By Suleman Chitera
Lilongwe, Malawi – Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Decentralisation, Joseph Mwanamvekha, says the government has intensified efforts to deal with the root causes of food insecurity as Malawi continues to face the effects of climate change and poor harvests.
He made the remarks in Lilongwe when Press Corporation handed over K300 million towards the Lean Season Food Response Programme, a government initiative aimed at supporting vulnerable households during the hunger period.
Mwanamvekha said the government is scaling up irrigation farming, expanding subsidised farm inputs, and implementing resilience-building interventions to ensure households are food secure throughout the year.
“We are committed to long-term solutions. Scaling up irrigation, improving access to subsidised inputs, and investing in resilience-building measures will help break the cycle of yearly food shortages,” said Mwanamvekha.
The Minister applauded Press Corporation for what he described as a timely and impactful contribution, adding that partnerships between the government and the private sector remain critical in addressing food insecurity and other national challenges.
He also assured the conglomerate that the funds will be used transparently and efficiently to reach the intended beneficiaries.
Press Corporation Board Chairperson Randson Mwadiwa said the company’s contribution underscores the need for collective action in strengthening Malawi’s resilience against climate-related shocks.
“This donation reflects our commitment to safeguarding the wellbeing and dignity of Malawians. Collaboration is key as the country navigates the growing impact of climate change,” Mwadiwa said.
The latest donation adds to the K300 million earlier contributed by the National Bank of Malawi, bringing Press Corporation’s total support to K600 million for the food response initiative.
The government has expressed optimism that with stronger partnerships, investments in agriculture, and targeted support to vulnerable groups, Malawi can reduce annual food insecurity and move towards sustainable food systems.
