Abstract

While Malawi’s per capita cereal production may be higher than her per capita cereal consumption, Malawi is a net cereal importer and thus food insecure. The food situation is much worse in Malawi’s prisons because inmates generally eat one meal per day. The general objective of this study was to project prisoner population and food demand for ten years, from 2015 to 2025. Using structured questionnaires in face to face interviews, the study collected data from 1000 prisoners and 30 officers-in-charge from all prisons in the country. The data was analysed using Excel employing demand projection models. Results from the analysis showed that Malawi prison food demand was going to grow by 32% from 5,046 tonnes in 2015 to 6,648 tonnes in 2025, while prisoner population was projected to grow from 12,598 prisoners in 2015 to 16,605 prisoners in 2025. This huge growth in food demand as well as prisoner population would call for drastic strategic management policies.

Key words: Malawi’s prisons, Malawi’s prison population growth, Malawi’s prison food demand projections.