Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera has called for increased collaboration among southern African nations to address the climate change issues adversely affecting farmers across the region. Speaking at the opening of the annual Southern African Confederation of Agricultural Unions (SACAU) conference on Wednesday, President Chakwera emphasised the critical need for regional solidarity in developing strategies to mitigate these challenges.
The two-day conference in Lilongwe has convened representatives from 12 member countries in southern Africa, all grappling with the impacts of climate phenomena such as El Niño and cyclones. President Chakwera highlighted that these issues are not confined to Malawian farmers alone but are a widespread concern throughout the region. He urged nations to unite in their efforts to protect and support their agricultural sectors.
“The impacts of climate change are a collective challenge that requires a united response,” President Chakwera stated. “By collaborating, we can develop robust strategies and policies that will effectively mitigate the effects of climate change on our farmers.”
President Chakwera also underscored the importance of joint efforts in building the resilience of farmers, suggesting that adopting new farming methods could enhance productivity despite adverse conditions. He reiterated Malawi’s commitment to regional collaboration, pointing to several initiatives the country has already undertaken. These include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing carbon sinks, and promoting sustainable development practices.
“Malawi has made significant progress in combating climate change,” President Chakwera noted, citing the promotion of conservation agriculture, agro-forestry, and other climate-smart activities aimed at boosting farmers’ resilience and productivity.
SACAU’s CEO, Ishmael Sunga, delivered a keynote address that further stressed the importance of revitalising the agricultural sector in southern African countries. He highlighted the necessity for farmers to embrace digital farming technologies as part of their adaptation strategies in response to climate change.
As the conference progresses, it is hoped that the discussions and collaborations initiated will lead to actionable plans and policies that can be implemented across the region, fostering a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector in the face of ongoing climate challenges.
