Economic developments in Malawi since independence

Abstract

Since the dissolution of the Central African Federation and the achievement of independence in July 1964, Malawi has largely faded from international notice. In so far as journalistic and academic comment is concerned, what attention there has been centres mainly on the country's foreign policy.1 Although the banning of 'mini skirts', 'bell bottoms' and long hair have briefly commanded some journalistic space and the Jehovah's Witnesses rather more, but less amused concern, serious writings on social, economic or political developments are few, especially when compared with neighbouring countries.2 This article attempts to make up some of the deficiency by an examination and evaluation of the domestic economic policies pursued since independence. In establishing a framework for this examination certain conceptual difficulties need to be faced. Ideally the actual performance of the economy should be compared with its potential, but, given the possibility of different objectives by policy makers, this potential has no uniquely defined meaning. To compare the situation before and after independence is likely to be meaningless if either the objectives of policy or the external economic environment have radically altered. An alternative approach might be to compare Malawi's economic policies and performance with that of a country with similar resources and objectives, but no similar country exists for such a comparison to be made. Without readily comparable time spans or countries, the choice of framework lies