AfriNut, pro-poor peanut processing in Malawi
Afri-Nut is a specialised groundnut processing and distribution marketing business. In a sector that has suffered massive decline in exports and inadequate investment, this initiative creates a viable business thanks to the blend of commercial and development investors that have come together, bringing experience in the sector, expertise and new finance, plus access to expanding markets. The intention to move beyond production of raw groundnuts into a range of value-added products with higher profit margins marks an attempt to significantly shift groundnut exports up the value chain.In this venture, processing company AfriNut aims to move Malawian smallholders up the value chain, while expanding the volume of fair trade and other value-added peanuts produced for international and domestic markets.
The overall project objective is to develop the private sector by establishing a sustainable peanut value chain in Malawi through inclusive business. This is expected to be achieved by setting up an infrastructure for diversified quality groundnuts products and small scale farmers become linked to international, regional and domestic markets. The groundnuts farmers shall be provided with intensive training on growing and handling groundnuts focusing on increasing yield and reducing aflatoxin levels.
- 740 t of groundnuts purchased from smallholders, 25% of them being women.
- Training of an expected 40,000 farmers in best practices throughout the value chain.
- Afrinut will bring Malawi in line with international export standards.
- Reduced aflatoxin levels will also benefit local communities who consume groundnuts as staple food.