In early 2019, the World Bank and the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Water Development collaborated on a significant project known as the ASWAP SP II Baseline Assessment. This comprehensive assessment covered a substantial scale, spanning 14 districts. A multifaceted approach was adopted to gather valuable insights, encompassing various methods. The evaluation involved surveying 505 households, conducting 42 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), engaging in 86 District Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and hosting 15 National consultations. This extensive and diverse data collection process aimed to inform and guide future agricultural, irrigation, and water development initiatives, reflecting the commitment to sustainable development and improved livelihoods within the regions assessed.

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In October 2016, the World Bank, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Water Development, embarked on an impactful assignment known as the ASWAP-SP I-MDTF Impact Study, spanning until April 2017. This study was conducted across a significant scale, encompassing 14 districts. To gather comprehensive data, a variety of research methods were employed, including surveys of 600 households, 28 focus group discussions (FGDs), 56 key informant interviews (KIIs), and 20 national consultations. The findings from this extensive research endeavor would undoubtedly prove invaluable in shaping policies and initiatives related to agriculture, irrigation, and water development in the region.

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In 2011-2012, the Malawi Government Office of the President and Cabinet embarked on an important assignment known as the Green Belt Initiative Baseline Assessment, which spanned across four pilot districts in Malawi: Karonga, Salima, Mangochi, Chikwawa, and Nsanje. The project employed a comprehensive approach, conducting 650 household and key informant interviews, along with 16 focus group discussions. This initiative aimed to assess and gather crucial data to inform the development and implementation of the Green Belt Initiative, a significant agricultural and economic development program in Malawi, reflecting the government's commitment to improving livelihoods and boosting agricultural productivity in these regions.

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From July to September 2013, the World Agroforestry Centre in Malawi commissioned a Baseline Study across Kasungu and Mzimba Districts. This comprehensive study employed a multi-pronged approach, involving data collection from 400 households, 20 key informant interviews, and 6 focus group discussions. The primary objective was to assess various aspects of agroforestry practices and their impact within these districts. This data-driven initiative aimed to provide valuable insights into the agricultural and environmental dynamics of the region, forming a crucial foundation for future development and conservation efforts in the area.