By Wanangwa Tembo

Kasungu, June 9, Mana: Japanese Ambassador to Malawi, Youichi Oya, says the ‘Response to Impacts of the Russia-Ukraine War on Agriculture in Malawi’ project will help ensure food security in the country.

Oya made the remarks Friday in Kasungu after handing over solar pumps, seeds and fertilizer to farmers’ groups in Kasungu district.

He said, through the project, Malawi can mitigate food insecurity which has come about due to El Nino weather conditions.

"This project was responding to the effects of the Russia-Ukraine war but it will also help to reduce the food insecurity that is there due to the El Nino weather," Oya said.

He said the country should adopt winter cropping to supplement its food needs in the face of changing climatic patterns.

Oya said the Japanese government is committed to supporting various interventions towards agriculture and help the country achieve food security.

Controller of Agriculture and Technical Services in the Ministry of Agriculture, Alfred Mwenefumbo, commended the Japanese government for the support rendered to Malawi government's agriculture sector.

He said Ministry of Agriculture is promoting adoption of new farming technologies among farmers so that there is increased production even in the face of climate change-induced shocks.

The Japanese funded project is being implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Kasungu and Mzimba South.

FAO Representative for Malawi, Zhijun Chen expressed gratitude to the Japanese government for supporting the project and entrusting FAO to work with the government of Malawi and other stakeholders to contribute towards food security and climate change resilience in the two districts.

"The Japanese government remains a strong and committed partner to FAO and their support symbolizes the confidence they have in the partnership between FAO and the Government of Malawi," he said.

Through the project, FAO has been providing support towards addressing agricultural needs, providing safeguards, and strengthening the resilience of farmers.

Overall, the project aims to improve food and income security among smallholder farmers affected by the ongoing macroeconomic situations in the country.