The Ulimi ndi Chilengedwe m’Malawi (UCHI) Programme is a multi-year initiative (2022–2028) implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Government of Malawi, UNICEF, LUANAR, district councils, and other technical partners, with funding from the European Union (approx. €60 million). The programme aims to transform Malawi’s food systems by promoting sustainable and inclusive agricultural commercialisation, restoration of natural ecosystems, improved nutrition, and strengthened climate resilience. It targets over 80,000 households (approximately 400,000 people) in 17 districts across Malawi, supporting smallholder farmers and agribusinesses through strengthened value chains (including banana, soybean, rice, aquaculture, and apiculture), improved access to markets and finance, land restoration, and climate-smart agricultural practices.
UNDP Malawi commissioned Imani Consultants Ltd to conduct due diligence assessments of 250 pre-selected Farmer Organisations (FOs) and MSEs across 10 districts and five value chains (rice, banana, soybean, apiculture, and aquaculture). The assessment examined governance, legal and institutional status, financial management, technical and operational capacity, market linkages, safeguards, and gender/youth inclusion to determine eligibility for project support and guide tailored capacity-building interventions. Imani designed bespoke due diligence, recruitment and data collection tools to facilitate the screening process. The team subsequently developed and delivered due diligence reports and scorecards for each FO/MSE, highlighting gaps and recommending support areas.