HUNGER CRISIS HITS MALAWI

Recent developments in Malawi’s efforts to combat hunger have sparked a range of reactions from agricultural experts, Members of Parliament, and other stakeholders. The government’s announcement of maize distribution has become a contentious issue, with varying opinions on the fairness and effectiveness of the allocation of maize.

Minister of Agriculture, Sam Kawale recently revealed in Parliament that  government has released 55,130 metric tons of maize to address the country’s food shortages. Of this amount, 45,130 metric tons has been allocated for humanitarian aid through the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA). The remaining 10,000 metric tons have been designated for price stabilization in hunger-stricken areas through ADMARC, with a focus on the Southern Region and Lakeshore districts.

Agricultural expert Felix Jumbe has criticized  government’s approach, accusing it of favoring regions where political support is anticipated ahead of next year’s elections. Jumbe argued that the distribution seems influenced by tribalistic biases rather than genuine need.

However other agricultural experts  have shared a different perspective, saying government’s strategy in  maize distribution is based on thorough assessments of hunger-affected areas. They argue that the current method ensures that resources are directed to those who need them most.

Adding to the debate, Esther Jolobala, MP for Machinga East Constituency,  has voiced concerns over the slow pace in distributing maize across the country. She warned that if the government does not accelerate its efforts, many Malawians  will die of hunger as maize is key staple food .

Blantyre City South East MP Sameer Suleman, who chairs the Parliamentary Agriculture Committee, highlighted a different issue: that  the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) and ADMARC are facing difficulties in purchasing maize locally despite having adequate funding. Suleman attributed this problem to the government’s failure to regulate maize exports effectively.

Meanwhile, Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale emphasized that  government of Malawi is  committed to ensuring that maize remains accessible to all Malawians, despite the criticisms and challenges faced.

The diverse viewpoints underscore the complexity of addressing food security in Malawi and the need for a balanced and transparent approach to distribution of food countrywide.