The National Youth Council of Malawi [NYCOM] on 27th November joined a wide range of stakeholders, including Hon. Halima Daudi, MP, Deputy Minister of Health, for the launch of the 2024 Global Hunger Index (GHI) in Malawi. The event is took place at the Sunbird Lilongwe Hotel in Lilongwe

The Global Hunger Index is a peer-reviewed annual report, jointly published by Concern Worldwide, Welthungerhilfe, and the Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), designed to comprehensively measure and track hunger at the global, regional, and country levels. The aim of the GHI is to trigger action to reduce hunger around the world.

We were happy to participate in this discussion given that NYCOM is keen on redefining and enhancing the role of youth in food systems transformation in the country. We believe that young people should not just be perceived as consumers, but also the food producers. This is demonstrated by our first National Youth Conversations Series on the role of youth in food systems transformation. On April 29, 2024, in Lilongwe, we gathered about 100 participants, including youth agri-preneurs, youth leaders, government representatives, development partners, and other stakeholders, for an in-depth discussion on the current state of youth engagement in agriculture and food systems: gaps and challenges, opportunities, and practical action points.

This year, NYCOM also worked with Mwapata Institute to conduct a study on Prospects and Barriers to Youth Engagement in Agriculture and Food Systems in Malawi. A policy brief summarizing the findings can be accessed here: https://www.mwapata.mw/…/dd6c2f…

Some of the issues and recommendations highlighted in the policy brief and agreed upon by the stakeholders during the National Youth Conversation were brought up today by Martin Manyozo, a youth representative, who made a compelling presentation on Youth Perspectives on Gender Justice, Climate Change, and Food Security.

Other efforts undertaken by NYCOM include our recently established 100-million-kwacha small grants facility for agricultural youth cooperatives and sponsorship.