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Gowokani Chijere Chirwa

Associate Professor, Economics https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0199-779X
  • 3085
    Citations
  • 22
    h-index
Calculated based on number of publications stored in Pure and citations from Scopus

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

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Brief profile


  • Please visit my personalpage : https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=heBjN80AAAAJ&hl=en

Research fields of focus

I am an Economist with interests in Health Economics. I obtained my PhD in Economics from the University of York, UK and was based at the Centre for Health Economics. My main research interests are along the topics in health economics and global health economics. Notably, the research from low- and middle-income countries, which involves the micro econometric applications in the economic evaluation of public health interventions, the measurement of socioeconomic inequalities in — and determinants of health, decomposition methods , empirical policy impact evaluation and those methods using quasi-experimental methods. I have also been a consultant for various institutions such as United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) , WHO, ODI, UNICEF, among others.

Education/Academic Qualification


  • University of York

  • Qualification
    PhD Economics (Center for Health Economics)
  • Start year - Award year
    2016 - 2020
  • Address
    York, North Yorkshire, GB

  • University of Malawi Chancellor College

  • Qualification
    Masters in Economics (Economics )
  • Start year - Award year
    2009 - 2012
  • Address
    Zomba, Southern Region, MW

Undergraduate courses


  • ECO212 - Mathematics for Economist I
  • ECO421 - Health Economics
  • ECO412 - Econometrics I
  • ECO322 - Transport Economics
  • DEC411 - Research Methods for Development Economists
  • DEC423 - Monitoring and Evaluation
  • DEC424 - Health Economics
  • ECO421 - Research Project
  • DEC421 - Research Project for Development Economics
  • DEC413 - Economic Analysis of Poverty and Inequalty
  • DEC414 - Education Economics
  • ECO411 - Research Methods
  • ECO312 - Industrial Economics

Postgraduate courses


  • ECO630B - Quantitative Methods - Econometrics
  • ECO680 - Policy Analysis and Economic Management
  • ECO630A - Quantitative Methods - Mathematics for Economists
Filters for Research Outputs
Sustainable Development Goals
Type
Publication Year

2025

The Impact of Financial Inclusion on Multidimensional Poverty among Females In Malawi

Author(s) : Chimwemwe Misomali, Gowokani Chijere Chirwa

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2025, doi: 10.1007/S11205-025-03729-0

The economic implications of noncommunicable diseases on food security and resilience in Malawi

Author(s) : Richard Moyo, Gowokani Chijere Chirwa

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.jafr.2025.101646

Medicine Environmental health Development economics Economics Geography

Spatial spillover effect of multi-dimensional poverty in Malawi

Author(s) : Edson Ntodwa, Gowokani Chijere Chirwa

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2025, doi: 10.1057/S41599-025-05182-3

Economic growth Economics Geography Economic geography Poverty

The impact of multidimensional poverty on antenatal care service utilisation in Malawi

Author(s) : Amanda Grace Chatata, Gowokani Chijere...

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2025, doi: 10.1186/S13561-024-00581-9

Medicine Environmental health Psychology Economic growth Economics

Tax and noncommunicable diseases attributable to tobacco and alcohol consumption in 5 Sub-Saharan African countries

Author(s) : Machiru Moyo, Gowokani Chijere Chirwa,...

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2025, doi: 10.3389/FPUBH.2024.1464897

Medicine Biology Environmental health Population Alcohol

Socioeconomic inequalities in immunisation of 12-23 months old children in Malawi: a decomposition analysis

Author(s) : Bridget Naphiyo, Jacob Mazalale, Gowokani...

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2025, doi: 10.3389/FPUBH.2025.1514635

Medicine Demography Biology Inequality Environmental health

2024

An evolution of inequality of opportunity in the nutritional outcomes of under-five children in Malawi

Author(s) : Pemphero Norah Mphamba, Gowokani Chijere...

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2024, doi: 10.1016/J.SSMPH.2024.101606

Underweight Medicine Demography Inequality Environmental health

2023

The impact of credit access on household food security in Malawi

Author(s) : Wezi Salima, Laston Petro Manja,...

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2023, doi: 10.1016/j.jafr.2022.100490

Endogeneity Tobit model Access to Finance Economics Geography

Effect of government intervention in relation to COVID-19 cases and deaths in Malawi

Author(s) : Gowokani Chijere Chirwa, Joe Maganga...

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2023, doi: 10.1057/s41599-023-01821-9

Pandemic Social distance Instrumental variable Endogeneity Distancing

Assessing the relationship between digital divide and citizens’ political participation in Africa

Author(s) : Gowokani Chijere Chirwa, Laston Petro...

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2023, doi: 10.1080/0376835x.2023.2224363

Digital Divide Digital Inclusion Political Communication Inequality Sociology

COVID-19 vaccine inequity in African low-income countries

Author(s) : Chifundo Annessia Kunyenje, Gowokani Chijere...

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2023, doi: 10.3389/FPUBH.2023.1087662

Pandemic Christian ministry Medicine Inequality Development economics

Complex and Multifaceted Sociodemographic Depression Correlates in Malawi During COVID-19

Author(s) : Daniel Chikatentha, Edister S. Jamu,...

Research output : book-chapter

Publication Year: 2023, doi: 10.4324/9781003425861-3

Medicine Psychology Economics Clinical psychology Internal medicine

2022

Household resilience among fish value chain actors during the COVID-19 pandemic in Malawi

Author(s) : Levison S. Chiwaula, Gowokani Chijere...

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2022, doi: 10.1016/J.WDP.2022.100411

Pandemic Adaptive capacity Medicine Psychology Economic growth

Malawi at the Crossroads: Does the Fear of Contracting COVID-19 Affect the Propensity to Vote?

Author(s) : Gowokani Chijere Chirwa, Boniface Dulani,...

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2022, doi: 10.1057/s41287-020-00353-1

Pandemic Presidential election Instrumental variable Endogeneity Turnout

Correction to: Malawi at the Crossroads: Does the Fear of Contracting COVID-19 Affect the Propensity to Vote?

Author(s) : Gowokani Chijere Chirwa, Boniface Dulani,...

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2022, doi: 10.1057/s41287-022-00533-1

2019-20 coronavirus outbreak Medicine Biology Political science Psychology

Socioeconomic inequalities in household resilience capacity in the context of COVID-19 in the fisheries sector in Malawi

Author(s) : Gowokani Chijere Chirwa, Levison Chiwaula

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2022, doi: 10.1080/03031853.2022.2095291

Household income Demography Biology Inequality Population

A spatial analysis of out-of-pocket payments for healthcare in Malawi

Author(s) : Martin Limbikani Mwale, Martina Mchenga,...

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2022, doi: 10.1093/heapol/czab090

Medicine Environmental health Population Economic growth Economics

Explaining socioeconomic inequality in cervical cancer screening uptake in Malawi

Author(s) : Gowokani Chijere Chirwa

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2022, doi: 10.1186/S12889-022-13750-4

Biostatistics Medicine Inequality Environmental health Population

Effects of deworming medication on anaemia among children aged 6-59 months in sub-Saharan Africa

Author(s) : Andy Bauleni, Fentanesh N. Tiruneh,...

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2022, doi: 10.1186/S13071-021-05123-4

Cross-sectional study Odds Tropical Medicine Medicine Demography

Determinants of self-reported hypertension among women in South Africa: evidence from the population-based survey

Author(s) : Peter Austin Morton Ntenda, Walaa...

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2022, doi: 10.1186/s40885-022-00222-5

Odds Medicine Demography Logistic regression Environmental health

Impact of Safety Nets on Household Coping Mechanisms for COVID-19 Pandemic in Malawi

Author(s) : Martha Mnyanga, Gowokani Chijere Chirwa,...

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2022, doi: 10.3389/FPUBH.2021.806738

Pandemic Medicine Environmental health Psychology Economic growth

2021

Micro-finance and women's perception of domestic violence in a fragile state

Author(s) : Martin Limbikani Mwale, Gowokani Chijere...

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2021, doi: 10.1016/J.WDP.2021.100374

Medicine Computer science Criminology Political science Psychology

Socioeconomic inequality in premiums for a community-based health insurance scheme in Rwanda

Author(s) : Gowokani Chijere Chirwa, Marc Suhrcke,...

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2021, doi: 10.1093/heapol/czaa135

Inequality Political science Economics Finance Mathematics

Exemption for the poor or the rich? An assessment of socioeconomic inequalities in Ghana’s national health insurance exemption policies

Author(s) : Jacob Novignon, Yaw Boateng Atakorah,...

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2021, doi: 10.1093/heapol/czab059

Medicine Inequality Environmental health Population Economics

Acceptability of a COVID-19 Vaccine Among Healthcare Workers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Author(s) : Ameerah M. N. Qattan, Noor...

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2021, doi: 10.3389/FMED.2021.644300

Cross-sectional study Medicine Demography Logistic regression Environmental health

Inequalities in Knowledge About COVID-19 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Author(s) : Omar Zayyan Alsharqi, Ameerah M....

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2021, doi: 10.3389/FPUBH.2021.743520

Pandemic Medicine Demography Computer science Inequality

Economic Analysis of Inequality in Preventive Health Check-Ups Uptake in Saudi Arabia

Author(s) : Mohammed Khaled Al-Hanawi, Gowokani Chijere...

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2021, doi: 10.3389/FPUBH.2021.745356

Medicine Inequality Environmental health Mathematics

Acceptability of a COVID-19 Vaccine among the Saudi Population

Author(s) : Eman Ibrahim Alfageeh, Noor Alshareef,...

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2021, doi: 10.3390/vaccines9030226

Cross-sectional study Odds Medicine Demography Logistic regression

2020

Socio-economic inequalities in diabetes prevalence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Author(s) : Mohammed Khaled Al‐Hanawi, Gowokani Chijere...

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2020, doi: 10.1002/hpm.2899

Medicine Demography Gerontology Inequality Logistic regression

Moving Beyond the Rhetoric: Who Really Benefits from Investments in Digital Infrastructure in Low-Income and Low-Literacy Communities in Malawi?

Author(s) : Edister Samson Jamu, Tiwonge Davis...

Research output : book-chapter

Publication Year: 2020, doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-32706-4_11

Enabling Digital Divide Digital Literacy Political science Economic growth

The Impact of Ghana’s National Health Insurance on Psychological Distress

Author(s) : Gowokani Chijere Chirwa, Marc Suhrcke,...

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2020, doi: 10.1007/s40258-019-00515-1

Health Economics Instrumental variable Medicine Gerontology Environmental health

“Who knows more, and why?” Explaining socioeconomic-related inequality in knowledge about HIV in Malawi

Author(s) : Gowokani Chijere Chirwa

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2020, doi: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2019.e00213

Possession (linguistics) Medicine Demography Inequality Population

Levels of knowledge regarding malaria causes, symptoms, and prevention measures among Malawian women of reproductive age

Author(s) : Alick Sixpence, Owen Nkoka, Gowokani...

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2020, doi: 10.1186/s12936-020-03294-6

Tropical Medicine Medicine Demography Logistic regression Environmental health

Does prolonged television viewing affect Body Mass Index? A case of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Author(s) : Mohammed Khaled Al-Hanawi, Gowokani Chijere...

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2020, doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228321

Ordinary least squares Quantile regression Medicine Demography Gerontology

Levels of and changes in socioeconomic inequality in delivery care service: A decomposition analysis using Bangladesh Demographic Health Surveys

Author(s) : Mohammad Habibullah Pulok, Gowokani Chijere...

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2020, doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242325

Attendance Health Services Research Medicine Inequality Environmental health

Levels of knowledge regarding malaria causes, symptoms, and prevention measures among Malawian women of reproductive age

Author(s) : Alick Sixpence, Owen Nkoka, Gowokani...

Research output : other

Publication Year: 2020, doi: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-17403/v1

Malaria prevention Medicine Demography Environmental health Population

Malawi at the crossroads: Does the fear of contracting COVID-19 affect the propensity to vote?

Author(s) : Gowokani Chijere Chirwa, Boniface Dulani,...

Research output : preprint

Publication Year: 2020, doi: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-53705/v1

2019-20 coronavirus outbreak Medicine Political science Psychology Economics

Effects of Financial Inclusion on Access to Emergency Funds for Healthcare in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Author(s) : Mohammed Khaled Al-Hanawi, Gowokani Chijere...

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2020, doi: 10.2147/JMDH.S277357

Medicine Environmental health Population Economic growth Economics

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Toward COVID-19 Among the Public in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Author(s) : Mohammed K. Al-Hanawi, Khadijah Angawi,...

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2020, doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.00217

Pandemic Univariate Cross-sectional study Computer-assisted web interviewing Medicine

Decomposition of Gender Differences in Body Mass Index in Saudi Arabia using Unconditional Quantile Regression: Analysis of National-Level Survey Data

Author(s) : Mohammed Khaled Al-Hanawi, Gowokani Chijere...

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2020, doi: 10.3390/ijerph17072330

Quantile Quantile regression Medicine Demography Computer science

2019

An evolution of socioeconomic related inequality in teenage pregnancy and childbearing in Malawi

Author(s) : Gowokani Chijere Chirwa, Jacob Mazalale,...

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2019, doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225374

Teenage pregnancy Medicine Demography Biology Inequality

Socio-economic Inequality in Comprehensive Knowledge about HIV in Malawi

Author(s) : Gowokani Chijere Chirwa

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2019, doi: 10.4314/mmj.v31i2.1

Medicine Inequality Economic growth Virology Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

2018

Gender differences in willingness to pay for capital-intensive agricultural technologies: the case of fish solar tent dryers in Malawi

Author(s) : Levison S. Chiwaula, Gowokani Chijere...

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2018, doi: 10.1186/s40100-018-0096-2

Contingent valuation Endowment Biology Economics Business

2017

Erratum to: The value of informal care in the context of option B+ in Malawi: a contingent valuation approach

Author(s) : , Levison Stanely Chiwaula, Gowokani...

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2017, doi: 10.1186/s12913-017-2130-6

Value (mathematics) Contingent valuation Health administration Medicine Public health

Impoverishing effects of catastrophic health expenditures in Malawi

Author(s) : Martina Mchenga, Gowokani Chijere Chirwa,...

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2017, doi: 10.1186/s12939-017-0515-0

Medicine Environmental health Population Economic growth Economics

Baseline characteristics of study sites and women enrolled in a three-arm cluster randomized controlled trial: PMTCT uptake and retention (pure) Malawi

Author(s) : , Monique van Lettow, Hannock...

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2017, doi: 10.1186/s12978-017-0343-0

Peer Support Retention rate Medicine Demography Public health

2016

The value of informal care in the context of option B+ in Malawi: A contingent valuation approach

Author(s) : , Levison Stanely Chiwaula, Gowokani...

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2016, doi: 10.1186/s12913-016-1381-y

Contingent valuation Willingness to accept Health administration Medicine Public health

2014

Improving PMTCT uptake and retention services through novel approaches in peer-based family-supported care in the clinic and community: A 3-arm cluster randomized trial (PURE Malawi)

Author(s) : Nora E. Rosenberg, Monique van...

Research output : journal-article

Publication Year: 2014, doi: 10.1097/QAI.0000000000000319

Peer Support Medicine Public health Nursing Randomized controlled trial

Malawi can end hunger after the 2025 elections if bold steps are taken to transform food systems

Author(s) : Joachim Weerdt, Jan Duchoslav, Gowokani...

Research output : other

Publication Year: , doi: 10.64628/aaj.yyj5xdcek

Consumption (sociology) Food security Government (linguistics) Food systems Food supply
The Role of Muslims in Public Policy Formulation in Malawi (2015-2023)

This paper explores how Muslims were involved in Malawian public policy formulation from 2015 to 2023. In essence, the main objective of the study strives to investigate the influence of Muslims in the formulation of public policy in Malawi. The study was inspired by the worldwide influence of religion, particularly Christianity, on the formulat... Read more   

School: School of Law, Economics and Government

Research type: Master Thesis     Issue year: 2025

Author: Mkumbira, Tikhala Supervisor(s): Gowokani Chirwa , F. Lombe , Michael Chasukwa
Estimating the Extra Cost of Living with Disability in Malawi

Disability-related costs remain an underexplored topic in Malawi, with few studies addressing the economic burden faced by individuals with disabilities. These individuals often incur additional living expenses to participate in social and economic activities at the same level as those without disabilities. Ignoring these extra costs can adverse... Read more   

School: School of Law, Economics and Government

Research type: Master Thesis     Issue year: 2024

Author: Mwape, Edgar Leo Supervisor(s): Gowokani Chirwa
Spatial Agglomeration Effect of Multidimensional Poverty in Malawi

High and persistent levels of multidimensional poverty pose the most significant challenge in Malawi. As a result, finding effective methods to eradicate poverty in all its forms remains a significant policy concern. Spatial theories of poverty suggest that the persistence of high levels of moneymetric poverty stems from spatial dependence and i... Read more   

School: School of Law, Economics and Government

Research type: Master Thesis     Issue year: 2024

Author: Ntodwa, Edson Supervisor(s): Gowokani Chirwa
Tax and Non-communicable Diseases Attributable to Tobacco and Alcohol Consumption in 5 Sub-saharan African Countries

Increased taxation on alcohol and tobacco is among the cost-effective measures used to deal with fighting the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) globally. Despite adopting such efforts, its actual impacts are yet to be fully understood. Our study had two key questions: can heavy taxation breathe new hope into countries' efforts to combat... Read more   

School: School of Law, Economics and Government

Research type: Master Thesis     Issue year: 2024

Author: Moyo, Machiru Supervisor(s): Gowokani Chirwa
Cost Efficiency of Community Contracting Versus Commercial Contracting in Malawi’s Public Procurement: Evidence from Covid-19 School Construction Projects

The primary aim of this study was to compare the cost-efficiency of two public procurement models namely community contracting and commercial contracting in Malawi during the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizing evidence from the construction of school blocks during this period, the study was motivated by the notable use of the community contracting mod... Read more   

School: School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Research type: Master Thesis     Issue year: 2024

Author: Banda, Edward Chileka Supervisor(s): Gowokani Chirwa
Covid-19 and Balance of Payments in Sub-saharan Africa: Does the Role of Institution Quality Matter?

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a worldwide economic disturbance. It interfered with supply channels and had long-standing and diverse impacts on the international Balance of Payments (BOP). However, the pandemic also enhanced the digital financial inclusion and had other positive effects. This, therefore, poses a question on the direction and exte... Read more   

School: School of Law, Economics and Government

Research type: Master Thesis     Issue year: 2024

Author: Mkhaya, Victoria Thandie Supervisor(s): Gowokani Chirwa
Impact of Natural Disaster on Economic Growth in Selected Countries in Sadc

Climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of natural disasters. Does this translate into increased economic damages? To date, Empirical evidence has reported conflicting results in terms of the impact of disasters on economic growth. This paper aims to examine the impact of natural disasters on economic growth. It aims to contribu... Read more   

School: School of Law, Economics and Government

Research type: Master Thesis     Issue year: 2024

Author: Mvula, Gift Supervisor(s): Gowokani Chirwa
Assessment of Multidimensional Poverty Changes in Malawi from 2010 to 2019

Poverty reduction has long been one of the most important goals for the international development community. However, multidimensional poverty in Malawi has been significantly high, with an MPI above 50%, for the past decade (2004-2016). Previous studies on poverty in Malawi have focused on money-metric poverty. Still, there is a lack of underst... Read more   

School: School of Law, Economics and Government

Research type: Master Thesis     Issue year: 2023

Author: Mtocha, Chrispine Adams Supervisor(s): Jacob Mazalale , Gowokani Chirwa
Cost Efficiency of Community Contracting Versus Commercial Contracting in Malawi’s Public Procurement

The primary aim of this study was to compare the cost-efficiency of two public procurement models namely community contracting and commercial contracting in Malawi during the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizing evidence from the construction of school blocks during this period, the study was motivated by the notable use of the community contracting mod... Read more   

School: Not available.

Research type: Master Thesis     Issue year: 2024

Author: Banda, Edward Chileka Supervisor(s): Gowokani Chirwa
Covid-19 and Balance of Payments in Sub-saharan Africa

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a worldwide economic disturbance. It interfered with supply channels and had long-standing and diverse impacts on the international Balance of Payments (BOP). However, the pandemic also enhanced the digital financial inclusion and had other positive effects. This, therefore, poses a question on the direction and exte... Read more   

School: Not available.

Research type: Master Thesis     Issue year: 2024

Author: Mkhaya, Victoria Thandie Supervisor(s): Gowokani Chirwa

Awards

Professional Services

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No funding information available
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UNICEF Malawi Design of Graduation Summary

 People involved: Blessings Chinsinga (Co-investigators) Gowokani Chirwa (Co-investigators)
Period: 2015-07-01 to 2016-03-01

Employment and positions held

  • Lecturer

    University of Malawi — Economics
  • 2015-12-03 - Present
  • Zomba, Southern Region, MW

  • Health Economist

    Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme — Active case finding for Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS
  • 2011-03-11 - 2012-11-30
  • Blantyre, MW

  • Role not specified

    National Bank of Malawi — Fiscal
  • 2009-03-04 - 2009-08-26
  • Blantyre, Southern Region, MW

Professional Activities

No invited positions available