Malawi Agriculture Minister Urges United Front Against Climate Change Effects
The MAPCC aims to foster strategic dialogue and provide evidence-based policy guidance to support agricultural transformation in Malawi.
LILONGWE, Malawi — Malawi's Minister of Agriculture, Samuel Kawale, has called for collective action to combat the effects of climate change on the country's agricultural sector, writes Alinafe Nyanda.
Speaking Wednesday at the opening of the 2024 Malawi Agricultural Productivity and Commercialization Conference (MAPCC) in Lilongwe, Kawale emphasized the urgent need to transform food systems in the face of increasing climate shocks.
"These adverse climate conditions have worsened food insecurity and undermined the country's efforts to transform food systems sustainably," Kawale said.
He noted that Malawi has experienced 19 floods and seven droughts over the last decade.
The minister highlighted the conference's role in shaping agricultural policy, citing initiatives such as developing mega-farms and promoting investment for agricultural diversification.
"Over the years, the MAPCC has influenced several policy and strategic initiatives," Kawale said.
He urged participants to use the conference to advance the Malawi 2063 development agenda.
The gravity of the situation was underscored by a report warning of potential economic consequences.
"According to the Malawi Country Climate and Development Report, if nothing is done to reverse the current situation, Malawi is expected to experience as high as a 20 percent loss in GDP by 2040," Kawale added.
The MAPCC aims to foster strategic dialogue and provide evidence-based policy guidance to support agricultural transformation in Malawi.