Introduction

Abstract

Abstract Malawi has experienced lacklustre performance despite episodes of economic growth and development with different development policies and strategies since independence in 1964. The implementation of the plans and strategies was supported by decades of structural reforms spearheaded by the IMF and the World Bank. Notwithstanding some improvements in socio-economic terms, especially in areas such as health and education, Malawi remains one of the poorest countries in the world, with about 50% of its population living below the national poverty line and 25% in extreme poverty. Efforts to improve the situation have mostly borne very minimal impact. This introductory chapter provides historical perspectives in relation to the country’s current socio-economic development as a way of presenting the context, organization, and content of the book, mainly based on issues raised in the identified thematic areas of the book.