Forum wants Malawi women, youth protection in food and climate justice

Food and Climate Justice Forum has called for the increased investments into climate smart interventions that protect the farmers, women and youth in particular from the effects of climate change.

The forum comprises of Oxfam, CISONECC, NASFAM, CISANET, CADECOM, NGO Gender Coordination Network and Action Aid.

Speaking in Lilongwe on Tuesday  during the national dialogue on women, youth and climate change, Oxfam Livelihood Manager Carlo Kulemeka said women and the youth are the most affected group in the country due to the effects of climate change.

“We all know that women are the largest population, they contribute more as they constitute 70 percent of the agricultural labour force and produce at least 80 percent of household food.

“These face some challenges which we need to reflect together and take action on.,” she said.

Kulemeka said the campaign is an opportunity to enhance farmers voices in food and climate change policy processes.

“It is our wish that when government takes heed of our proposals the campaign may result in reduced numbers of hungry people, reduce pressure on natural resources and improved resilience among farmers, most of whom live in the rural areas of the country,” she said.

Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) Secretary General Father Henry Saindi said government should promote food and agricultural policies that benefit small-scale food producers, particularly women and the youth so that they can withstand climate shocks and reduce pressure on natural resources.

“We need to reflect on how we engage the youth in food and climate justice issues. Our youths are the pinnacle of Malawi’s future, we need to engage them in every  aspect to have  a country that is hunger free and resilient building,” he said.

The food and climate justice campaign is meant to ‘future proof’ our food, to insure our children’s nutrition against climate change.

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