{"id":14,"date":"2026-06-09T13:22:44","date_gmt":"2026-06-09T13:22:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/aicc\/?page_id=14"},"modified":"2026-06-09T19:35:08","modified_gmt":"2026-06-09T19:35:08","slug":"platforms","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/demo.sandithandiza.org\/index.php\/platforms\/","title":{"rendered":"PLATFORMS"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"14\" class=\"elementor elementor-14\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b326472 e-con e-atomic-element e-flexbox-base e-6215475 \" data-id=\"b326472\" data-element_type=\"e-flexbox\" data-e-type=\"e-flexbox\" data-interaction-id=\"b326472\">\n    <div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-947be3e e-con e-atomic-element e-flexbox-base e-c8b37c3 \" data-id=\"947be3e\" data-element_type=\"e-flexbox\" data-e-type=\"e-flexbox\" data-interaction-id=\"947be3e\">\n    \t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3078d8e elementor-widget elementor-widget-eael-creative-button\" data-id=\"3078d8e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"eael-creative-button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t        <div class=\"eael-creative-button-wrapper\">\n\n            <a class=\"eael-creative-button eael-creative-button--default eael-cb-icon-position-left\" href=\"#\" data-text=\"Cotton Platform\">\n            \t    \n                <div class=\"creative-button-inner\">\n\n                                            <span class=\"eael-creative-button-icon-left\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-check-circle\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M504 256c0 136.967-111.033 248-248 248S8 392.967 8 256 119.033 8 256 8s248 111.033 248 248zM227.314 387.314l184-184c6.248-6.248 6.248-16.379 0-22.627l-22.627-22.627c-6.248-6.249-16.379-6.249-22.628 0L216 308.118l-70.059-70.059c-6.248-6.248-16.379-6.248-22.628 0l-22.627 22.627c-6.248 6.248-6.248 16.379 0 22.627l104 104c6.249 6.249 16.379 6.249 22.628.001z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>                    \n                    <span class=\"cretive-button-text\">Cotton Platform<\/span>\n\n                                    <\/div>\n\t                        <\/a>\n        <\/div>\n        \t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b446800 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b446800\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The platform is registered as Cotton Development Trust and comprises all players in the cotton value chain. Its main objective is to facilitate rapid growth of cotton industry through collaborative efforts of all players along the value chain. The emergence and formation of the Cotton Development Trust in 2008 has catalysed a number of initiatives aimed at improving the efficiency of the cotton value chain supported with resources from NORAD under phase I of the Malawi Agricultural Partnership (MAP) and the private sector. These initiatives were facilitated and coordinated by African Institute of Corporate Citizenship (AICC) as the secretariat of the Cotton Development Trust. AICC serves as the secretariat of the CDT and among several initiatives AICC has facilitated and coordinated the following:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ab28cf3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ab28cf3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li>The development of a cotton strategic plan 2011-2016<\/li>\n<li>The establishment of a seed supply system<\/li>\n<li>Increased productivity gains through cotton demonstration plots<\/li>\n<li>Improved access to credit and agricultural inputs for farmers<\/li>\n<li>Lobbying for review and implementation of a new Cotton Act<\/li>\n<li>The development of an agreed pricing and marketing model<\/li>\n<li>Increased strategic collaboration with international organizations\/institution<\/li><\/li>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-25b1238 e-con e-atomic-element e-flexbox-base e-4549dcd \" data-id=\"25b1238\" data-element_type=\"e-flexbox\" data-e-type=\"e-flexbox\" data-interaction-id=\"25b1238\">\n    \t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7d2ccc6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-eael-creative-button\" data-id=\"7d2ccc6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"eael-creative-button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t        <div class=\"eael-creative-button-wrapper\">\n\n            <a class=\"eael-creative-button eael-creative-button--default eael-cb-icon-position-left\" href=\"#\" data-text=\"Legumes Platform\">\n            \t    \n                <div class=\"creative-button-inner\">\n\n                                            <span class=\"eael-creative-button-icon-left\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-check-circle\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M504 256c0 136.967-111.033 248-248 248S8 392.967 8 256 119.033 8 256 8s248 111.033 248 248zM227.314 387.314l184-184c6.248-6.248 6.248-16.379 0-22.627l-22.627-22.627c-6.248-6.249-16.379-6.249-22.628 0L216 308.118l-70.059-70.059c-6.248-6.248-16.379-6.248-22.628 0l-22.627 22.627c-6.248 6.248-6.248 16.379 0 22.627l104 104c6.249 6.249 16.379 6.249 22.628.001z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>                    \n                    <span class=\"cretive-button-text\">Legumes Platform<\/span>\n\n                                    <\/div>\n\t                        <\/a>\n        <\/div>\n        \t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-46393e3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"46393e3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThis platform aims at promoting sustainable legume production, processing, value addition and marketing. Legumes are an important component of the agriculture sector in Malawi, being included in the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS) II (2011-2016) and the ASWAp for crop food security diversification, nutrition and export potential. Production of rice over the past ten years has been increasing. However, the general trend masks a The Legumes Platform has emerged through a series of stakeholders meetings and consultations initially initiated by Irish Aid and thereafter, facilitated by AICC. The need for the platform surfaced as a result of realisation that small individual impacts achieved by different stakeholders could significantly be up-scaled if coordination among actors were improved. Since, November 2011, AICC through MAP with support from other interested donors\/partners such as Irish Aid and Rural Livelihood Economic Enhancement Program (RLEEP) has been working with key stakeholders in the legumes sector in order to collect develop strategies for harnessing opportunities and overcoming key challenges facing the legumes sector. Using a value chain approach, improved coordination of activities is envisaged, as well as to identify constraints and opportunities and to provide workable solutions for problems affecting the sub-sector to make it efficient and viable. The Legumes Development Trust also provides additional information related to the AICC Legumes platform. \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1f53041 e-con e-atomic-element e-flexbox-base e-1f53041-3f924a7 \" data-id=\"1f53041\" data-element_type=\"e-flexbox\" data-e-type=\"e-flexbox\" data-interaction-id=\"1f53041\">\n    <div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-324b6ca e-con e-atomic-element e-flexbox-base e-324b6ca-7212483 \" data-id=\"324b6ca\" data-element_type=\"e-flexbox\" data-e-type=\"e-flexbox\" data-interaction-id=\"324b6ca\">\n    \t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2929662 elementor-widget elementor-widget-eael-creative-button\" data-id=\"2929662\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"eael-creative-button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t        <div class=\"eael-creative-button-wrapper\">\n\n            <a class=\"eael-creative-button eael-creative-button--default eael-cb-icon-position-left\" href=\"#\" data-text=\"Rice Development Trust(RDT)\">\n            \t    \n                <div class=\"creative-button-inner\">\n\n                                            <span class=\"eael-creative-button-icon-left\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-check-circle\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M504 256c0 136.967-111.033 248-248 248S8 392.967 8 256 119.033 8 256 8s248 111.033 248 248zM227.314 387.314l184-184c6.248-6.248 6.248-16.379 0-22.627l-22.627-22.627c-6.248-6.249-16.379-6.249-22.628 0L216 308.118l-70.059-70.059c-6.248-6.248-16.379-6.248-22.628 0l-22.627 22.627c-6.248 6.248-6.248 16.379 0 22.627l104 104c6.249 6.249 16.379 6.249 22.628.001z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>                    \n                    <span class=\"cretive-button-text\">Rice Development Trust(RDT)<\/span>\n\n                                    <\/div>\n\t                        <\/a>\n        <\/div>\n        \t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d2a9e87 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d2a9e87\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The overall objective of the Trust is to advance and promote the development of a competitive rice value chain in Malawi in the following areas:<br \/><b><br \/>Farmer Organization and Capacity Building<\/b><\/p><ul><li>Facilitate the identification of capacity needs in Malawi\u2019s rice value chain and lobby for increased support to address the needs;<\/li><li>Facilitate farmer organization development and strengthening for improved production, management and quality of rice;<\/li><li>Facilitate the organization of Malawi\u2019s rice value chain actors and strengthening of cooperatives for strategic and profitable cooperative business management;<\/li><\/ul><p><b>Production<b><\/b><br \/><br \/><\/b><\/p><ul><li>Facilitate access to improved inputs and implements, extension services and technologies for Malawi\u2019s rice value chain actors;<\/li><li>Promote the adoption of the good agricultural practices and other quality standards in the rice value chain;<\/li><li>Coordinate the rice seed supply system in Malawi to ensure the multiplication and distribution of high-quality rice seeds to the rice producing areas; Processing, Value Addition and Marketing<\/li><li>Promote a transparent and objective pricing mechanism for rice and rice products along the value chain which is acceptable and trusted by relevant stakeholders;<\/li><li>Promote coordination among Malawi\u2019s rice value chain actors;<br \/>Promote and lobby for fair trading practices among Malawi\u2019s rice value chain actors;<br \/>Facilitate the education of Malawi\u2019s rice value chain actors in processing, value addition and marketing;<br \/>Promote coordination in processing, value addition and marketing of rice and its products.<\/li><li>Facilitate the marketing of rice and rice products, both domestically and internationally, in collaboration with relevant rice value chain actors<\/li><\/ul><p><b><br \/>Information and Communication Technology (ICT)<\/b><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><ul><li>Facilitate the Trust\u2019s Members\u2019 access to production, processing, value addition and marketing information;<\/li><li>Facilitate information sharing and benchmarking best practices on rice value chain development in Malawi and abroad;<\/li><li>Facilitate the development and establishment of production, processing and market information data base;<\/li><\/ul><p><br \/><b><br \/>Finance and Investments<br \/><\/b><\/p><ul><li>Facilitate increased access to financial services by Malawi\u2019s rice value chain actors.<\/li><li>Facilitate the promotion of investment in rice value chain in Malawi.<\/li><li>Facilitate the promotion of commercialization of all rice value chain activities<\/li><\/ul><p><br \/><b><br \/>Partnership Development<br \/><\/b><br \/><br \/><\/p><ul><li>Establish and strengthen partnerships within the global, regional and national rice value chain;<\/li><li>Facilitate adoption, implementation and compliance to domestic and international quality standards by the rice value chain actors;<\/li><li>Advocate for certification and or accreditation of Malawi\u2019s rice value chain actors to exploit both domestic and export markets;<\/li><\/ul><p><b><br \/>Policy and Advocacy<\/b><\/p><ul><li><p>Facilitate the identification of policy gaps in Malawi\u2019s rice sector and lobby for positive policy changes for the development of Malawi\u2019s rice value chain to ensure fair trade and increased access to export markets;<\/p><\/li><li>Lobby for adequate representation of the rice sector in national, regional and global policy processes;<br \/>Lobby for infrastructure development aimed at fostering positive change in Malawi\u2019s rice value chain;<\/li><\/ul><p><b><br \/>MEMBERSHIP<br \/><\/b><br \/>Membership to the Trust is restricted to all actors involved in Malawi\u2019s rice value chain. Honourary membership are conferred by the Board at its discretion on any individual, organization or institution resident within or outside Malawi. There are membership subscription fees that are levied. The Board determines the amount payable as membership subscription fees and all issues incidental thereto.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ba151be elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ba151be\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li>The development of a cotton strategic plan 2011-2016<\/li>\n<li>The establishment of a seed supply system<\/li>\n<li>Increased productivity gains through cotton demonstration plots<\/li>\n<li>Improved access to credit and agricultural inputs for farmers<\/li>\n<li>Lobbying for review and implementation of a new Cotton Act<\/li>\n<li>The development of an agreed pricing and marketing model<\/li>\n<li>Increased strategic collaboration with international organizations\/institution<\/li><\/li>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4497a13 e-con e-atomic-element e-flexbox-base e-4497a13-482f105 \" data-id=\"4497a13\" data-element_type=\"e-flexbox\" data-e-type=\"e-flexbox\" data-interaction-id=\"4497a13\">\n    \t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9285b40 elementor-widget elementor-widget-eael-creative-button\" data-id=\"9285b40\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"eael-creative-button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t        <div class=\"eael-creative-button-wrapper\">\n\n            <a class=\"eael-creative-button eael-creative-button--default eael-cb-icon-position-left\" href=\"#\" data-text=\"Integrity Platform (IP)\">\n            \t    \n                <div class=\"creative-button-inner\">\n\n                                            <span class=\"eael-creative-button-icon-left\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-check-circle\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M504 256c0 136.967-111.033 248-248 248S8 392.967 8 256 119.033 8 256 8s248 111.033 248 248zM227.314 387.314l184-184c6.248-6.248 6.248-16.379 0-22.627l-22.627-22.627c-6.248-6.249-16.379-6.249-22.628 0L216 308.118l-70.059-70.059c-6.248-6.248-16.379-6.248-22.628 0l-22.627 22.627c-6.248 6.248-6.248 16.379 0 22.627l104 104c6.249 6.249 16.379 6.249 22.628.001z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>                    \n                    <span class=\"cretive-button-text\">Integrity Platform (IP)<\/span>\n\n                                    <\/div>\n\t                        <\/a>\n        <\/div>\n        \t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d3e0020 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d3e0020\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGeneral description of the CSO work in the anti-corruption area\n<br\/>\nIP aims to increase awareness about corruption, enhance efforts by other anti-corruption agencies and facilitate advocacy and lobbying on policy and legislative reforms on general governance and corruption.\n<br\/>\nIP\u2019s approach focuses on research, advocacy and civic empowerment. The major targets are public policy key players, government and its major development partners and the people in general.\n<br\/>\nIP has been involved in activities to strengthen Malawi\u2019s National Integrity System, promoted anti-corruption advocacy through reports such as Transparency International\u2019s CPI. IP has also coordinated forums for anti-corruption stakeholders. Presently IP is championing advocacy around transparency and accountability on public audit.\n<br\/>\nSpecific description of the CSO work in relation to the UNCAC\n<br\/>\nIP is not yet implementing any activities linked to UNCAC but would seriously like to participate in monitoring the implementation of the convention locally because there seems to be no local organization doing that. If there is any opportunity to get linked to any organisation already linked to UNCAC we will happily support the efforts.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8d9a6e5 e-con e-atomic-element e-flexbox-base e-8d9a6e5-91719a6 \" data-id=\"8d9a6e5\" data-element_type=\"e-flexbox\" data-e-type=\"e-flexbox\" data-interaction-id=\"8d9a6e5\">\n    <div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-64b2992 e-con e-atomic-element e-flexbox-base e-64b2992-cbcc6eb \" data-id=\"64b2992\" data-element_type=\"e-flexbox\" data-e-type=\"e-flexbox\" data-interaction-id=\"64b2992\">\n    \t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bf0473f elementor-widget elementor-widget-eael-creative-button\" data-id=\"bf0473f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"eael-creative-button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t        <div class=\"eael-creative-button-wrapper\">\n\n            <a class=\"eael-creative-button eael-creative-button--default eael-cb-icon-position-left\" href=\"#\" data-text=\"The Malawi Round Table for Sustainable Beef (MRSB) Platform\">\n            \t    \n                <div class=\"creative-button-inner\">\n\n                                            <span class=\"eael-creative-button-icon-left\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-check-circle\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M504 256c0 136.967-111.033 248-248 248S8 392.967 8 256 119.033 8 256 8s248 111.033 248 248zM227.314 387.314l184-184c6.248-6.248 6.248-16.379 0-22.627l-22.627-22.627c-6.248-6.249-16.379-6.249-22.628 0L216 308.118l-70.059-70.059c-6.248-6.248-16.379-6.248-22.628 0l-22.627 22.627c-6.248 6.248-6.248 16.379 0 22.627l104 104c6.249 6.249 16.379 6.249 22.628.001z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>                    \n                    <span class=\"cretive-button-text\">The Malawi Round Table for Sustainable Beef (MRSB) Platform<\/span>\n\n                                    <\/div>\n\t                        <\/a>\n        <\/div>\n        \t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cc57428 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"cc57428\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe Malawi Round Table for Sustainable Beef (MRSB) is a multi-stakeholder platform established to promote the sustainable production of quality beef for domestic and international markets. Its broader aim is to transform Malawi\u2019s beef value chain into a commercial and competitive industry through leadership, innovation, and coordinated stakeholder engagement.<br\/>\n\nThe platform emerged from a series of stakeholder consultations responding to persistent sector challenges, including:<br\/>\n\n<ul><li>\n\n    Low beef production and productivity<\/li>\n   <li> Weak stakeholder coordination across the value chain<\/li>\n   <li> Limited agricultural research and technology dissemination<\/li>\n  <li>  Weak policy, regulatory, and operational frameworks<\/li>\n <li>   Low value addition and poor market access<\/li><\/ul>\n<br\/>\nTo address these challenges, MRSB was constituted with a Board of Trustees (Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Treasurer, Secretariat, and committee members); and Technical Working Groups (TWGs) aligned to value chain stages: Production; Processing &#038; Value Addition; Marketing; Policy &#038; Regulation; and Consumption.\n<br\/>\nThe MRSB platform therefore creates a forum for shared learning, problem-solving, and collective action, by coordinating stakeholders across the beef value chain; and reducing duplication of interventions. \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0c3b2fc elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0c3b2fc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li>The development of a cotton strategic plan 2011-2016<\/li>\n<li>The establishment of a seed supply system<\/li>\n<li>Increased productivity gains through cotton demonstration plots<\/li>\n<li>Improved access to credit and agricultural inputs for farmers<\/li>\n<li>Lobbying for review and implementation of a new Cotton Act<\/li>\n<li>The development of an agreed pricing and marketing model<\/li>\n<li>Increased strategic collaboration with international organizations\/institution<\/li><\/li>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-01f01cd e-con e-atomic-element e-flexbox-base e-01f01cd-048e899 \" data-id=\"01f01cd\" data-element_type=\"e-flexbox\" data-e-type=\"e-flexbox\" data-interaction-id=\"01f01cd\">\n    \t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1b4e00e elementor-widget elementor-widget-eael-creative-button\" data-id=\"1b4e00e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"eael-creative-button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t        <div class=\"eael-creative-button-wrapper\">\n\n            <a class=\"eael-creative-button eael-creative-button--default eael-cb-icon-position-left\" href=\"#\" data-text=\"Sesame Platform\">\n            \t    \n                <div class=\"creative-button-inner\">\n\n                                            <span class=\"eael-creative-button-icon-left\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-check-circle\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M504 256c0 136.967-111.033 248-248 248S8 392.967 8 256 119.033 8 256 8s248 111.033 248 248zM227.314 387.314l184-184c6.248-6.248 6.248-16.379 0-22.627l-22.627-22.627c-6.248-6.249-16.379-6.249-22.628 0L216 308.118l-70.059-70.059c-6.248-6.248-16.379-6.248-22.628 0l-22.627 22.627c-6.248 6.248-6.248 16.379 0 22.627l104 104c6.249 6.249 16.379 6.249 22.628.001z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>                    \n                    <span class=\"cretive-button-text\">Sesame Platform<\/span>\n\n                                    <\/div>\n\t                        <\/a>\n        <\/div>\n        \t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a8c8156 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a8c8156\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSesame Platform is a collaborative initiative designed to revitalize and coordinate Malawi\u2019s 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\u2019s agriculture, generate foreign exchange, and reduce household poverty. The platform seeks to transform sesame from a neglected crop into a driver of agricultural commercialization and national economic growth through dialogue and joint action.\n<br\/>\nThe Sesame Platform focuses on building a roadmap for sustainable growth. The Platform promotes access to certified seed, improved agronomic practices, structured markets, and value addition opportunities. Through technical working groups, it develops strategies for research, innovation, and policy reforms that strengthen farmer organizations and open pathways to domestic and international markets. In addition, the Platform is a coordinated movement to ensure sesame farming contributes to Malawi\u2019s Vision 2063 by enhancing productivity, resilience, and livelihoods across the agricultural sector.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cfa8ace e-con e-atomic-element e-flexbox-base e-cfa8ace-e86ef01 \" data-id=\"cfa8ace\" data-element_type=\"e-flexbox\" data-e-type=\"e-flexbox\" data-interaction-id=\"cfa8ace\">\n    <div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6c44683 e-con e-atomic-element e-flexbox-base e-6c44683-0ec9093 \" data-id=\"6c44683\" data-element_type=\"e-flexbox\" data-e-type=\"e-flexbox\" data-interaction-id=\"6c44683\">\n    \t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0d458ec elementor-widget elementor-widget-eael-creative-button\" data-id=\"0d458ec\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"eael-creative-button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t        <div class=\"eael-creative-button-wrapper\">\n\n            <a class=\"eael-creative-button eael-creative-button--default eael-cb-icon-position-left\" href=\"#\" data-text=\"Young Innovative Farmer (YIF) Platform\">\n            \t    \n                <div class=\"creative-button-inner\">\n\n                                            <span class=\"eael-creative-button-icon-left\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-check-circle\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M504 256c0 136.967-111.033 248-248 248S8 392.967 8 256 119.033 8 256 8s248 111.033 248 248zM227.314 387.314l184-184c6.248-6.248 6.248-16.379 0-22.627l-22.627-22.627c-6.248-6.249-16.379-6.249-22.628 0L216 308.118l-70.059-70.059c-6.248-6.248-16.379-6.248-22.628 0l-22.627 22.627c-6.248 6.248-6.248 16.379 0 22.627l104 104c6.249 6.249 16.379 6.249 22.628.001z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>                    \n                    <span class=\"cretive-button-text\">Young Innovative Farmer (YIF) Platform<\/span>\n\n                                    <\/div>\n\t                        <\/a>\n        <\/div>\n        \t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c94f6b1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c94f6b1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tYoung Innovative Farmer is a platform designed to empower the next generation of agricultural leaders. It provides young farmers with access to knowledge, tools, and networks that help them embrace modern farming practices and innovative solutions. By combining traditional wisdom with cutting-edge techniques, the platform fosters creativity, resilience, and sustainability in agriculture. It is a space where ideas meet action, enabling youth to transform challenges into opportunities within the farming sector.\n<br\/>\nAt its core, the platform is about building capacity and confidence among young farmers. Through training, mentorship, and exposure to new technologies, it equips them to improve productivity, adapt to climate change, and engage in agribusiness ventures. Beyond farming, it nurtures leadership and entrepreneurship, ensuring that young people are not just participants but drivers of agricultural transformation. Young Innovative Farmer is more than a resource\u2014it is a movement that celebrates innovation, collaboration, and the vital role of youth in shaping the future of food systems.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d996b83 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d996b83\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li>The development of a cotton strategic plan 2011-2016<\/li>\n<li>The establishment of a seed supply system<\/li>\n<li>Increased productivity gains through cotton demonstration plots<\/li>\n<li>Improved access to credit and agricultural inputs for farmers<\/li>\n<li>Lobbying for review and implementation of a new Cotton Act<\/li>\n<li>The development of an agreed pricing and marketing model<\/li>\n<li>Increased strategic collaboration with international organizations\/institution<\/li><\/li>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9a9cd94 e-con e-atomic-element e-flexbox-base e-9a9cd94-39fb681 \" data-id=\"9a9cd94\" data-element_type=\"e-flexbox\" data-e-type=\"e-flexbox\" data-interaction-id=\"9a9cd94\">\n    \t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a4f33f0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-eael-creative-button\" data-id=\"a4f33f0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"eael-creative-button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t        <div class=\"eael-creative-button-wrapper\">\n\n            <a class=\"eael-creative-button eael-creative-button--default eael-cb-icon-position-left\" href=\"#\" data-text=\"Oil Seed\">\n            \t    \n                <div class=\"creative-button-inner\">\n\n                                            <span class=\"eael-creative-button-icon-left\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-check-circle\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M504 256c0 136.967-111.033 248-248 248S8 392.967 8 256 119.033 8 256 8s248 111.033 248 248zM227.314 387.314l184-184c6.248-6.248 6.248-16.379 0-22.627l-22.627-22.627c-6.248-6.249-16.379-6.249-22.628 0L216 308.118l-70.059-70.059c-6.248-6.248-16.379-6.248-22.628 0l-22.627 22.627c-6.248 6.248-6.248 16.379 0 22.627l104 104c6.249 6.249 16.379 6.249 22.628.001z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>                    \n                    <span class=\"cretive-button-text\">Oil Seed<\/span>\n\n                                    <\/div>\n\t                        <\/a>\n        <\/div>\n        \t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5eb600a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5eb600a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tComing Soon\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cotton Platform The platform is registered as Cotton Development Trust and comprises all players in the cotton value chain. Its main objective is to facilitate rapid growth of cotton industry through collaborative efforts of all players along the value chain. The emergence and formation of the Cotton Development Trust in 2008 has catalysed a number of initiatives aimed at improving the efficiency of the cotton value chain supported with resources from NORAD under phase I of the Malawi Agricultural Partnership (MAP) and the private sector. These initiatives were facilitated and coordinated by African Institute of Corporate Citizenship (AICC) as the secretariat of the Cotton Development Trust. AICC serves as the secretariat of the CDT and among several initiatives AICC has facilitated and coordinated the following: The development of a cotton strategic plan 2011-2016 The establishment of a seed supply system Increased productivity gains through cotton demonstration plots Improved access to credit and agricultural inputs for farmers Lobbying for review and implementation of a new Cotton Act The development of an agreed pricing and marketing model Increased strategic collaboration with international organizations\/institution Legumes Platform This platform aims at promoting sustainable legume production, processing, value addition and marketing. Legumes are an important component of the agriculture sector in Malawi, being included in the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS) II (2011-2016) and the ASWAp for crop food security diversification, nutrition and export potential. Production of rice over the past ten years has been increasing. However, the general trend masks a The Legumes Platform has emerged through a series of stakeholders meetings and consultations initially initiated by Irish Aid and thereafter, facilitated by AICC. The need for the platform surfaced as a result of realisation that small individual impacts achieved by different stakeholders could significantly be up-scaled if coordination among actors were improved. Since, November 2011, AICC through MAP with support from other interested donors\/partners such as Irish Aid and Rural Livelihood Economic Enhancement Program (RLEEP) has been working with key stakeholders in the legumes sector in order to collect develop strategies for harnessing opportunities and overcoming key challenges facing the legumes sector. Using a value chain approach, improved coordination of activities is envisaged, as well as to identify constraints and opportunities and to provide workable solutions for problems affecting the sub-sector to make it efficient and viable. The Legumes Development Trust also provides additional information related to the AICC Legumes platform. Rice Development Trust(RDT) The overall objective of the Trust is to advance and promote the development of a competitive rice value chain in Malawi in the following areas:Farmer Organization and Capacity Building Facilitate the identification of capacity needs in Malawi\u2019s rice value chain and lobby for increased support to address the needs; Facilitate farmer organization development and strengthening for improved production, management and quality of rice; Facilitate the organization of Malawi\u2019s rice value chain actors and strengthening of cooperatives for strategic and profitable cooperative business management; Production Facilitate access to improved inputs and implements, extension services and technologies for Malawi\u2019s rice value chain actors; Promote the adoption of the good agricultural practices and other quality standards in the rice value chain; Coordinate the rice seed supply system in Malawi to ensure the multiplication and distribution of high-quality rice seeds to the rice producing areas; Processing, Value Addition and Marketing Promote a transparent and objective pricing mechanism for rice and rice products along the value chain which is acceptable and trusted by relevant stakeholders; Promote coordination among Malawi\u2019s rice value chain actors;Promote and lobby for fair trading practices among Malawi\u2019s rice value chain actors;Facilitate the education of Malawi\u2019s rice value chain actors in processing, value addition and marketing;Promote coordination in processing, value addition and marketing of rice and its products. Facilitate the marketing of rice and rice products, both domestically and internationally, in collaboration with relevant rice value chain actors Information and Communication Technology (ICT) \u00a0 Facilitate the Trust\u2019s Members\u2019 access to production, processing, value addition and marketing information; Facilitate information sharing and benchmarking best practices on rice value chain development in Malawi and abroad; Facilitate the development and establishment of production, processing and market information data base; Finance and Investments Facilitate increased access to financial services by Malawi\u2019s rice value chain actors. Facilitate the promotion of investment in rice value chain in Malawi. Facilitate the promotion of commercialization of all rice value chain activities Partnership Development Establish and strengthen partnerships within the global, regional and national rice value chain; Facilitate adoption, implementation and compliance to domestic and international quality standards by the rice value chain actors; Advocate for certification and or accreditation of Malawi\u2019s rice value chain actors to exploit both domestic and export markets; Policy and Advocacy Facilitate the identification of policy gaps in Malawi\u2019s rice sector and lobby for positive policy changes for the development of Malawi\u2019s rice value chain to ensure fair trade and increased access to export markets; Lobby for adequate representation of the rice sector in national, regional and global policy processes;Lobby for infrastructure development aimed at fostering positive change in Malawi\u2019s rice value chain; MEMBERSHIPMembership to the Trust is restricted to all actors involved in Malawi\u2019s rice value chain. Honourary membership are conferred by the Board at its discretion on any individual, organization or institution resident within or outside Malawi. There are membership subscription fees that are levied. The Board determines the amount payable as membership subscription fees and all issues incidental thereto. The development of a cotton strategic plan 2011-2016 The establishment of a seed supply system Increased productivity gains through cotton demonstration plots Improved access to credit and agricultural inputs for farmers Lobbying for review and implementation of a new Cotton Act The development of an agreed pricing and marketing model Increased strategic collaboration with international organizations\/institution Integrity Platform (IP) General description of the CSO work in the anti-corruption area IP aims to increase awareness about corruption, enhance efforts by other anti-corruption agencies and facilitate advocacy and lobbying on policy and legislative reforms on general governance and corruption. IP\u2019s approach focuses on<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"elementor_header_footer","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-14","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/demo.sandithandiza.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/14","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/demo.sandithandiza.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/demo.sandithandiza.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/demo.sandithandiza.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/demo.sandithandiza.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14"}],"version-history":[{"count":39,"href":"https:\/\/demo.sandithandiza.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/14\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":441,"href":"https:\/\/demo.sandithandiza.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/14\/revisions\/441"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/demo.sandithandiza.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}