On October 30, 2024, the Ministry of Agriculture and development partners commemorated World Food Day at Chimbiya Primary School in Zomba district. The Right to Food Coalition took the opportunity to commend the government, donor community, and non-state actors for their efforts and urged them to reflect on this year’s theme: “Right to Food for a better life and a better future that leaves no one behind.” The coalition emphasized the need for everlasting solutions to achieve national food security and suggested enacting a food and nutrition bill, promoting agricultural diversification, and investing in climate information systems to eliminate food insecurity challenges.
Zhijun Chen, Food Agriculture Organization (FAO) country representative in Malawi highlighted that Food insecurity is a critical issue in Malawi, and the effects of El Nino have worsened the situation, leading to increased cases of malnutrition among children. To address malnutrition, we need to rethink how we produce our food. Unsustainable agricultural practices limit our food choices, and biodiversity is crucial to creating a sustainable agricultural system. Innovations can make our food systems more resilient to shocks, ensuring that communities have access to food even at the face of climate change.
“To achieve this, we need to embrace more efficient, inclusive, and resilient policies that ensure food is always abundant and affordable. Technologies such as irrigation, livestock, fishery, and digital agriculture can enhance productivity and improve supply chain efficiency”. He said.
The Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale, who was the guest of honor, said that the ministry is committed to producing diversified food and promoting bi-fortified crops. He emphasized the need for a food-based approach to address malnutrition, urging stakeholders to engage in nutrition-sensitive agriculture and follow good nutrition practices to increase productivity. Ministry of Agriculture and development partners celebrated the importance of ensuring that every household has access to adequate and nutritious food to end malnutrition and stunting in the country.
World Food Day is an international day celebrated every year worldwide to commemorate the date of the founding of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization in 1945. The day is celebrated widely by many other organizations concerned with hunger and food security, including the World Food Programme.
Let’s work together to create a sustainable food system that prioritizes nutrition and affordability, ensuring that everyone has access to healthy food.
