President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has stressed the need for unity among Malawians to help the country fulfill it’s transformative development agenda.
The President made the remarks on Saturday, when he addressed people who welcomed him at Area 18 in LIlongwe, on his return from the United States of America, where he attended the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
President Chakwera highlighted the importance of embracing coexistence among citizens, stating that Malawi is for everyone regardless of people’s society affiliation.
The President also urged Malawians to fairly exercise their freedom and respect the values of democracy.
The Malawi leader underscored the importance of respecting the country’s constitution which allows people to elect a leader who represents the values of the every citizen.
“The laws of the country allows people to choose people they want to govern them. Democracy allows people to have freedom of choice,” said President Chakwera.
Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture Richard Chimwendo who is also Malawi Congress Party’s (MCP) Secretary General, said President Chakwera’s led administration is committed to continue embracing democracy by allowing other political parties to exercise their political freedom without intimidation.
Chimwendo Banda also urged people in the country to refrain from violence stating that violence retards development.
The body of Chitipa United Football Club Assistant Coach ‘Gift Nathaniel Mkamanga’ has been laid to rest at his home village, Kanyenjele, in the area of Traditional Authority (TA)Â Mwaulambya in Chitipa district.
The funeral ceremony of Coach Mkamanga who was found dead on Thursday morning, was held on Saturday, with family, friends, football lovers and administrators converging to pay their last respects.
Mkamanga was found dead in his room at Mpira Village, in Chiwembe, Blantyre where he was attending the ongoing CAF B Coaching course.
Postmortem results conducted at College of Medicine revealed that Mkamanga dead of heart attack.
Patrick Mwaungulu made the perfect start to his new club, scoring the only goal of the game as CS Don Bosco beat US Panda 1-0 at Stade TP Mazembe.
The former FCB Nyasa Big Bullets player scored for the Ravens’ from a direct free kick in the 67th minute to give his new team the much needed victory.
Both Mwaungulu and Lanjesi Nkhoma who are loaned to Don Bosco from TP Mazembe were in the starting line up for the Lubumbash- based side on Saturday.
Elsewhere, Christopher Kumwembe was in the starting line up when his Zambian side Green Buffaloes suffered a 1-nil home defeat to FC Muza.
His Excellency, Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi, has arrived back home from the United States of America, where he attended the 79th Session of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), at the United Nations Headquarters, in New York.
The Malawi leader, accompanied by First Lady Madam Monica Chakwera, arrived in the country through Kamuzu International Airport (KIA), where he was welcomed by Vice President Dr Micheal Bizwick Usi, top government officials as well as party loyalists.
Unpacking the benefits of the trip to the media soon after his arrival at KIA, President Chakwera said he took advantage of the trip to state the challenges that the country is facing as the country implements its development agenda.
“And so both at the general assembly as well as the site meetings that I had with various stakeholders including our own second edition of Malawi Partners Conference. I believe that there is enough goodwill coupled with our own diligence in making this country advance faster than we had thought,” he emphasized.
While at the Conference, President Chakwera attended several meetings that included, the Summit of the Future and the high-level meeting on the Miombo Forest Declaration.
Chakwera also delivered a statement during the UNGA and general debate to mobilise global support for Malawi’s developmental priorities.
The Malawi leader also held bilateral discussions with other heads of states and governments, leaders of International organisations and investors among others, to continue advancing Malawi’s diplomatic relations and economic partnerships.
For the first time in several years, the country’s ability to feed its citizens was at risk. Sadly and unexpectedly, Malawi lost its hard-earned status as an agricultural success story — it used to produce enough maize for its people to eat and still provide a surplus to neighbours.
Malawi, a country endowed with fertile land and a favorable climate for agriculture, faces significant challenges in ensuring food security for its population. The question of whether Malawi can sustainably feed itself three meals each day is complex and multifaceted, involving various socio-economic, environmental, and political factors.
Agriculture is the backbone of Malawi’s economy, employing about 80% of the population and contributing approximately 30% to the national GDP. The country primarily relies on subsistence farming, with maize being the staple crop. However, despite its agricultural potential, Malawi has struggled with food insecurity, exacerbated by various challenges.
Firstly, Malawi is highly vulnerable to climate change, experiencing erratic weather patterns, prolonged dry spells, and excessive rainfall. These climate-induced challenges have led to inconsistent crop yields, making it difficult for farmers to produce enough food to meet their needs.
Secondly, the heavy dependence on maize as the primary food source poses a risk. When maize production fails due to drought or floods, the entire food system is threatened. Diversifying agricultural production by promoting other crops such as legumes, fruits, and vegetables could enhance food security.
Thirdly, many Malawians live below the poverty line, limiting their access to food. Economic instability, inflation, and rising food prices further exacerbate the situation, making it challenging for families to afford three meals a day.
Fourthly, poor infrastructure hampers farmers’ ability to transport their produce to markets, leading to post-harvest losses. Additionally, limited access to agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation facilities hinders productivity.
Fifthly, policy decisions and governance issues can impact agricultural productivity and food security. Inconsistent agricultural policies and lack of support for smallholder farmers can undermine efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in food production.
Despite these challenges, there are initiatives aimed at improving food security in Malawi:
1) The Malawian government has implemented various programs to enhance agricultural productivity, including the Farm Input Subsidy Program (FISP) to provide farmers with affordable inputs.
2) Many communities are adopting sustainable farming practices, including conservation agriculture, agroforestry, and crop diversification. These practices can improve soil health, increase resilience to climate change, and enhance food production.
3) Various non-governmental organizations and international agencies are working in Malawi to promote food security through education, capacity building, and investment in agricultural development.
In conclusion, while Malawi has the potential to feed itself three meals a day, achieving this goal requires concerted efforts from the government, local communities, and international partners. Addressing the challenges of climate change, economic constraints, and agricultural policies is crucial for enhancing food security. By promoting sustainable farming practices and diversifying crop production, Malawi can work towards a future where all its citizens have access to sufficient, nutritious food every day. The journey towards self-sufficiency in food production is ongoing, but with commitment and collaboration, it is an attainable goal for the nation.
