Malawi Coalition Urges Government to Pass Food and Nutrition Bill
The appeal coincides with the 20th anniversary of the VGRF, which the coalition views as an opportunity to assess Malawi's progress in food and nutrition security.
LILONGWE, Malawi — The Right to Food Coalition Malawi has called on the government to expedite the passage of a Food and Nutrition Bill to ensure national food security, writes Esther Banda.
Coalition Chairperson Alfred Kwambwiri appealed during a press conference in Lilongwe on September 15, 2024.
"As a country, we are not doing well in food security. Many Malawians are still starving," Kwambwiri said.
He emphasized the need for a supreme law in the food and nutrition sector.
The proposed bill aims to enhance food production, diversify agriculture, and ensure equitable access to food.
Kwambwiri urged the Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (ADMARC) to revitalize its farms rather than rely solely on government support for maize purchases.
The coalition called for immediate government action, including:
- Placing the right to food at the centre of political action
- Developing policies aligned with the Voluntary Guidelines on the Right to Food (VGRF)
- Strengthening enforceability of the right to food
The appeal coincides with the 20th anniversary of the VGRF, which the coalition views as an opportunity to assess Malawi's progress in food and nutrition security.
Coalition members include CISANET, CSONA, CCJP, CRS, CISER, CEPA, Commons for Ecojustice, MHRC, SCI, SHA, Oxfam in Malawi, IFPRI, CWW, and WHH.