By Leonard Masauli

Lilongwe, September 12, Mana: Minister of Agriculture, Sam Kawale, has emphasized the need for collaboration to build resilience in agri-food systems to ensure food security in the face of increasing climatic shocks such as droughts.

Kawale expressed the sentiments during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Malawi Agricultural Productivity and Commercialization Conference (MAPCC) at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe on Wednesday.

He stated that the conference aims to foster strategic dialogue, provide evidence-based policy guidance, and support the implementation of agricultural transformation.

He highlighted the need for holistic approaches in building resilience in agri-food systems amid the challenges posed by climate change.

“Over the years, MAPCC has influenced several policy and strategic initiatives, including the development of mega and anchor farms, promoting investment for agricultural diversification and commercialization, and identifying key value chains for prioritization.

“This year’s theme resonates perfectly with our aspirations in the Malawi 2063 vision of Agri-food systems transformation. A reflection on Agri-food Systems Transformation is important as we continue to pursue agricultural productivity and commercialization goals in the context of climate change shocks,” said Kawale.

The Minister noted that the increased frequency and intensity of climate-related events, with 19 floods and seven droughts recorded over the last five decades, have worsened food insecurity and hindered the country’s efforts to sustainably transform food systems.

He referenced the Malawi Country Climate and Development Report, which indicates that if no action is taken, Malawi could experience up to a 20 percent loss in Gross Domestic product (GDP) by 2040 because of climate change.

Kawale, therefore, called upon all stakeholders in the food systems to act swiftly to ensure aspirations for raising agricultural productivity are achieved.

Chairperson of the Advisory Board at Mwapata Institute, Jacob Nyirongo, said the conference's aim is to ensure collaborative efforts in developing policies and regulatory frameworks to guide partners in achieving sustainable food systems in Malawi.

Director General of the National Planning Commission (NPC), Dr Thomas Chataghalala Munthali, commended the conference, noting its importance in strengthening resilience in agri-food systems and commercializing agriculture amid the challenges posed by natural disasters.