Geographical Distribution, Diversity and Production of Banana and Plantain in Malawi

Abstract

Banana (Musa spp.) is an important staple and cash crop in Malawi, yet its production has declined sharply over the past two decades due to widespread cultivar loss, pests, diseases, and climatic pressures. This study provides an updated assessment of the geographical distribution, diversity status, and production constraints of banana and plantain cultivars across ten districts. Using 110 survey sites, household interviews, focus group discussions and direct field observations, a total of 27 distinct cultivars were recorded. Cultivar richness per district ranged from 3 to 10, with Karonga exhibiting the highest diversity and Rumphi the lowest. Shannon–Wiener diversity indices (H′) varied widely, from 0.7356 in Rumphi to 2.2719 in Karonga, while evenness values ranged from 0.7414 to 0.9867, indicating variable. Zibowa was the most abundant cultivar nationally (15.06%), whereas Kabuthu, once dominant in Malawi, was now extremely rare (0.6%). Farmers reported significant cultivar erosion over the past 20 years, with 91% attributing losses to Banana Bunchy Top Disease (BBTD). The most preferred cultivars remained William, Kabuthu, Sukali and Ndoki. The findings demonstrate marked genetic erosion and highlight the urgent need for strengthened germplasm conservation, enhanced clean-seed systems and targeted breeding initiatives to restore banana production resilience in Malawi