Significant potential exists in Malawi for agricultural production and productivity gains, which could be tapped for value creation and the improvement of living conditions of the broader population. Diversification and business orientation in a market and private sector-led environment can lead to higher and stabilised farm incomes. In order to design and implement this pathway in an inclusive manner, small and medium-sized farmers/processors need a strong institutional support structure that empowers them to link up with more formalised and higher-value market channels, helping them to realise new income opportunities.