By Gift Chiponde

Lilongwe, June 10 Mana: Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Jean Sendeza says disability inclusion remains the government's top priority in ensuring that people with disabilities are meaningfully involved in all aspects of national development, especially in the agriculture value chain.

She made the remarks on Monday when she presided over the SPARK Project Learning Route Programme, held under the Theme "Lessons Learned and Successful Practices for a Disability -Inclusive and Sustainable Rural Transformation" at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe.

She stated that the passing of the Disability Act of 2024 signifies government Commitment to ensuring that people with disabilities are protected and promoted in all areas.

"The Signing of the Bill by President Dr Lazarus Chakwera is a milestone in ensuring that people with disabilities are highly considered in all aspects of national development

As a country it reflects that we have made positive strides in safeguarding people with disabilities" Sendeza said.

The minister however appealed to all stakeholders in the country to help the government with funds and technical support in ensuring that sensitization of policies and laws is initiated in the country.

She indicated that through the SPARK project with the support of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Malawi has tremendously performed well which has also seen the project receiving another US$2.5 Million grant for phase 2 which is going to benefit countries such as Mozambique, Malawi and Zambia.

In her remarks, IFAD country representative, Bernadette Mukonyora, said the Learning Route will help participants unpack the milestones for disability inclusion and sustainable rural transformation and the inclusiveness of people with disabilities in mainstream activities of development.

She commended the Malawi Government for performing excellently in the implementation of the Spark 1 project.

"Malawi has performed well in the course of implementing Spark 1, we have also seen the establishment of disability inclusion academy and 20 facilitators including community facilitators have also received training to ensure the Smooth Implementation of the Project.