In Malawi, the right to food remains a pressing issue, especially for rural communities where the majority of the population depends on small-scale agriculture for their livelihoods. The country has faced repeated challenges in achieving food security due to factors like erratic weather patterns, limited access to land, and inadequate support for smallholder farmers. Although the Malawian government has made some efforts to strengthen agricultural policies and ensure that citizens have the right to adequate food, gaps still remain. Access to land, fair markets, and quality seeds are not always guaranteed for everyone, particularly for women who often face social and legal barriers in owning property and making decisions about land use.
The government, with the support of civil society organisations and international partners, has rolled out various programs aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and improving nutrition. However, many of these policies have not fully addressed the structural inequalities that women face. Women are the backbone of Malawi’s agriculture sector, yet they frequently lack the resources and recognition needed to thrive. Traditional systems of land ownership and market access continue to marginalise them, making it difficult for women to assert their right to food.
It is in this challenging environment that 23 RWA Malawi women from Traditional Authority Kalumbu in Lilongwe district came together at the RTC Centre in Nanthenje on June 8, 2025. This workshop, organised by Rural Women Assembly (RWA) members in the central region, was a strong demonstration of solidarity and a milestone in the fight for social justice. The women took the opportunity to learn about their rights, share their experiences, and strategise on how to claim their place in Malawi’s agricultural landscape.
Guest speakers from the Ministry of Gender, Ministry of Health, Trust Africa, and the Area Development Extension Officer (ADEC) brought valuable perspectives to the discussion, highlighting the deep connection between access to seeds, land, and food. The women were reminded that these resources are not privileges but fundamental rights, and that securing them is essential for food security. They recognised their vital role in protecting land and seeds, not just for their families but for entire communities.
One participant’s words captured the spirit of the gathering: “We want to be able to own land, have equal access to markets and availability of seeds. We will no longer be silenced or marginalised. Our rights are nonnegotiable.” With these words, the women renewed their commitment to advocating for policies that support women’s rights and food sovereignty.
Participants agreed that in Malawi, ‘We need legislation that: a) Promotes transparency and accountability in corporate practices and actions; b) Protects the rights of small-scale farmers and local communities to control their own FMSS; c) Supports sustainable agriculture practices and agroecology and socially just food systems; d) Holds corporations accountable for human rights violations for their actions.’
Meanwhile, in Balaka district, RWA members have been translating this vision into action by embracing agroecology. After receiving training on sustainable farming practices, these women have begun practicing conservation agriculture. On June 14, they mobilised themselves under the leadership of Ellen Kaudza, who has been a champion for this movement in Balaka. By working with nature instead of against it, these women are nurturing the soil, increasing their crop yields, and fostering biodiversity. They are not only improving their own livelihoods but also setting an example for others in their communities.
Through these efforts, the sisters in Balaka are contributing directly to food sovereignty. They are taking control of their own agricultural practices and showing that women can be powerful agents of change in the fight for the right to food. By adopting agroecology and supporting each other, they are making sure that the next harvest will not just feed their families but help secure a better, more sustainable future for all. Their work is a testament to what is possible when women are empowered to lead, and it is a powerful reminder that the struggle for the right to food in Malawi is far from over but with unity and determination, real progress is within reach. RWA members in Balaka understand and appreciate that Rural Women Assembly is passionate about empowering women to take control of their agriculture practices. By providing trainings and support, they are helping them unlock their full potential and trainings and drive positive change in their communities.
