Chakwera Vows Food for All as Hunger Crisis Looms
Malawi's economy relies heavily on agriculture, leaving millions vulnerable to climate shocks.
BLANTYRE, Malawi - President Lazarus Chakwera has assured Malawians that his administration will ensure staple food is available in all Admarc markets across the country, writes Cornelius Lupenga.
Chakwera gave the assurance Tuesday when he paid a surprise visit to Zingwangwa Admarc market in Blantyre. The president's remarks come as thousands face hunger in the country.
According to the Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee report, 4.4 million people will be affected by hunger this year.
However, some Admarc markets in Nsanje lack maize, forcing locals to continue buying from parallel markets.
AfricaBrief has found Admarc markets in the area of Senior Chief Tengani in Nsanje have no grain. Resident Mary Dyson said she must travel 23 kilometers to Bangula Trading Centre to purchase maize from the Bangula Admarc.
"We understand our friends are buying the grain from the market," Dyson said.
Admarc authorities did not immediately comment on when the Nsanje markets will be stocked.
The hunger crisis follows a disappointing maize harvest last year blamed on droughts and floods.
Malawi's economy relies heavily on agriculture, leaving millions vulnerable to climate shocks.
Chakwera said his government is working urgently to ensure food security. He has appealed for international aid while launching public works programs to employ the rural poor.
With more than half Malawi's 18 million people living below the poverty line, Chakwera faces intense pressure to fulfill his promise of food on every table.