Recently, Lilongwe, Malawi, became the vibrant hub of agricultural innovation as the 2025 National Agroecology Conference convened. Organised by PELUM Malawi in coordination with partners like Scope Malawi, Churches Action in Relief and Development (CARD), GIZ, Seed Knowledge Initiative, and Trocaire, this second annual gathering brought together a diverse array of stakeholders committed to transforming Malawi’s food systems.
Under the timely theme, “Fostering innovation, advocacy, and research for scalable agroecological solutions,” the conference underscored the critical role of agroecology in addressing Malawi’s most pressing challenges: climate change, persistent food insecurity and environmental degradation.
It is truly inspiring to witness such a concerted effort to share knowledge and experiences, paving the way for a more sustainable and food-secure future for Malawian small-scale farmers and their communities.
The conference highlighted a clear path forward, integrating policy, practice and community engagement. A pivotal moment was the keynote address by Elida Kazira, the Director of Crops, who emphasised the government’s strong commitment to this green revolution.
Kazira commended the invaluable efforts of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in complementing government initiatives to promote agroecology across the country.
Kazira affirmed the line ministry’s dedication to supporting farmers in adopting sustainable practices wherever necessary, acknowledging the significant strides already made through the crops and land resources department in encouraging agroecological adoption.
The conference was not just about discussion, it was about action.
Key action points emerged, designed to translate vision into tangible progress:
- Formation of a Technical Working Group: Within the next 12 months, a dedicated technical working group will be established. This group will develop a comprehensive strategy through ongoing dialogue and networking among all stakeholders.
- Linking with National Interventions: The strategy will explicitly connect with existing national efforts, such as the Fertiliser and Soil Health Action Plan, ensuring synergy and maximising impact. It will also integrate with soil health calendars, providing practical guidance for farmers.
- Platform for Farmer-Led Extension: A vital component will be the creation of a platform for designing and sharing experiences and evidence from farmer-led extension initiatives. This ensures that solutions are grounded in local realities and benefit directly from farmers’ invaluable knowledge.
- Media Engagement for Dissemination: Recognising the power of communication, there will be a strong focus on media engagement to effectively disseminate agroecological technologies and best practices, reaching a wider audience of farmers and stakeholders.
These action points signify a robust, collaborative approach to scaling up agroecological solutions, ensuring that innovations reach the farmers who need them most and that policies support a transition to more resilient and sustainable food systems.
The field visits on Day 3 to Dowa and Madisi, showcasing “Agroecology” in practice on 12 hectare land and seed recycling where farmers multiplying and preserving local seeds, further demonstrated the tangible impact of these efforts on the ground.
The 2025 National Agroecology Conference marks a significant milestone in Malawi’s journey towards a sustainable and food-secure future.
It is a call to action for every farmer, policymaker and stakeholder to embrace agroecology as the foundation of a resilient agricultural landscape.
Download the sustainable organic agriculture manual for more information on agroecology and organic agriculture.
Author: Rabecca Mwila
Rabecca Mwila is a passionate advocate for sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship. With a background in climate change and communications, she has spent years telling the untold stories of the realities of climate change, environmental and climate injustices and how they affect vulnerable communities in Africa and beyond.
