WFP Pledges Ongoing Support in Malawi’s Fight Against Hunger
The World Food Programme (WFP) has affirmed its unwavering commitment to supporting Malawi in its battle against food insecurity. The commitment was reiterated during a meeting between Malawian President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera and a delegation from WFP at Capital Hill in Lilongwe.
Menghestab Haile, WFP Regional Director for Southern Africa Regional Bureau, outlined the key topics discussed during the meeting. The agenda included addressing food security challenges, tackling climate change, achieving regional self-sufficiency, empowering women farmers through agricultural transformations, addressing youth unemployment in the agriculture sector, and implementing climate-smart initiatives within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
Haile emphasized that food insecurity is a shared concern not only in Malawi but across the entire SADC region. The meeting aimed to strategize on effective ways to address these challenges collectively.
“WFP’s goal is to mobilize resources and establish resilient food systems to reduce reliance on food handouts,” stated Haile. He further assured that WFP would intensify its efforts to support the Malawian government in distributing relief to those most affected by hunger in the country.
Charles Kalemba, Commissioner for Disaster in the Department of Disaster Management Affairs, highlighted that the meeting also delved into revitalizing and transforming agriculture. This involves implementing youth-friendly programs and exploring advanced technologies to sustain the country’s food systems, especially during adversities.
Kalemba stressed the need for enhanced agriculture systems, including mechanization and commercialization, to replace outdated farming methods, ultimately aiming for improved agricultural productivity.
President Lazarus Chakwera, accompanied by high-ranking government officials, including the Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Madame Colleen Zamba, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nancy Tembo, welcomed WFP’s continued support. The collaborative efforts discussed in the meeting underscore a collective commitment to securing a more resilient and food-secure future for Malawi.
Source: Malawi24
