By Cedric Nkungula
President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera on Tuesday 9th January 2024 held an audience with a delegation from World Food Programme (WFP) at Capital Hill in Lilongwe.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, WFP Regional Director for Southern Africa Regional Bureau, Menghestab Haile said apart from food security, the meeting also discussed climate change, achieving regional self – sufficiency, transforming agriculture to support women farmers, addressing youth employment in the agriculture sector and climate – smart initiatives within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
Haile explained that WFP aims to mobilize resources and establish resilient food systems to reduce reliance on food handouts.
“The issue of food insecurity is not only affecting Malawi but is a concern within the entire SADC region. The meeting aimed at strategizing on how to progress in addressing such problems,” said Haile.
He disclosed that WFP will continue its intensified effort in supporting the Malawi government to distribute relief to those most affected by hunger in the country.
In his remarks, Commissioner for Disaster in the Department of Disaster Management Affairs, Charles Kalemba, mentioned that the meeting also focused on revamping and transforming agriculture through youth-friendly programs and exploring improved technologies to sustain the country’s food systems during adversities.
Kalemba emphasized the need for enhanced agriculture systems, including mechanization and commercialization, to replace outdated farming methods for better agricultural productivity.
Among other notable individuals accompanying President Lazarus Chakwera were Secretary to the President and Cabinet Madame Colleen Zamba, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nancy Tembo, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Dixie Kampani, and other government officials.
 at Capital Hill in Lilongwe. Speaking…){kind=link}