Malawi President Seeks Partnerships to Boost Food Security at Columbia University
The president emphasized the importance of university partnerships in achieving these goals, citing their role in agricultural research and development.
NEW YORK— Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera addressed a panel on food security at Columbia University on Saturday, emphasizing the critical role of universities in combating hunger and malnutrition, writes Winston Mwale.
Chakwera highlighted Malawi's agricultural sector, which contributes 23% to GDP and employs 64% of the workforce.
Despite increased food production under his administration, he noted persistent challenges.
"Climate change and international conflicts have combined to create an environment that is hostile to scaling up the food production levels sufficiently enough to end hunger," Chakwera said.
The president cited recurring natural disasters, including recent cyclones and El Niño, as major setbacks to agricultural progress.
He also pointed to global conflicts driving up the cost of essential farming inputs.
To address these challenges, Chakwera outlined Malawi's strategy:
"We are presently looking at ways of reconfiguring our approach to food production," he stated, highlighting the promotion of "climate-smart mega-farms" and irrigation projects.
Chakwera announced an upcoming Malawi Partners Conference in New York, aimed at attracting investments for the country's agricultural initiatives.
"Where we are going this century, food will be a more precious commodity than gold," Chakwera predicted, positioning Malawi as a potential "guarantor of food security for the world."
The president emphasized the importance of university partnerships in achieving these goals, citing their role in agricultural research and development.
Chakwera's speech underscored Malawi's commitment to transforming its agricultural sector while seeking international cooperation to overcome global challenges to food security.