By Carolyn Mkandawire:
The National Planning Commission (NPC) has called for coordination among government institutions and development partners in addressing food insecurity.
NPC Research Officer Frank Kamanga made the call Wednesday during the launch of the Malawi Food Systems Position Paper 2025 by Self Help Africa.
The initiative is aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural production, improving nutrition and strengthening household resilience against food shortages.
Kamanga said Malawi had developed several position papers over the years, but the lack of coordination among implementing institutions had affected their effectiveness.
“Position papers in the past were produced in silos and, now, we are seeing a coordinated approach, whereby we have got one programme, which we are running with as the country, which is the Food Systems Transformation Programme,” he said.
He welcomed Self Help Africa’s commitment to aligning its programmes with the national initiative, saying the move would help accelerate implementation and improve coordination.
Self Help Africa Country Director Kate Hartley-Louis, whose organisation developed the position paper, is among stakeholders advocating for a comprehensive approach to food security solutions that address challenges beyond agricultural production.
According to the paper, Malawi’s food systems continue to face challenges, including inadequate access to safe and nutritious food, unsustainable production practices and inequalities affecting women and vulnerable households.
The paper outlines proposed interventions covering agriculture and livelihoods, water and sanitation, green energy, climate finance, market systems and social accountability.
It further emphasises the importance of strengthening partnerships among government institutions, development organisations and the private sector to improve the country’s food systems.
Self Help Africa, therefore, proposes increased participation of women and young people in food systems programmes to improve household food security and strengthen livelihoods.
Meanwhile, Dedza District Commissioner Rosemary Nawasha said the council would incorporate recommendations from the position paper into its District Development Plan to ensure that food security interventions are sustained beyond support from non-governmental organisations.
Nawasha said district councils must take responsibility for implementing development programmes rather than relying entirely on development partners.
The Malawi Food Systems Position Paper 2025 identifies five priority areas, including ensuring access to safe and nutritious food, promoting healthy consumption, improving sustainable production, strengthening livelihoods and building resilience against economic and environmental shocks.
The initiative is intended to guide Self Help Africa’s interventions and strengthen collaboration with government institutions and other stakeholders working towards improved food security in Malawi.