Malawi has received a boost in its food security interventions through a commitment from the Cooperative Development Foundation (CDF) of Canada and the Norwegian Government who have committed to continue supporting the country’s efforts.
Norwegian Ambassador Anne Sofie Bjelland and CDF-Canada executive director Ben André made the commitment in Lilongwe on Friday during the launch of the Integrating Aquaculture-Agriculture to Combat Food Insecurity in Malawi (Iaam) Project.
| Milimo Chitsulo
André commended Malawians for their commitment to improve food security, noting that during the years that CDF-Canada has worked in the country, Malawians have proved to be hard-working and willing to make the country food secure.
He said the project will increase productivity, income and access to markets for small-scale food producers, especially women engaged in integrated aquaculture-agriculture system.
Said André: “We especially target women in the project because they have proved to be resilient and mostly, they are the ones who are actively involved in farming in Malawi. We want to support such people who are already interested in farming.”
On her part, Bjelland urged Malawians to embrace the project and remain resolute.
She observed that nearly 70 percent of Malawians live below the poverty line and four million people are currently facing hunger due to impacts of climate shocks and high inflation.
“This reminds us of the importance of this initiative. Norway remains committed to supporting Malawi to achieve food security. Apart from providing relief food, we are also supporting inclusive and resilient food systems in the country,” said Bjelland.
Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development director of livestock and animal health Julius Chulu thanked CDF-Canada and Norway for their continued support to Malawi’s quest for inclusive and resilient food systems.
“The Malawi Government remains grateful to the two entities for the support. The project will boost productivity as Malawi Government is already implementing such programmes, though in small-scale,” he said.
