About Us

We Help People In Need Around Malawi

Institute for Rural Development (IRD) is a registered and tax compliant institution that provides leadership in rural development by conducting a wide range of development research, consultancy services and tailored programing. Our mission is to provide applied research and innovative programming that reduces poverty and promote sustainable development in Southern African communities.

Registered in Southern Africa Malawi, IRD is a reputable institution committed to providing high-quality consultancy, research, policy advice, business development, training and facilitation and project management services in Agriculture, natural resource management (NRM), Agribusiness, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Private sector development, and Education.

We provide high-quality research and policy advice, thereby bridging the gap between research and policy action. IRD prioritizes people-centered development and evidence informed programming.

Core Values

Timeliness

Value for Money

Integrity

Professionalism

Transparency

Accountability

Mutual Respect

Result Oriented

Partnership

Our Comparative Advantages

Experience with similar projects — we have relevant experience with similar assignments and will not take time to learn required standards.

Knowledge of the local context — IRD has worked in all corners of Malawi with sound experience managing livelihood projects.

Registered organisation — connected with Government national and district stakeholders, facilitating high-level meetings with policymakers.

Youthful and experienced multidisciplinary team — a network of highly qualified local experts across various fields.

Strong market facilitation expertise — proven experience connecting farmers, SMEs, buyers, processors, and financial institutions to commercial opportunities.

Commitment to safeguarding — assignments adhere to strict ethical guidelines and international Safeguarding Standards.

Gender Equity & Human Rights Focus — methodologies designed with sensitivity to culture, gender, religion, race, nationality and age.

Ernest Mfune

Finance & Administration Manager

Responsible for financial management, reporting, budgeting, procurement, HR administration, compliance and risk management. Supports the organisation to maintain effective financial controls, proper documentation and compliance with organisational and donor requirements.

Christopher Chisi

Research Associate

Field data collection, data management & analysis, monitoring and evaluation, documentation and research outputs.

Lizzi Mwabumba

Research Associate

Applied research, M&E, knowledge generation, field research, data collection, management and analysis.

Stephano J. Muotcha

Business Development Officer

Certified Business Trainer & Coach (GIZ/UMODZI). MBA, BSc Aquaculture & Fisheries. 25+ business plans developed across multiple value chains.

We Help People In Need Around Malawi

Our Vision

Our Mission

Core Values

Our Comparative Advantages

Management Team

Richard Singini

Ken Gunsalu

Ernest Mfune

Research & Business Development Staff

Christopher Chisi

Lizzi Mwabumba

Stephano J. Muotcha

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