Matthew Ko

This project examines how pesticide industry corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in Malawi frame pesticide‑related harm, with a particular focus on mental health and suicide. It will analyse how these narratives align with, omit, or diverge from WHO and FAO guidance on pesticide regulation and suicide prevention. Ultimately, the project aims to clarify how commercial narratives may influence public understanding and policy direction. The study will draw on CSR reports, company websites, press releases, and national regulatory documents. Qualitative thematic analysis will be used to identify key patterns in framing and messaging. With generous support and assistance from the Scholarship, the project will be conducted with oversight from local researchers and organizations in Malawi. Collaboration with Malawian faculty and students across the arts, medicine, and social sciences will ensure the work is grounded in local context and diverse disciplinary perspectives. Ultimately, the hope is that the study will contribute to meaningfully to the Scholarship's focus on mental health discussion, but also potentially elicit real change on pesticide safety, mental health, and regulatory accountability in Malawi. The final output may be visual or written, depending on what best suits the material, interested students in Malawi, and the Health is Global Symposium. A short policy brief will also be developed for Malawian partners. The main period of work will take place in the coming months and over summer, with substantial follow‑up analysis and writeup continuing afterwards focusing on academically publishing the work.