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06-08 August, 2024 | Lilongwe, Malawi
Concept Note
The objectives of the 2024 Policy Dialogue are to:
- Explore policies to boost agricultural productivity, sustainability, and resilience.
- Discuss digital tech, innovation, and research in agri-food system transformation.
- Analyze policy impacts on smallholders, rural communities, and marginalized groups.
- Promote regional collaboration among policymakers, researchers, and practitioners.
Agriculture is vital to socio-economic development in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), but faces interconnected challenges. Climate change threatens productivity and food security, particularly impacting smallholder farmers. Despite progress, food insecurity persists, perpetuating poverty and hindering growth. Unsustainable practices further degrade the environment and weaken system resilience.
A shift towards sustainable, inclusive, and resilient agriculture is necessary. This requires strategic policies addressing both immediate needs and long-term sustainability goals.
The 2024 FANRPAN High-Level Regional Multi-stakeholder Policy Dialogue aims to discuss pathways for transforming African agri-food systems, focusing on developing actionable strategies and policy frameworks.
This policy dialogue will explore pivotal themes essential for the sustainable development of the continent’s food systems:
1. Improving and Increasing Production Sustainably
• Explore policy strategies to enhance agricultural productivity while minimising environmental impact.
• Discuss sustainable intensification practices, such as agroecology, integrated pest management, and organic farming.
• Address soil health, water management, and agrochemical use challenges in sustainable production systems.
• Highlight circular food systems and examine policies to promote resource efficiency, waste reduction, and nutrient recycling in agri-food production and consumption.
2. Building Resilience in Agriculture and Food Systems
• Analyse policies and interventions to build resilience against climate change, extreme weather events, and market shocks.
• Examine adaptive strategies for smallholder farmers, including crop diversification, resilient seed varieties, climate-smart livestock systems, and insurance schemes.
• Review community-based adaptation approaches that empower local communities to develop and implement resilience strategies tailored to their needs and contexts.
• Discuss policy frameworks for disaster risk reduction, early warning systems, and social safety nets in rural communities.
3. Nutrition-sensitive Agriculture and Food Systems
• Analyse policies and programs to promote nutrition-sensitive agriculture and improve dietary diversity.
• Explore linkages between agriculture, food systems, and nutrition outcomes, focusing on maternal and child health.
• Discuss policy approaches to address food insecurity, malnutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies in vulnerable populations. • Unpack the One Health principles to address the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
4. Cross-Cutting Issues
• Highlight policies supporting agricultural research, innovation, and technology adoption while ensuring gender-responsive approaches to address disparities in access and adoption rates.
• Examine the role of extension services, farmer education, and knowledge-sharing platforms in disseminating best practices, specifically focusing on reaching women, youth, and marginalised groups to ensure inclusivity.
• Discuss policy incentives for private sector engagement, investment, and collaboration in agricultural innovation ecosystems.
• Address capacity strengthening at institutional and individual levels to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of agri-food system interventions.
The policy dialogue will bring together representatives of regional economic communities (RECs), international and regional institutions, government representatives, nongovernmental organizations, civil society organizations, academic institutions, the scientific community, international, regional, and national research organizations, universities, farmer organisations, the private sector, civil society, the media, and other stakeholders.
LISTEN TO THE Event Speakers
H.E. Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera
President of Malawi
H.E. Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera
President of Malawi
Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera is the incumbent President of the Republic of Malawi. He was sworn into office on 29th June 2020.
Hon. Sam Dalitso Kawale
Minister of Agriculture, M.P
Hon. Sam Dalitso Kawale
Minister of Agriculture, M.P
Country Coordinator at Purpose Driven Malawi/Peace Plan and works for Minister of Agriculture at Malawi Government, Ministry of Agriculture and National Executive Committee Member at Malawi Congress Party
Dr Tshilidzi Madzivhandila
CEO and Head of Mission FANRPAN
Dr Tshilidzi Madzivhandila
CEO and Head of Mission FANRPAN
Is an experienced applied research, policy analysis, monitoring and evaluation, policy advocacy specialist in the area of food systems, agriculture and natural recourses (FANR) with a total of more than 25 years working experience. Six (6) years of these is at an executive management level. Currently, as a CEO and Head of Mission of FANRPAN, Tshilidzi is vested with the key responsibility to provide overall strategic leadership and guidance to the organization.
Dr Theo De Jager
Board Chairman, FANRPAN
Dr Theo De Jager
Board Chairman, FANRPAN
Specialties: Agriculture, farmer development, land reform, Farming in Africa, climate change and climate smart agriculture
Prof Cecilia Onyango
University of Nairobi
Prof Cecilia Onyango
University of Nairobi
Over twenty years experience in research and capacity building in the areas of crop physiology, postharvest handling of fresh produce, food safety, nutrition, utilization and conservation of underutilised/neglected crops; and eco-efficient bioresource management.
Dr Greenwell Matchaya
ReSAKSS-ESA
Dr Greenwell Matchaya
ReSAKSS-ESA
Dr. Greenwell Matchaya is an experienced and results oriented Senior Economist with over 10 years of international experience. Major strengths include innovativeness, team work, program management, team leadership, projects development and implementation in the area of international development resulting in contributing to changing scores of trade and agricultural development policies in more than 16 countries. A successful manager of projects valued in millions of US$ resulting in capacity strengthening of hundreds of policy makers in more than 20 African countries. A team player mentoring diverse staff with PhDs, MScs, and BScs engaged in policy research at continental, regional and country levels. Experienced and well-trained in quantitative analysis with expertise in stakeholder/private sector engagement. Organized many forums with stakeholders leading to strengthening partnerships between stakeholder constituencies. Has further expertise in law, climate change adaptation, and digital technology from over 8 SADC countries. Interest and expertise in computer programming with Python, expert in economy-wide modelling with General Equilibrium Modelling Package (GEMPACK), Economic analysis with STATA, Python, Microfit, and SPSS.
He holds a PhD from University of Leeds in the UK (with a fellowship at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA), an MA in Economics (University of Leeds), an MSc in Development Economics from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (Oslo), Bachelor of Laws (Universiteit van Suid-Afrika -Pretoria) and a BSc (UNIMA- Malawi). He is an author of more than 40 peer reviewed research items in international journals and book chapters.
Ms Sithembile Mwamakamba
Director - Policy Research and Analysis at FANRPAN
Ms Sithembile Mwamakamba
Director - Policy Research and Analysis at FANRPAN
Sithembile coordinates FANRPAN’s climate smart agriculture policy research and advocacy projects. Her work focuses on enhancing the research to policy and practice interface to help raise investment in, and policy support for climate-smart agriculture. she manages a portfolio of programs that include projects on Irrigation Water Management, Post-harvest Management, and Climate Smart Resilient Agriculture.
Professor Tafadzwa Mabhaudhi
Professor of Climate Change, Food Systems and Health
Professor Tafadzwa Mabhaudhi
Professor of Climate Change, Food Systems and Health
I have experience in research, development, capacity building and building partnerships across academia, public and private sectors, civil society, and communities in the global South. I conduct multi- and transdisciplinary research covering sustainable and resilient food systems, global environmental change and the water-energy-food nexus. My goal is to work on research and development that is dynamic, transformative, informs policy and achieves real-life impacts within poor communities. My experience straddles research and academia, international research for development and capacity development for the global South.
Tendai Gunda
Regional Representative @ SUN Movement
Tendai Gunda
Regional Representative @ SUN Movement
As the Regional Representative for Anglophone Africa at Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement, I lead and support the implementation of the SUN strategy and action plan in 20 countries. I have over 17 years of experience in program management, spanning both humanitarian and development contexts, and I hold a Program D Pro certification and a Master's degree in Nutrition and Health.
My core competencies include coordinating, building capacity, and leading multiple stakeholders from different sectors to deliver high-impact nutrition interventions and policies. I am passionate about becoming a leader, expert, and pace-setter in public health nutrition and influencing policy to address important and ignored nutrition issues in the developing world. I am also proficient in report writing, African affairs, and budget management.
Ms Chikondi Chabvuti
Advocacy Advisor @ CARE
Ms Chikondi Chabvuti
Advocacy Advisor @ CARE
With over three years of experience as the Regional Advocacy Advisor at CARE, one of the leading humanitarian organizations in the world, I lead and coordinate the advocacy efforts of the organization in Southern Africa, focusing on climate change, women's rights, and humanitarian response. I have a master's degree in environmental science from the University of Malawi, and a strong background in gender and climate change, climate justice, and humanitarian preparedness and response.
In my role, I work with a diverse team of experts and partners to promote social and environmental justice, empower vulnerable communities, and influence policies and practices that affect the lives and livelihoods of millions of people in the region. I have also developed expertise in gender and food security issues, and have contributed to multiple regional and global campaigns and initiatives on these topics. I am passionate about using my skills and knowledge to advance the causes of sustainable development, human rights, and resilience building.
With over three years of experience as the Regional Advocacy Advisor at CARE, one of the leading humanitarian organizations in the world, I lead and coordinate the advocacy efforts of the organization in Southern Africa, focusing on climate change, women's rights, and humanitarian response. I have a master's degree in environmental science from the University of Malawi, and a strong background in gender and climate change, climate justice, and humanitarian preparedness and response. In my role, I work with a diverse team of experts and partners to promote social and environmental justice, empower vulnerable communities, and influence policies and practices that affect the lives and livelihoods of millions of people in the region. I have also developed expertise in gender and food security issues, and have contributed to multiple regional and global campaigns and initiatives on these topics. I am passionate about using my skills and knowledge to advance the causes of sustainable development, human rights, and resilience building.Programme
0700-0900hrs
Delegates Arrival and Registration
0900-1030hrs
Plenary Session 1: High Level Official Opening Ceremony
Moderator: Mr Mathews Malata, Climate Change Activist
Setting the Scene for the FANRPAN Annual Policy Dialogue – Dr Tshilidzi Madzivhandila, FANRPAN CEO and Head of Mission
Opening Remarks Mr Herbert Chagona, CISANET Board Chair
- Dr Theo de Jager, FANRPAN Board Chair
***Traditional Dance Group***
Introduction of Guest of Honor – Hon Sam Kawale, Minister of Agriculture, M.P
Official Welcome Address – H.E Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of Malawi
1030-1100hrs
TEA HEALTH BREAK & EXHIBITION – MEDIA INTERVIEWS
1100-1200hrs
Plenary Session 2: - Policy pathways to transformed food systems
Prof Cecilia Onyango
Facilitator: Prof Norman Maiwashe Agricultural Research Council, South Africa
Key Note Presentation – Prof Cecilia Onyango, University of Nairobi
Panel Discussion
- Mr Duncan Samikwa, Directorate of Food Agriculture and Natural Resources (FANR) Southern African Development Community (SADC)
- Ms Eluphy Nyirenda, AGRA Malawi
- Kofi Kisiedu Acquaye, Young Professionals for Agricultural Development (YPARD) Africa
- Mr Readwell Musopole Director of Planning, Ministry of Agriculture - Malawi
Q & A
Policy Implications and Reflections
- Dr Dumisani Kutywayo, Department of Research and Specialist Services- Zimbabwe
- Mr Chola Mfula, African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD)
1200-1300hrs
Session 3: Plenary – Research Pathways to transformed food systems
Mr Sherwin Gabriel
Facilitator: Dr William Chadza, Mwapata Institute
Key Note Presentation: Mr Sherwin Gabriel, International Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)
Panel Discussion
- Dr Angeline Mujeyi, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)
- Prof Tafadzwa Mabhaudi, ARUA Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Food Systems
(ARUA-SFS), Future Africa, University of Pretoria
- Dr Joseph Nagoli, Director of Knowledge and Learning, National Planning Commission of Malawi
Q & A
Policy Implications and Reflections
- Dr Yolisa Pakela Jezile, Agricultural Research Council, South Africa
- Dr Cliff Dlamini, Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA)
1300-1400hrs
LUNCH BREAK
1400-1530hrs
Session 4: Parallel Sessions Food Systems Transformation in a Changing Climate
Convened by the Food Systems Transformation in Southern Africa for One Health (FoSTA-Health) Research Consortium
Parallel Session 1: Climate Futures and Impact on Irrigation
Parallel Session 2: Food system mapping Session
Parallel Session 3: Women’s empowerment in agricultural change: Malawi and Tanzania
Parallel Session 4: Navigating Food Policy and Consumer Realities: Budgeting, Diets, and Crop Choices in Malawi and Zambia's Evolving Food Environments
Parallel Session 5: Evidence-based policy pathways for climate action
1530-1600hrs
HEALTH BREAK
1600-1730hrs
Plenary Session 5: Bringing It All Together
Moderator: Prof. Archileo Kaaya, Makerere University, FANRPAN Uganda Node
Feedback from Parallel Sessions
Q & A
1900hrs
Dinner - Potential Partner Event
0830-0900hrs
Recap of Day 1
Mr Bonani Nyhodo, National Agricultural Marketing Council, FANRPAN South Africa Node
0900-1015hrs
Plenary Session 6: – Climate Action Pathways to unlock food systems transformations
Dr Gbegbelegbe Sika
Moderator: Ms Beatrice Makwenda, Trust Africa
Key Note Presentation: Dr Gbegbelegbe, Sika, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)
Panel Discussion
- Lavel Moonga, University of Zambia
- Dr Ackim Mwape, New Zealand, Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre
- Prof Norman Maiwashe Agricultural Research Council, South Africa
- Dr Andrew Jamali, National Planning Commission - Malawi
Q & A
Policy Implications and Reflections
- Mr Mooketsa Ramasodi, Director-General: Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development South Africa
- Ms Tawonga Mbale-Luka, Director of the Department of Environmental Affairs, Malawi
1015-1100hrs
TEA HEALTH BREAK & EXHIBITION – MEDIA INTERVIEWS
1030-1145hrs
Plenary Session 7: Integrating Climate Land, Agriculture and Biodiversity in Africa for Sustainable Food Systems
Professor Tafadzwa Mabhaudhi
Facilitator: Dr Colleta Gandidzanwa, ARUA Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Food Systems (ARUA-SFS), Future Africa, University of Pretoria
Key Note Presentation: Prof Tafadzwa Mabhaudhi, University of Pretoria
Panel Discussion
- Dr Matilda Azong Cho, University of Pretoria
- Dr Sithabile Hlahla, Future Water Research Institute, University of Cape Town
- Dr Sera Gondwe, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Q & A
Policy Implications and Reflections
- Maxwell Mudhara (Director FSG/CTAFS)
- Dr Vimbayi Chimonyo (Scientist CIMMYT)
- Dr Richard Kajombo (Director for planning Ministry of Finance, Malawi)
1200-1300hrs
Plenary Session 8: Open Forum for Agricultural Biotechnology
Dr Greenwell Matchaya
Facilitator: Mr. Vitumbiko Chinoko, African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF)
Presentations
- Dr Francis Nangayo, African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF)
- Dr Ijeoma Akaogu, African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF)
- Dr Abel Sefasi/ Dr Kingdom Kwapata, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR)
Q & A
Policy Implications and Reflections
- Practitioner
- Government Representative (Permanent Secretary)
1300-1400hrs
LUNCH BREAK
1400-1530hrs
Session 9: Parallel Sessions Technology and Innovations for Food Systems Transformation
Parallel Session 1: Convened by Solidaridad
Parallel Session 2: Convened by AATF
1530-1600hrs
HEALTH BREAK
1600-1700hrs
Plenary Session 10: Bringing It All Together
Moderator: Mr Shane Hardowar, University of Mauritius, Mauritius Node
Feedback from Parallel Sessions
Q & A
1900:2100hrs
Dinner hosted by the University of Pretoria
0830-0900hrs
Recap of Day 2
Dr Cosmos Magorokosho, Agricultural Research Council (ARC), FANRPAN Zimbabwe Node
0900-1015hrs
Plenary Session 11: Shocks and how they impact food and nutrition security
Moderator: Ms Pamela Kuwali, CARE Malawi
Key Note Presentation: Mr Duncan Samikwa, SADC - Regional Vulnerability Assessment and Analysis Programme
Panel Discussion
- Dr Betty Chinyamunyamu, NASFAM
- Mr Archibald Chikavanga, CARE Zimbabwe
- Mr Godfrey Kafera, FEWSNET
- Ms Getrude Kambauwa, Director of Land Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Malawi
Q & A
Policy Implications and Reflections
- Mr Nawiko Masiye, Agriculture Consultative Forum (ACF)
- Prof. Fortunata Makene, Economic and Social Research Foundation, FANRPAN Tanzania Node
1150-1100hrs
TEA HEALTH BREAK & EXHIBITION – MEDIA INTERVIEWS
1100-1200hrs
Plenary Session 12:– Pathways to safe and nutritious food for all
Tendai Gunda
Facilitator: Prof Simba Sibanda, FANRPAN
Key Note Presentation - Ms Tendai Gunda, Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN)
Panel Discussion
- Ms Nicole Carn, World Food Programme (WFP) Malawi
- Mr Kondwani Mpeniuwawa, Department of Nutrition, HIV and AIDS - Ministry of Health
Q & A
Policy Implications and Reflections
- RAZAFINJARA Aimé Lala, Chairperson of the CCARDESA Board of Directors
- Ms Medrina Linda Mloza Banda, Principal Secretary for Technical Services, Malawi
1200-1300hrs
Plenary Session 13: Tackling a real problem with proven solutions: Gender Transformative Approaches
1300-1400hrs
LUNCH BREAK
1400-1530hrs
Parallel Sessions Knowledge management and sharing for agricultural development
Parallel Session 1: Convened by HSRC
Parallel Session 2: Convened by CCARDESA
Parallel Session 3: Convened by CARE
1530-1600hrs
HEALTH BREAK
1600-1700hrs
Plenary Session 16: Official Closing Ceremony
Moderator: Prof Simba Sibanda, FANRPAN
- Policy Dialogue Resolution
- Invitation to Malawi Day Dialogue – Ms Elizabeth Namaona, Civil Society Agriculture Network (CISANET)
- Vote of Thanks, FANRPAN CEO
- Official Closing Remarks, Malawi Agriculture Ms Medrina Linda Mloza Banda, Principal Secretary for Technical Services, Malawi
1900:2100hrs
Dinner hosted by the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), South Africa
0830-0900hrs
Arrival and Registration FANRPAN Malawi Node
0900-1015hrs
Malawi Day Opening Ceremony
Moderator: Lovemore Mtsitsi/Chikondi Chavuta, CARE Southern Africa
Malawi Day Objectives and Introductions – Ms Elizabeth Namaona, Civil Society Agriculture Network (CISANET)
Welcome Remarks
- Mr Herbert Chagona, CISANET Board Chair
Keynote presentation
- Kate Hartley Louis
Remarks from Ministry of Agriculture - Hon Sam Kawale, Minister of Agriculture, M.P
Official Statement - State Vice President
GROUP PHOTO
1150-1100hrs
TEA HEALTH BREAK & EXHIBITION – MEDIA INTERVIEWS
1100-1200hrs
Plenary Session Charting a Path to Hunger Eradication
Tendai Gunda
Facilitator: Edwin Munthali, CISANET
CISANET Thematic Presentation Charting a Path to Hunger Eradication – Dr Kalimbira
Q & A
1200-1300hrs
Plenary Session: The One Food Programme
1300-1400hrs
LUNCH BREAK
1400-1530hrs
Learning Labs
Learning labs; Food systems governance, research and capacity building.
Panel discussion
CISANET AGM
1530-1600hrs
HEALTH BREAK
1600-1700hrs
Plenary Session 16: Official Closing Ceremony
Moderator: Prof Simba Sibanda, FANRPAN
- Policy Dialogue Resolution
- Invitation to Malawi Day Dialogue – Ms Elizabeth Namaona, Civil Society Agriculture Network (CISANET)
- Vote of Thanks, FANRPAN CEO
- Official Closing Remarks, Malawi Agriculture Ms Medrina Linda Mloza Banda, Principal Secretary for Technical Services, Malawi
1900:2100hrs
Dinner hosted by the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), South Africa
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