By Burnett Munthali
President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has called for heightened financial investment in the agriculture sector as a crucial strategy to address the ongoing food shortages plaguing Malawi.
During his visit to Lombwa Farm in Senior Chief Mkanda’s area in Mchinji on February 22, 2025, where he inspected his mega farm, Chakwera underscored the need for collaboration between the public and private sectors to promote and finance agricultural projects effectively.
The President expressed his belief that achieving a hunger-free nation is possible only through united efforts that empower farmers with the resources they need to enhance their productivity.
He highlighted the importance of providing access to loans for farmers, enabling them to invest in their agricultural ventures and ultimately increase food production in the country.
“As a president, I want to lead by example.
That is why I have invested in agriculture to promote commercial farming aimed at ending hunger in the country,” Chakwera stated.
He emphasized the role of financial institutions in supporting agricultural initiatives, sharing that he financed his mega farm with the assistance of New Building Society (NBS) Bank.
He urged other banks across the country to follow suit and provide the necessary financial backing to farmers, fostering an environment conducive to agricultural growth.
The President’s remarks were echoed by Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale, who noted that the mega farm has already created approximately 500 jobs for local residents.
Kawale praised the initiative as a significant step toward ensuring food security in Malawi and called for increased support for such initiatives, which he believes are instrumental in combating hunger.
The inspection of Lombwa Farm not only showcased Chakwera’s commitment to agriculture but also highlighted the potential for commercial farming to contribute to job creation and economic development in rural areas.
By investing in agriculture, the government aims to stimulate growth in a sector that employs a large portion of the Malawian population.
As the government grapples with the challenges of food insecurity, the push for financial investment in agriculture comes at a critical time.
Chakwera’s leadership in this sector may serve as a catalyst for broader change, inspiring both public and private stakeholders to invest more heavily in agricultural development.
Moving forward, the success of these initiatives will depend on the cooperation of financial institutions, government agencies, and farmers themselves.
With adequate support and resources, Malawi has the potential to overcome its food challenges and pave the way for a more sustainable agricultural future.
