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This research study was conducted as part of a series of country-specific baseline assessments to provide a broad overview of the production, market and socioeconomic conditions, and the constraints and opportunities in farming systems. In Malawi, the main legumes of interest are groundnut and pigeonpea; consequently, much of the analysis in this paper focuses on the two crops, while also providing a broad picture about other crops and livelihood strategies.

This study shows a link between access to financial services and household investment in education or a business, which can contribute to economic growth in developing countries. It discusses the policies needed to address the barriers that prevent people accessing formal financial services, and undertaking such investment.

This report is based on a research project which examined the impact of competition in four product markets - sugar, cement, beer and mobile phone services - in five countries. This edition focuses on Zambia and assesses how the policy framework in the country affects the degree of competition present in a given product market; and how the degree of competition affects market outcomes such as prices, competitiveness, innovation and access to services.