The Ministry of Agriculture has signed a partnership agreement with the Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) through the Sustainable Agriculture Production Programme II (SAPP II), according to AfricaBrief. The initiative is designed to build the capacity of farmer organisations and cooperatives to meet formal product standards and certification requirements. SAPP II National Coordinator Rex Baluwa announced that the programme will soon disburse grants to local farming groups. Principal Secretary Bernard Nkasala noted that consistent quality and safety standards are necessary for Malawian farmers to compete effectively in both domestic and international markets.
In regional developments, Nation Online reports that Malawi will advocate for improved cooperation on fertiliser systems, seed harmonisation, and agricultural trade at the upcoming Southern African Development Community (SADC) agriculture ministers meeting in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. The policy push comes as the country faces rising global fertiliser costs, climate-related crop losses, and foreign exchange pressures tied to food imports.
Update: The government is continuing its push to transition away from conventional farming methods. According to Nation Online, Ministry of Agriculture deputy director of Land Resources MacPherson Nthala stated that Malawi's agricultural sector is failing to improve yields despite heavy reliance on inorganic fertilisers. Nthala cited rising pest outbreaks and worsening land degradation, calling for agroecology to become the central focus of national farming systems. Seed and Knowledge Initiative director Lindy Morrison supported the transition, stating that broad collaboration is required to protect the food supply from ongoing climate shocks.