the central region took part in a practical course on financial management and procurement to strengthen the implementation of their business plans.
With a new warehouse and improved organisation, Msamala cooperative has started collective marketing, enabling members to negotiate better prices and reduce post-harvest losses.
Members of Doroba dairy producer organisation are investing in processing equipment and improved management practices, boosting milk volumes and yoghurt production for the local market.
For more news and updates, visit the AGCOM media centre.
Access key resources and thematic areas within the AGCOM Project.
AGCOM is implemented by the Government of Malawi in collaboration with key ministries and development partners.
Short answers to some common questions about the AGCOM Project.
The core objective of AGCOM is to help smallholder farmers in Malawi participate more competitively in agricultural markets by supporting investments, partnerships and services that make value chains more productive and profitable.
Producer organisations work with off-takers and service providers to develop business plans. Once approved, these plans can receive support in the form of matching grants, capacity building and complementary public investments needed to implement the proposed activities.
AGCOM focuses on strategic value chains where smallholder farmers have good potential to supply quality products to reliable markets. These can include food crops, cash crops, livestock and other commodities, depending on demand and project priorities.
Detailed project documents, reports, guidelines and other resources are available in the downloads and media sections of this website, including reports, manuals, policies and brochures related to AGCOM activities.