By Leonard Masauli

Lilongwe, August 3, Mana: Principal Secretary Responsible for Irrigation in the Ministry of Agriculture, Eng. Geoffrey Mamba, has said the 2024 Annual Regional Policy Dialogue, set to take place in Malawi, will significantly improve the country's agricultural policies and transform food systems in response to climate change impacts.

Mamba expressed these sentiments during a media briefing held at the National Planning Commission (NPC) offices in Lilongwe on Friday.

He noted that Malawi, affected by climate change events like El Niño, is optimistic that the conference, scheduled for August 6-9, will provide valuable insights for enhancing agricultural policies and food systems.

“The conference will be pivotal for various stakeholders to examine agricultural policies, evaluate their implementation, challenges and provide recommendations.

"This aligns with Malawi 2063, and the Ministry of Agriculture is eager to preside over this important event,” said Mamba.

He emphasized that government is actively working to improve food security in Malawi through initiatives like the Affordable Input Programme and by promoting commercial farming via the mega farming project.

NPC Research Manager, Andrew Jamali, highlighted the importance of the agricultural dialogue, particularly in relation to Malawi 2063, saying the country has been focusing on agricultural productivity and commercialization under Pillar One of the vision.

"One of the key issues is identifying evidence for transformative policies in food systems transformation.

"With international participants, regional bodies and national experts, this forum is very timely, especially considering the challenges Malawi faces, such as El Niño and limited fiscal space,” said Jamali.

Director of Business Development at the Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN), Francis Hale, said climate change has exacerbated issues like El Niño, affecting countries such as Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi.

“Agriculture and food systems are crucial for socio-economic development in Sub-Saharan Africa, providing livelihoods and contributing to national economies.

"However, they face challenges like climate change, pests, diseases, natural disasters and unsustainable practices that threaten their sustainability,” said Hale.

He added that the dialogue would also provide a platform for discussing biotechnology's potential in African agriculture.

“Despite its immense potential, African agriculture is yet to fully embrace modern technologies like biotechnology, which could sustainably boost productivity and address climate change challenges,” he said.

The Annual Regional Policy Dialogue event is being organized by FANRPAN in collaboration with the Malawi Government, CISANET and NPC.