Parl, AGRA to partner for improved food systems

Parliament of Malawi has committed to act towards enhancement of an enabling environment, national legislation and required appropriation in order to deliver an inclusive food systems transformation for Malawi.

Speaker of parliament Catherine Gotani Hara made the remarks in Salima during the opening of a one-day retreat.

The retreat was organized by AGRA in collaboration with the African Union, Aquaculture for Food Security Poverty Alleviation and Nutrition (AFSPAN), Non-State Actors Group on Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Programme, Alliance for a Green revolution in Africa (AGRA), Trust Africa, and Care International Malawi.

AGRA is an African-led organisation focused on increasing income and improving food security

Speaking during the event Hara emphasized the need for an increased agricultural productivity that will transform the agricultural sector, create wealth and increase industrialized exportation.

“Parliament, through the committees, will have to play its part in ensuring that production moves beyond maize for food security and tobacco as the main cash crop in order to promote the agenda for a transformative agriculture sector that is smart and resilient to climate change,” Hara explained.

She added that the 2024/2025 Budget Meeting of Parliament which opened on Friday will be an opportunity for parliamentarians to execute their legislative and oversight functions in promoting a National Budget that advocates for both the Agriculture Finance Policy and the revitalization of the Agriculture Credit Facility.

The partnership seeks to provide regular updates on relevant, simple and clear evidence that will enhance MPs roles in ensuring that government puts in place the right policy measures.

It will also ensure allocation of the necessary budgetary resources to implement the objectives of the harmonized Malawi 2063 and Africa Union Agricultural and Food Systems Transformation Commitments.