Economics

This research was aimed at establishing the effects of the global economic crisis on local nongovernmental organizations in relation to their financial resources, quality of services and coping strategies in the event of grant reduction or withdrawal. The research study was also conducted to establish how Non- governmental Organizations are planning to strengthen social service delivery capacities during the crisis periods.

The Malawi Business Climate Survey (MBCS) is a perception survey aimed at getting views from the business community on how conducive the business environment is for business growth. In order to effectively discharge its role as an engine of economic growth; the private sector requires a conducive business environment.

This report is on the results of the Malawi Business Climate Survey (MBCS) for 2009. The Malawi Business Climate Survey is conducted annually by the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI). It is a perception survey that assesses the business climate from the perspective of the investors in Malawi. It is a very critical tool for lobbying and advocacy. Since its launch in 2004, the MBCS has been used as a basis for advancing the interests of the business community in Malawi.

The Malawi Business Climate Survey (MBCS) is a perception survey aimed at getting views from the business community on the conduciveness of the business environment for private sector development. A good business environment is a prerequisite for increased growth as it encourages investment. With increased investment, employment increases and so does wealth creation and consequently poverty is reduced.

This paper is based on a study undertaken to critically understand the dynamics of policy-making and processes under the auspices of the Future Agricultures Consortium‟s (FAC) sub-theme on politics and policy processes hosted by the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) in the United Kingdom. FAC‟s operative philosophy is that contrary to the traditional and highly stylized perspective, policy-making does not happen in neat distinct stages except perhaps in the minimal sense that policies are proposed, legislated and implemented.

Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) have been widely recognized for playing significant role in poverty reduction through income generation from sales, job creation at low cost, utilization of locally found resources, adding value to agricultural produce, and production of goods and services that meet basic needs of the poor. However, the contribution of MSEs to poverty reduction processes and development in general is much dependent on the length of period these enterprises survive.

An analysis of the situation of poverty in 1993 revealed that 60% and 65% of Malawi's population in urban and rural areas, respectively, lives below the poverty line. This situation of poverty has been confirmed by various other studies including the 1998 UNDP Human Development Report. There is great need, therefore, to put into place action that can reduce or even eradicate poverty in the country. One way of doing this is to promote income generation and employment creation among the poor.