Gender analysis of the Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato Value Chain in Malawi: A systematic review

Background Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is a key staple and commercial crop in Malawi that plays a critical role in food security, nutrition, and rural livelihoods. Despite women’s extensive contribution to production, processing, and marketing, gender disparities persist across the value chain. Objective This systematic review investigated the gender roles and barriers that limit equitable participation and benefit-sharing within Malawi’s sweet potato sector. Methods Using the PRISMA framework, we analyzed peer-reviewed literature published between 2015 and 2025, focusing on empirical studies addressing gendered access to land, credit, technology, markets, and decision making. Studies were evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale to ensure methodological rigor. Results The results show that while women are central to the labor-intensive stages, they face systemic constraints rooted in sociocultural norms and institutional biases. Men disproportionately control land and income, dominate high-value markets, and prioritize extension and financial services. Existing policies, such as Malawi’s National Agriculture Policy and Gender Equality Act, advocate for inclusivity, but suffer from weak implementation, limited funding, and low institutional capacity for gender mainstreaming. This review highlights the urgent need for gender-responsive interventions, including reforms in land tenure, financial products tailored for women, inclusive agricultural technologies, and support for women-led enterprises and producer groups. Conclusion Integrating women’s voices into policy processes and strengthening multisectoral coordination is vital. Addressing gender inequities is not only a matter of social justice but also essential for unlocking the full development potential of the sweet potato value chain. The findings provide a foundation for targeted evidence-based policy and programmatic responses to advance gender equity and agricultural transformation in Malawi.