Stakeholders in food governance have conceded that inefficiencies continue to prevent the country from having vibrant food systems aimed at ending perennial hunger among the citizenry.

While admitting the fragile food systems in place, the Ministry of Agriculture says Malawi should move swiftly to align efforts across other sectors like agriculture, nutrition, environment, trade and local government to strengthen the country’s food systems governance.

Speaking at a stakeholders learning event convened by MwAPATA Institute, Deputy Director of Land Resource in the Ministry of Agriculture Joseph Kanyangalazi said there is need to take on board all best practices in propagating and sustaining good food systems so that the country wins in food security.

“Without effective, inclusive and accountable governance structures, our policies remain fragmented with misaligned finances and coordination efforts falling short, the most vulnerable communities remain in the status quo.” Kanyangalazi told the gathering which included financiers GiZ, planners like the National Planning Commission (NPC) and non-state players like the Civil Society Organizations Nutrition Alliance (CSONA).

Director of research and Capacity Building at the NPC Andrew Jamali told government and the lead stakeholders that there is a need to identify practical strategies for strengthening food systems governance at both national and local levels.

“We need a collective action approach to enhance food governance systems in the country, from production, distribution, storage, consumption, waste management and recycling," said Jamali.

During this learning event, government announced that it has established a Food Systems Steering Committee to guide, coordinate and monitor implementation of the country’s food systems transformation agenda.

(Written By: Charles Vintulla)