摘要：Malawi’s leather value chain has massive potential to significantly contribute to economicgrowth and socio-economic prosperity of the economy through expansion of the export base,increases in job opportunities and income generation for the small and medium enterprises,among others. On the basis of the foregoing realisation, this study was conducted with thegeneral objective to understand specific needs of micro, small and medium enterprises in theleather value chain as they relate to sustainable enterprise growth and development. Thestudy was conducted in six sampled districts, two in each of Malawi’s geographical regions:Blantyre, Chikhwawa, Lilongwe, Dowa, Mzuzu and Mzimba. The districts were purposivelyselected on account of the magnitude of economic activities related to the leather industry.The study employed both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods.Among other findings, the study uncovered that poor quality and quantity of raw hides andskins, lack of basic tanning industry in the country, unavailability of and restrictive financingto improve product quality and quantity in order to attract increasing number of customers tobuy, are but some of the hindrances to the growth and development of small scale businessesin the leather industry. The study, therefore, recommends that policy and practice shouldtarget at addressing such inadequacies if the industry is to operate close to full capacity
