Against a background of fiscal challenges affecting access to inputs and supplies to boost food production, the National Planning Commission (NPC) has stressed on the need for Malawi to go for crops that are resilient in terms of climate change to withstand its negative impacts.
NPC Research and Capacity Building Manager Dr. Andrew Jamali made the sentiments during a Learning Event on the Transformative Initiative on Food Systems in Lilongwe organised by independent agriculture think tank MwAPATA Institute.
He advised that the country should go beyond its traditional crops but rather embark on new initiatives to increase food production.
Jamali recalled last year where many people had difficulties in accessing food and having food following climatic issues and disruptions in farm inputs distribution.
According to him, this is an indication that the country’s food systems are not functional, and optimal in the way they deliver outcomes, provide food in ensuring those involved in production and distribution have improved livelihoods.
The NPC Manager noted that Malawi needs to augment logistical systems in terms of access to foods in ensuring functional food markets.
“Now that our economy is not really in good shape, government is putting measures to make sure that there is price stability so that people are able to access foods. Again, there is the issue of diversification of food to enhance nutritional outcomes.
“A lot of our indicators on nutrition are not performing well; stunting now is rising to above 30 percent; that speaks a lot more of how functional and how optimal our food systems is performing. And as country and as government, there are already initiatives lined up across the ministries to make sure that nutrition is cross central in terms of approach”
The Transformative Initiative championed by GIZ has been identified as one of the key interventions to address the dysfunctionalities of food systems from production, processing, distribution, consumption, food loss and waste and recycling.
It speaks to pillar one of Malawi2063 which is agricultural productivity and commercialization and aligns well with the agenda of diversification of foods to improve the livelihoods of the players in the value chain.
Deputy Director in the Department of Land Resources Conservation in the Ministry of Agriculture Joseph Kanyangalazi acknowledged the challenges Malawi is grappling with in achieving equitable, sustainable, and resilient food systems.
He noted this has come about due to climate change, economic uncertainty, food insecurity, and nutrition issues.
Nonetheless he stated that these challenges also present an opportunity for reimagining how to govern, coordinate, and invest in food systems so that no one is left behind.
Kanyangalazi noted that without effective, inclusive and accountable governance structures, policies remain fragmented, financing remains misaligned, coordination efforts falling short with the most vulnerable underserved.
“Therefore, strengthening food systems governance is, therefore, a critical step in aligning our efforts across sectors—agriculture, nutrition, environment, trade, education, health and local government and ensuring that food systems transformation is not just a policy document, but a lived reality on the ground.
“I believe that the governance aspect can also have a key spark on our take-off in operationalizing our food systems transformation agenda.
He disclosed that Malawi has now established a Food Systems Steering Committee to guide, coordinate and monitor the implementation of our food systems transformation agenda.
Among others, the Committee will provide high-level strategic oversight, ensure alignment across policies and programmes, and help mobilize resources and technical support.
It is a critical milestone in institutionalizing food systems governance and creating a platform for inclusive decision-making that reflects the diverse needs and voices within our food system.
Additionally, the Ministry of Agriculture has technical working groups working on issues of policy programing and capacity building in realizing the objectives of food systems transformation agenda.
He also stressed on the need to enhance the participation of youth, women, smallholders, and indigenous knowledge holders in governance processes.
