High-level food systems conversations vital: NASFAM

Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt: Conversations about food systems at high-level meetings such as the COP are critical as the world seeks solutions to end hunger, according to Betty Chinyamunyamu, Chief Executive Officer of the National Smallholder Farmers' Association of Malawi (NASFAM).

The NASFAM boss said climate change has had a significant impact on food production around the world, and the COP talks provide a good platform to discuss collective solutions.

Chinyamunyamu, one of the civil society delegates from Malawi, was reacting to President Lazarous Chakwera's speech during the high-level round table discussion on food security at the ongoing COP27.

Chakwera said 3.8 million Malawians will require food assistance this year alone due to floods and dry spells that have destroyed crops.

He went on to say that Malawi has adopted a food systems approach, which is critical not only for achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals but also for improving human and environmental health.

According to Chinyamunyamu, the food system approach is diverse because it includes production, processing and value chain, distribution, food disposal, and input supply.

She agrees with Chakwera that Malawi, as one of the developing countries, requires a thorough examination of food systems that incorporate agriculture, nutrition, and socioeconomic indicators.

Chinyamunyamu emphasised the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach to ensure that key players in food systems, including large and small farmers, are included in order to achieve sustainable food systems and address climate change challenges.

Malawi is currently experiencing skyrocketing fertiliser prices, casting doubt on whether most people will be able to achieve food security during the 2022/2023 growing season.