The LGPI in Malawi: Selected Findings on Land (2016)

Land is particularly important in Malawi. Eighty-four percent of the country’s population live in rural areas, and most of the rural population depends on agriculture for its livelihood. Yet, almost all agricultural activity takes place on only 21,200 square kilometers of arable land. Malawi is densely populated (with 183 inhabitants per square kilometer, significantly higher than the continental average of 42) and land-dependent. It is not surprising, then, that land is highly valued, a source of conflict, and politically important.