The Minister of Agriculture of Malawi is a cabinet position in the Malawi government responsible for the country's agricultural sector.[1] The Minister of Agriculture is further responsible for formulating and implementing policies aimed at promoting agricultural productivity, improving food security, and enhancing the livelihoods of farmers.[2] The minister also oversees the development of irrigation systems, agricultural research, and extension services.[3][4]
The aim of the Ministry of Agriculture is to improve agricultural productivity and sustainably develop and manage land and water resources to achieve food, nutrition, and income security for economic growth and development.[3]
History
editOrigin and establishment
editThe Ministry of Agriculture was established in 1964, shortly after Malawi gained independence from British colonial rule. The ministry was created to oversee the development of the country's agricultural sector, which was then the mainstay of the economy.[3][2]
Mission and vision
editThe mission of the Ministry of Agriculture is to accelerate broad-based agriculture, water, and irrigation development for social and economic growth and development. The vision is to have a nation with sustainable agricultural productivity and water for all.[3]
List of officeholders
editHere is a list of some of the past Ministers of Agriculture in Malawi:
- Hon. Aleke Banda (1964–1971)
- Hon. Robin Lowe (1971–1976)
- Hon. Kamuzu Banda (1976–1983)
- Hon. Gwanda Chakuamba (1983–1992)
- Hon. John Tembo (1992–1994)
- Hon. Cassim Chilumpha (1994–1999)
- Hon. Uladi Mussa (1999–2004)
- Hon. Khumbo Kachali (2004–2009)
- Hon. Peter Mutharika (2009–2014)
- Hon. Allan Chiyembekeza (2014–2019)
- Hon. Sam Kawale (2019–present)[5]
The current Minister of Agriculture in Malawi is Hon. Sam Kawale. He was appointed to the position in 2019 by President Lazarus Chakwera.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b "Ministry of Agriculture". agriculture.gov.mw. Retrieved 2024-06-10.
- ^ a b "Agriculture Ministry hands over 8 new tractors with associated implements to Mega Farm Support Unit - Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi". www.nyasatimes.com. 2023-11-28. Retrieved 2024-06-10.
- ^ a b c d SLEIMAN, Sara. "Malawi president sacks eight ministers in cabinet reshuffle". Malawi president sacks eight ministers in cabinet reshuffle. Retrieved 2024-06-10.
- ^ Daza, Chikondi (2024-03-08). "K100 billion allocated for irrigation farming, says Ministry of Agriculture Malawi 24 | Latest News from Malawi". Malawi 24. Retrieved 2024-06-10.
- ^ "Malawi's President Chakwera fires agriculture minister and deputy in crackdown on fraud". RFI. 2022-10-26. Retrieved 2024-06-10.