Mr. Lemekezani Chilora | Agriculture economics | Young Scientist Award
Research Analayst, MwAPATA Institute Malawi
Lemekezani K. Chilora is an accomplished Agricultural and Resource Economist with expertise in research, data analysis, and project management. He holds an MSc in Agriculture and Applied Economics and a BSc in Agricultural Economics from LUANAR. Currently a Research Analyst II at MwAPATA Institute, he conducts research, trains research assistants, develops data collection tools, and authors manuscripts and policy briefs. He has consulted for IITA, AGCOM, IFPRI, and other organizations. Previously, he worked as a lecturer at MUBAS and a monitoring and evaluation officer at CISANET. His research focuses on agricultural policy, food security, and rural development.
Publication Profile
🎓 Education
PhD (Agriculture and Resource Economics) – LUANAR (2026, Ongoing). MSc (Agriculture and Applied Economics) – LUANAR (2020). BSc (Agricultural Economics) – LUANAR (2016)
💼 Experience
MwAPATA Institute (2020 – Present) – Research Analyst II: Leads data collection, analysis, research, and policy development. CISANET (2020) – Monitoring & Evaluation Officer (Intern): Supported project implementation, strategic planning, and communications. Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (2019-2020) – Lecturer: Taught research, business planning, and community development. Japanese Tobacco International (2016-2017) – Graduate Trainee: Focused on tobacco production, forestry management, and research.
🏆 Awards and Honors
Principal Investigator (2023-2025): Research on input subsidies and food accessibility, funded by AERC ($30,000). STAAARS+ Fellow (Cornell University & PRCI): Research on gender differences in sustainable agriculture adoption. Principal Investigator (MSc Thesis, AERC Grant – $2,500): Research on child nutrition determinants in Malawi. Principal Investigator (IFPRI Grant – $3,000): Research on child nutrition under the Bunda Grants Scheme.
🔬 Research Focus
Lemekezani’s research focuses on agricultural policy, food security, rural livelihoods, and economic sustainability. His studies explore the effectiveness of input subsidies, gender disparities in agricultural intensification, and child nutrition determinants. He applies data-driven methodologies to assess policy impacts and provide evidence-based recommendations for improving food systems and rural economies in Malawi and beyond.
🔹 Conclusion
Mr. Chilora’s strong academic background, diverse professional experience, and involvement in significant research projects position him as a promising candidate for a Young Scientist Award. To enhance his eligibility, focusing on publishing his research findings in peer-reviewed journals, seeking international research collaborations, and taking on leadership roles in professional organizations would be beneficial. These steps would strengthen his profile and align with the typical criteria considered for such awards.
Publication
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Exploring Adoption Effects of Subsidies and Soil Fertility Management in Malawi (2021) – M Khonje, C Nyondo, L Chilora, J Mangisoni, WJ Burke, J Ricker-Gilbert – Citation: 15
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Trends in Tobacco Production and Prices in Malawi (2021) – A Wineman, L Chilora, TS Jayne – Citation: 9
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Challenges and Opportunities for Small-Scale Aquaculture Development in Malawi (2021) – MG Munthali, L Chilora, Z Nyirenda, D Salonga, A Wineman, M Muyanga – Citation: 9
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The Economic Cost-benefit Analysis of Black Soldier Fly as an Alternative Animal and Fish Feed Ingredient in Malawi (2023) – MG Munthali, C Lemekezani, G Mike, B William J, B Eric, K Jeremiah, … – Citation: 8
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Lessons Learnt: Promises, Achievements, Shortcomings and Pitfalls of Inputs Subsidy Programs in Malawi (2021) – C Nyondo, M Khonje, J Mangisoni, WJ Burke, J Ricker-Gilbert, LK Chilora – Citation: 5*
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Determinants of Children’s Nutritional Status in Malawi (2020) – LK Chilora, J Duchoslav – Citation: 2
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Productivity and Profitability of Small-Scale Aquaculture in Malawi (2024) – MG Munthali, L Chilora, A Wineman, B Nankwenya, L Chiwaula, … – Citation: 1
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Characteristics of the Small-Scale Aquaculture Sector in Malawi (2023) – MG Munthali, L Chilora, Z Nyirenda, D Saonga, A Wineman, M Muyanga – Citation: 1
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Does the Choice of Tilapia Species in Smallholder Farms Impact Household Income and Dietary Diversity in Malawi? (2025) – LK Chilora, M Munthali, A Wineman, MG Khonje – Citation: N/A
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Agricultural Diversification Strategies and Rural Household Food Security and Income in Malawi (2025) – A Gondwe, LK Chilora, L Chiwaula, J Goeb – Citation: N/A
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What Promotes Gender Equity in Land Rental Markets? Evidence from Malawi (2024) – H Phiri, M Maggie G., M Malata, L Chilora, M Kennedy, M Muyanga – Citation: N/A
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Drivers of Agricultural Growth in Malawi (2024) – A Gondwe, LK Chilora, L Chiwaula, WJ Burke – Citation: N/A
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Pre-disaster Preparedness and Post-disaster Response Measures in the District Councils of Southern Malawi (2024) – A Gondwe, B Nankwenya, LK Chilora, J Goeb – Citation: N/A