AGRA Malawi celebrated its 20th anniversary this week with a gathering of government leaders, researchers, and private sector stakeholders in Lilongwe to discuss the farming sector, according to Nyasa Times. Speaking at the event, Minister of Agriculture Roza Fatch Mbilizi highlighted the partnership's achievements, which include the release of 31 improved crop varieties and the production of more than 16,600 metric tonnes of certified seed. The anniversary aligns with recent reports of a 15 percent increase in seasonal maize production, even as the government manages ongoing debates over fertiliser affordability and preparations for anticipated El Niño weather shocks.
In related agricultural education developments, the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) launched a curriculum development exercise for the second phase of the Linkages between Social Protection and Agri-food Systems initiative, LUANAR reports. Dr. Vincent Mgoli-Mwale, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, stated that the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) backed project will create a practical short course designed to connect social protection programs with local food systems. The educational project aims to improve national food security and support stable rural livelihoods across Malawi.