About CISANET
Our History
The Civil Society Agriculture Network (CISANET) is a grouping of civil society organizations established in 2001 to facilitate the engagement of CSOs working in the agriculture sector with Government over policy issues affecting the agriculture. CISANET’s membership comprises local and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), farmer organizations and interested individuals.
Why CISANET was formed
CISANET was formed to respond to a need that became apparent after the onset of the multiparty democracy and also the development of the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper in 2000. These recognized the civil society as a partner of Government to support successful implementation of its programs by providing necessary independent checks and balances and also supporting Government in the agriculture sector.
Our Mandate
To provide leadership in policy advocacy among non-state actors in the agriculture sector. We provide space for non-state actors (NSAs) working or interested in the agriculture sector to constructively engage the Government to policy influence that positively impacts agricultural production and productivity, marketing as well as food and nutrition security.
Vision
To be a leading Network that effectively coordinates and fosters collaboration among non-state actors towards Malawi’s agricultural transformation.
Mission
Promote agricultural development and sustainable livelihoods for the rural poor by influencing desired change in policies, practices and attitudes of Government, donors, civil society and other stakeholders through effective and results focused advocacy, research and Networking.
Values
- Inclusiveness
- Transparency
- Accountability
- Integrity
- Independence
- Sustainability
- Pro-poor
Strategic Priorities
To effectively coordinate the Network, the CISANET secretariat will focus on five key strategic priorities
i. Mutual Accountability and Transparency in the Agriculture Sector
i. Capacity Building and Organization Development
ii. Policy Research and Analysis
iii. Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Sharing
iv. Communication, Networking, and Member Engagement
Thematic Areas
1. Resilient and Nutrition Friendly Agriculture
PROJECTS
– Strengthening Food and Nutrition Security programming in Malawi
– Strengthening Rural Governance for the Right to Food
– Malawi FAST Foward-Food and Agriculture Systems Transformation for Malawi’s Health and Prosperous Future.
– FOSTA Health
2. Access to profitable markets
PROJECT
– Reducing poverty and inequality project (ICSP)
3. Livestock, Aquaculture and Dairy Development
This thematic area is aimed at creating a vibrant livestock sector with clear synergies among sub sector and other value chain players.
Our Board
Driana Lwanda
Board Chairperson
Dyborn Chibonga
Programmes Sub committee Chairperson
McDell Chingeni
Finance, Audit and Compliance Sub Committee Chairperson
Kate Hartley-Louis
Human Resources and Administration Sub Committee Chairperson
Herbert Chagona
Board Member
CISANET Staff
Elizabeth Namaona
National Director
Edwin Munthali
M&E Manager
Precious Lupeska
Accountant
Loyce Chiwaula
Project Officer
Lilian Mapira
Communications Intern
Jester Chitonde
Communications and Advocacy Intern
Monica Chilenje
Office Assistant
Frequently Asked Questions
The Civil Society Agriculture Network (CISANET) is a grouping of civil society organizations established in 2001 to facilitate the engagement of CSOs working in the agriculture sector with Government over policy issues affecting the agriculture. CISANET’s membership comprises local and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), farmer organizations and interested individuals.
You can become a CISANET member by registering. Membership allows you to enjoy exclusive benefits, including access to resources, events, and advocacy opportunities. Register here.
CISANET is located in Area 47, Sector 5, Lilongwe along Dzalanyama Crescent.
You can contact CISANET by getting in touch with Edwin Munthali by emailing him on edwin@cisanetmalawi.org.