Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) Deputy Vice Chancellor, Associate Professor Agnes Mwangwela, has called for a shift in how food security is understood in Malawi, saying it should go beyond crop production to include transport, processing, markets and policy systems.

Speaking during the opening of a Food Systems Governance training in Mzuzu, Mwangwela said Malawi can no longer rely solely on farm-level production to guarantee food security, as many factors affect how food reaches consumers.

“We are no longer in a time where you can rely on your own production. Most of us depend on food that is produced elsewhere, transported and processed outside the home,” she said.

The deputy Vice Chancellor explained that challenges in infrastructure, such as poor road networks, can disrupt food supply and increase prices, even when production costs remain the same.

“What is happening between production and consumption affects the availability and supply for the consumer,” she said, noting that food systems are influenced by sectors that may not be directly related to agriculture.

She also highlighted the role of universities in addressing these challenges, saying LUANAR has a responsibility to contribute to national food security through research, community engagement and policy support.

“As a university, we are mandated to teach, conduct research and interact with society by providing input to public policy and regulations,” said Mwangwela.

She said trainings like the one being conducted under the Sustainable Food Systems in Malawi (FoodMa) Programme are aimed at building knowledge among extension workers and farmers, who play a critical role in strengthening food systems at community level.

The FoodMa Programme is being implemented by LUANAR in several districts with support from the Royal Kingdom of Norway and focuses on promoting sustainable, inclusive and resilient food systems in Malawi.