G8 Alliance for food security launched in Malawi
The G8 New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition, an initiative aimed at increasing food security in Africa and global contributor of food in the world, has been launched in Malawi.
G8 New Alliance for Food Security and nutrition represents a commitment by G8 nations, African Governments and Private sector to lift 50 million people out of hunger and poverty over the next 10 years.
However, speaking at the launch Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. James Munthali said this can only happen through an inclusive and sustainable agricultural growth.
“As government we will make sure that we prioritize increasing investments in food security and nutrition programmes because food security and nutrition are basic human needs to satisfy healthy, active and decent lives,” said Munthali.
Munthali added that investing in food security for the human resource development is therefore part and parcel of the strategy for harnessing human capital development to achieve our long term and shared vision of a future free from hunger and poverty and a life of dignity and self-reliance for all the people of Malawi.
Malawi has relatively better agriculture land than other countries within the African continent, with plenty of water and favorable climate for growing both food and cash crops, he claimed.
Munthali therefore said there is need for re-assessing the viability of the current interventions for dealing with hunger problem.
According to Munthali, the G8 New Alliance for Food security and nutrition has demonstrated that it recognizes home grown strategies for improving the agriculture sector and its emphasis on the importance of establishing strong partnership with the private sector and promotion of conducive policies for investments.
Ambassador and Head of Delegation for the European Union to Malawi, Alexander Baum said the EU is committed and in support of the alliance as this is the only way to ensure that Africa is food sufficient and becomes a food contributor for the world.
