National Food Reserve Agency

Malawi’s Strategic Grain Reserve (SGR), established in 1979, was designed to address food emergencies. Initially managed by ADMARC Limited from 1979 to 1998, the first concrete silos were built in Kanengo, Lilongwe. The SGR’s purpose was to ensure a three-month lead time for additional food supply organization and receipt, reflecting a strategy to improve access to and distribution of maize for emergency and regular needs. This objective has remained consistent since its inception. Additionally, the SGR supports local and regional food production strategies, acting as a market guarantor to encourage agricultural investment and innovation, including climate change adaptation. It plays a crucial role in food security, offering an alternative to unreliable imports and helping protect against hunger.