The right to food is a fundamental human entitlement that must be respected, prioritized, and protected. Achieving this right requires collaborative efforts from various stakeholders to ensure that everyone has access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food throughout the year. Food security is only possible when all individuals have physical and economic access to meet their dietary needs.
The Mangochi district dialogue on the right to food organized by CISANET on 25th of September at La Riviera Hotel provided a valuable platform for both state and non-state actors to discuss key issues hindering the realization of this right, and prioritizing action towards guaranteeing it.
Despite government initiatives such as the development and implementation of policies, strategies, and programs, the number of people facing acute hunger continues to rise, undermining the attainment of the right to food.
The dialogue also emphasized the need for the government to enact the long-overdue Food and Nutrition Bill, which contains essential components guaranteeing access to adequate nutritious food for all. It brought together diverse actors in the food system, including government ministries and departments, civil society organizations, traditional leaders, and community members.