By Burnett Munthali
President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has affirmed Malawi’s commitment to advancing the welfare of its farmers through close collaboration with the Southern African Confederation of Agricultural Unions (SACAU). His announcement came during the opening of the two-day SACAU Annual Conference in Lilongwe.
In his address, President Chakwera underscored the importance of farmers in driving agricultural productivity and resilience, emphasizing that their well-being is central to the country’s prosperity. He highlighted the government’s dedication to sustainable development practices that mitigate disaster risks and ensure farmers receive fair rewards for their contributions.
“The heart of increased agricultural productivity and resilience lies with our farmers,” President Chakwera stated. “Value addition is critical to ensure they are adequately rewarded for their hard work.”
The President detailed the government’s ongoing efforts to support farmers, including the enhancement of extension services and the Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP). He noted that Malawi is making significant progress towards fulfilling the Malabo Declaration, evidenced by a 10 percent increase in the agricultural budget.
Additionally, Dr. Chakwera called on African nations to unite for economic recovery and to strengthen disaster preparedness, response, and risk mitigation strategies. His remarks reflect a broader vision of regional cooperation and commitment to improving agricultural outcomes across the continent.