British Online Archives

This collection contains annual reports compiled by the British colonial government of Nyasaland (modern day Malawi). The documents cover the period from the dissolution of the Central African Protectorate in 1907 to Malawi’s declaration of independence and beyond. The Annual Departmental Reports provide a unique insight into the colonial administration’s evolving attitude towards native power structures. For convenience, the documents are divided into nine sections. These are Administration, Finance, Judicial and Police, Natural Resources (1), Natural Resources (2), Social Services, Transport and Public Works, Communication and Post Office Savings, and Miscellaneous.

Note: Further information on the Annual Departmental Reports relating to Nyasaland can be found in the guide to the microfilm edition, written by Dr Robin Palmer.

Whereas since 1891, tribes have become much less mobile, small communities and individuals have become increasingly mobile. The modern tendency is for concentrations to take place in the vicinity of European townships and estates

Memorandum on Native Policy in Nyasaland, Administration 1931-1963; Native Welfare Committee 1936-1940; img 140

Key Documents

Malawi Under Colonial Rule, in Government Reports, 1907-1967: An Introduction

Related Collections

Collection

Colonial Law in Africa, 1946-1966

Collection

Colonial Law in Africa, 1808-1919

Collection

Ghana and Togo Under Colonial Rule, in Government Reports, 1843-1957

Collection

Zimbabwe Under Colonial Rule, in Government Reports, 1897-1980

(Video)

(Exhibit)

Insights

Annual Departmental Reports differ from Blue Books of Statistics because they include explanations of why the statistics are at the levels recorded.

These reports are arranged by the departments which they cover within Malawi. Comparing the data in them shows how each area of government has developed over the years.

These papers cover World War One and World War Two as well as the social services in this colony before independence.

See how Malawi's services changed after it was forced to join a federation with Zambia and Zimbabwe and how those services changed after Malawi was able to leave that Federation.

No downloads are currently available.