Seasonality and Profitability: The Case of Smallholder Tomato Farmers in Thyolo District, Malawi

This study examines the impact of seasonality on the profitability of smallholder tomato farmers in rural areas of Malawi. The Malawian government has implemented initiatives to promote horticultural crop production, including tomatoes, to reduce reliance on tobacco as the primary source of foreign exchange earnings. Using a mixed-methods approach, data from 75 participants in the Thyolo District of Malawi was collected and analyzed. The study evaluates profits in different seasons, compares average earnings in winter and summer, and investigates price variations in markets. Findings show that tomato prices are higher in summer, reflecting the inverse relationship between prices and production cycles. Tomato production remains financially viable in both seasons, but the dry season is more economically rewarding with higher gross profits. The study recommends empowering farmers to increase year-round tomato cultivation. Further research could explore factors contributing to profitability disparities between seasons and investigate the impact of weather conditions and climate change on tomato production. The findings have important implications for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders interested in sustainable agriculture and rural development in Malawi.