Groundnut is a vital crop for Malawian smallholder farmers, offering significant market and food value. Despite improved seed varieties, adoption remains low due to preferences for recycled seeds, leading to reduced productivity. This study analyzes groundnut seed usage, preferences, and factors influencing certified seed uptake among farmers in the Central region of Malawi. Using data from 444 households, findings show strong preferences for certified, drought-tolerant, and high-yielding seeds. Key recommendations include promoting certified seeds, improving access to high-quality seeds, strengthening extension services, and enhancing seed sector governance to support smallholder farmers.