ABSTRACT
In 2007, Malawi caught the attention of the international development community with its introduction of an agricultural input subsidy whose goal was to eliminate widespread hunger within its borders. It seemed Malawi was finally on its way to becoming food secure while at the same time setting an example for the rest of the developing world in need of better hunger policy. After spending the better part of 25 years obeying the dictates of lending agencies such as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, Malawi decided to, as aptly described by Celia Dugger of the New York Times, ‘follow what the West practices, not what it preaches’ (Dugger 2007). In other words, rather than continuing to adhere to the dogma of free-market and counter-protectionist policy, Malawi has decided to help itself.
