Sesame Platform

Platform Overview

The Sesame Platform is a collaborative initiative designed to revitalise and coordinate Malawi's sesame value chain. Emerging from the 2023 National Stakeholders Workshop, the platform brings together farmers, researchers, traders, processors, policymakers, and development partners to address systemic challenges in production, marketing, processing, and policy.

It is built on the recognition that sesame is a climate-resilient, high-value crop with the potential to diversify Malawi's agriculture, generate foreign exchange, and reduce household poverty. The platform seeks to transform sesame from a neglected crop into a driver of agricultural commercialisation and national economic growth through dialogue and joint action.

Platform Focus Areas

• Building a roadmap for sustainable growth of Malawi's sesame sector
• Promoting access to certified seed and improved agronomic practices
• Developing structured markets and value addition opportunities for sesame farmers
• Advocating for policy reforms that strengthen farmer organisations and open market pathways
• Facilitating research and innovation to improve sesame productivity and quality
• Opening pathways to domestic and international sesame markets

Approach

Through technical working groups, the platform develops strategies for research, innovation, and policy reforms. It is a coordinated movement to ensure sesame farming contributes to Malawi's Vision 2063 by enhancing productivity, resilience, and livelihoods across the agricultural sector.

The platform promotes sesame as a key crop for smallholder income diversification, particularly for women and youth farmers who can benefit from its climate resilience and relatively low input requirements.