She said on Sunday that relying on rain fed farming has greatly contributed to food insecurity among Malawians.

Mpanga said if government enhances the rain harvesting initiative, especially among the youth, issues of hunger can be dealt with once and for all since people will be practicing farming throughout the year.

“Perennial hunger problems could easily be wiped out if the country fully embraces the water harvesting concept. Rain fed farming is no longer reliable these days,” said Mpanga.

She was speaking at Mpasa on Sunday during an interface meeting with Mkhumba Youth Network.

On the much talked Mkhumba Youth Resource Centre, Mpanga said she will liaise with relevant authorities to ensure that  young people have a place where they can meet and share issues that concern them.

Phalombe District Youth Officer, Ian Sukali, said his office will partner with the department of agriculture to ensure that youth in the district tap expertise on water harvesting so that they can be food secure and economically empowered.