By Burnett Munthali
Renowned international researcher and economist Greenwell Matchaya has urged Malawi to invest more in irrigation and mechanized farming to ensure sustainable food security. Speaking at the 14th Eminent Speaker Series in Lilongwe on Wednesday, Matchaya emphasized that despite Malawi’s commitment to allocating 10% of its national budget to agriculture, as per the Malabo and Maputo Declarations on Agriculture and Food Security in Africa, the sector’s growth remains below 6%.
Matchaya highlighted that the current agricultural model, which relies heavily on rain-fed farming, is insufficient to meet the country’s food demands. He stressed that for Malawi to achieve long-term food security and economic growth, the government and stakeholders must prioritize efficient use of agricultural funds by channeling investments into modern farming technologies, particularly irrigation and mechanization. According to him, mechanized farming and irrigation would enhance productivity, reduce reliance on unpredictable weather patterns, and improve overall agricultural output.
Supporting Matchaya’s position, National Planning Commission (NPC) Director of Knowledge and Learning, Joseph Nagoli, emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in strengthening food systems. He argued that a collaborative approach between government entities, private investors, and development partners could significantly improve Malawi’s agricultural sector and contribute to national development goals.
The 14th Nzotheka Eminent Speaker Series, where these insights were shared, was organized by the National Planning Commission (NPC), the MwAPATA Institute, and Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), in partnership with Oxfam Malawi. The event served as a platform for policymakers, researchers, and agricultural stakeholders to discuss innovative strategies for transforming Malawi’s agricultural sector.
Speakers at the event echoed concerns about the country’s overreliance on traditional farming methods, calling for urgent reforms to address food insecurity and climate change challenges. They noted that Malawi’s agricultural sector, despite being a major contributor to the economy, continues to struggle with inefficiencies that limit its potential to sustain national food demands.
Experts at the conference recommended that Malawi take advantage of its abundant water resources to implement large-scale irrigation schemes. They also called for policies that promote mechanized farming, arguing that smallholder farmers—who make up the majority of Malawi’s agricultural workforce—should be supported with modern equipment and training to boost productivity.
With climate change posing an increasing threat to agriculture, stakeholders at the conference emphasized that the future of Malawi’s food security depends on immediate and strategic investments in sustainable farming technologies. They called on the government, private sector, and international donors to work together in developing solutions that would enhance agricultural resilience and productivity.
As Malawi looks ahead, the call for irrigation and mechanization stands as a crucial step toward achieving a food-secure nation. Stakeholders believe that if implemented effectively, these measures could transform the agricultural landscape, ensuring stable food production and economic growth for years to come.
