The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has warned that Malawi’s path to agricultural development and national food security remains long and uncertain if government efforts continue to prioritize food production while sidelining other critical sectors.

FAO Assistant Country Representative George Mvula delivered the message in Linthipe, Dedza, during the joint commemoration of World Food Day (October 16) and Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security (October 31).

Mvula emphasized the pivotal role of the private sector in transforming agriculture, noting its responsibility in value addition, product quality assurance, and market access — both locally and internationally.

“There must be stronger collaboration between the private sector and research institutions,” Mvula said. “It’s not enough for businesses to simply purchase produce from farmers. They need access to research-driven insights that can help them develop high-quality products capable of commanding premium prices.”

Minister of Agriculture Roza Fatch Mbirizi echoed concerns about the country’s nutritional challenges, citing alarming statistics: only 9 out of every 100 children receive the recommended four meals a day, while 28 out of 100 suffer from stunting, despite Malawi’s abundant freshwater resources.

To address these issues, Mbirizi announced a revamp of key initiatives, including the Affordable Farm Inputs Program and NEEF loans, aimed at expanding access and impact among smallholder farmers.

“We’re making fertilizer more affordable, and next week we’ll launch the Affordable Farm Inputs Program with a new approach to ensure better outcomes,” she said.

The minister also highlighted plans to strengthen agricultural extension services and promote farmer cooperatives, which she described as the most effective channels for delivering support and interventions.

In a significant move, Mbirizi revealed that the government will soon begin distributing food to all four million households currently facing hunger across the country.

This year’s commemoration was held under the theme: “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future.”