Synod discusses socio-economic, political developments

The Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) Synod of Livingstonia yesterday began its first-ever two-day research conference in Mzuzu to analyse contributions it has made towards facilitation of the country’s socio-economic and political development processes.

The conference is being held under the theme ‘The Role of the CCAP Synod of Livingstonia in Enhancing Socio-economic and Political Development processes in Malawi and beyond’.

The synod’s moderator, the Reverend John Gondwe said the conference will enable academics, practitioners and other stakeholders to share experiences, but also broaden understanding on the concepts of social, economic and political development processes in Malawi.

“As a synod we believe that time to have critical paper presentations like what will happen in these two days gives time for synod’s institutions to evaluate end assess the programmes being implemented and see whether we are making tangible impact or not and further note on how and where to make improvements,” he said.

Thematic areas at the conference include agriculture and food security, climate change and environment, evangelism, education, health, economic growth and development as well as language and cultural diversity.

Mzuzu University lecturer Mtafu Zeleza Manda is expected to present a paper on The Other Side of Customary Land Tenure Rights.

In an abstract of the presentation, Manda argues that although many commentators saw the approval of the customary Land Bill as a relief in dealing with the land and land resources tenure questions, more controversy was created on the same. n