Agricultural Policy Research Unit

The Agricultural Policy Research Unit was established with a view of enhancing the performance of the agricultural sector by conducting policy oriented research. The Unit was established in 1994 under the Centre for Agricultural Research and Development (CARD) at Bunda College of Agriculture.The United States Agency for International Development USAID provided the initial funding through the Agricultural Sector Assistance Program (ASAP)One of the strong attributes of APRU is that it is a research Unit within the University of Malawi which is an institution of high learning and unforeseeable future with regard to its existence. This alone, assures continuity of any programmes established within this set up

Vision"By the year 2004, APRU shall be a centre of excellence in conducting demand-Driven policy- Oriented research, consultancy and outreach activities in agriculture, Natural resources and environment in Malawi.

Mission"to facilitate and conduct collaborative research, Consultancy and outreach activities for policy analysis and formulation towards the promotion of sustainable development of agriculture and the management of natural resources and environment in Malawi"

Structure, A board of Directors appointed by the Principal is the supreme policy making and advisory body to APRU. The Board of Directors consist of Ten Members comprising of the principal of Bunda College of Agriculture who is the Chairperson, Dean representing the faculty and the representatives from Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, National Economic Council and Private sector representatives. The Director for APRU is the secretary to the board

APRU is Headed by a Director with executive powers. The director is assisted by a deputy director who closely supervises research activities. The research section has four sub-sections, Agriculture, Food and Nutrition, Marketing and trade and Environment and Natural resource management.Each of these sections is staffed with Research fellows responsible for implementing research activities in the relevant area. Other research activities are sub contracted to local and international consultants as the need arise

Facilities APRU is housed in a complex that consist of Offices, Computer laboratories,Documentation section, Conference room for hosting national and international workshops and training