> Malawi needs to drop tobacco as their main export

That's the product they have most comparative advantage in producing. You're literally suggesting they should cut their income down, and try to get better at something else.

Tobacco is a crop that is experiencing declining demand. Neighboring Rwanda has built up their coffee export business, and Malawi could too. And as I mentioned it’s less harsh on the soil which is and added benefit.

Well, if the thing you're best at is something that doesn't make enough money, then maybe it is time to become better at something else.

But as you say, at least in the interim, that means reducing income, which is a really hard thing to suggest.