Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources Hosts University of Malawi Students on a Transformative Educational Visit
Posted: April 10, 2025 Posted By: Kondwani Kapaula
On 5 April 2025, the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) welcomed students from the University of Malawi (UNIMA) to its Bunda Campus for an educational visit aimed at fostering intellectual growth, encouraging collaboration, and strengthening the bond between the two institutions.
Led by Bunda Campus's overall class representative, Yamikani Muha, and the Bunda Student Council (BSC) Academic Director, Boris Tsamba, the event brought together bright minds eager to share innovative ideas for tackling real-world challenges.
In his opening address, Dr. Ronne Mvula, the Director of Student Affairs at LUANAR, emphasized the importance of such events in addressing the pressing issues facing Malawi. He noted that fostering student engagement in these discussions plays a crucial role in driving national progress through collective efforts.
The event featured an enlightening presentation by Mr. Price Winga, a staff member from the University of Malawi, who spoke on the intertwined issues of social justice and food security. His discussion on the equitable distribution of resources as a means to ensure food stability and reduce poverty offered a hopeful vision for the future of Malawi’s agricultural sector.
The highlight of the day was a spirited debate on the topic: "Do Technological Innovations in Agriculture, Such as Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and Precision Farming, Represent a Form of Control Over Nature or a Harmonious Cooperation With It?" LUANAR students, arguing in favor, contended that these technologies represent a harmonious cooperation with nature, maximizing food production, improving resource efficiency, and ensuring sustainability. UNIMA students, on the other hand, raised concerns about the potential risks, including health threats, biodiversity loss, and the economic burden on local farmers due to high operational costs.
The debate was a testament to the intellectual depth and creativity of both sides, with LUANAR emerging victorious with 41 points against UNIMA’s 35.5 points, as announced by the judges.
The event concluded with lively social interactions, further strengthening the bond between students from both universities.