Malawi, FAO collaborate on climate-smart agriculture to enhance food security

MALAWI – President Lazarus Chakwera has secured a commitment from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to support Malawi in modernizing agriculture, with a focus on empowering women, youth, and technological advancement.

During a recent meeting in Rome, President Chakwera discussed Malawi’s strategic priorities with FAO Director-General Dr. QU Dongyu.

The FAO has pledged its support for Malawi’s MW2063 blueprint, which focuses on Agricultural Productivity and Commercialization, Industrialization, and Urbanization.

This blueprint outlines Malawi’s collective aspirations towards economic growth and food security, emphasizing agriculture as a key pillar.

President Chakwera highlighted that the FAO’s support would help drive the transformation of the agricultural sector, transitioning smallholder farmers to more resilient, climate-smart agricultural practices.

“We pinned our engagement on agricultural commercialization, mechanization, and industrialization as a means to achieving food security for Malawi & the region,” Chakwera noted on his Facebook page following the meeting.

Malawi’s efforts to modernize agriculture include significant investments in greenhouse projects aimed at boosting the production of high-value vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers.

These initiatives, led by the Green Belt Authority in collaboration with Inosselia Agro, are designed to enhance food security, create jobs, and reduce the country’s reliance on imports.

The diversification of Malawi’s agricultural portfolio is another critical element of its strategy. While maize remains a staple crop, the country is increasingly focusing on other crops like potatoes, sweet potatoes, cassava, and a variety of vegetables.

This diversification not only strengthens food security but also supports the country’s economic growth by creating new income streams for farmers.

Malawi is also working to expand its fresh produce exports, with agreements in place with retail giants such as Spar, Chipiku Plus, and Shoprite.

These agreements will help Malawian produce reach markets not only within the country but also in neighboring countries such as Zambia and Mozambique. By expanding its export potential, Malawi aims to solidify its position as a key player in the regional agricultural market.

A significant part of the FAO’s support will focus on transitioning Malawi’s farmers from subsistence farming to climate-smart agriculture.

This transition is crucial as Malawi faces the annual threats of floods and droughts, which have historically impacted food security.

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