Minister Mbilizi Pushes for Youth-Focused Agriculture at IFAD Summit in Rome

Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, Roza Fatch Mbilizi, is attending the 49th Session of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Governing Council in Rome, Italy, where global leaders are discussing ways to transform agriculture under the theme “From Farm to Market: Investing in Young Entrepreneurs.”

The high-level meeting is focusing on addressing barriers that young people face in agricultural markets, particularly access to reliable and profitable outlets for their produce and in Malawi, while many young people are actively engaged in agricultural production, limited market linkages and unstable pricing systems continue to hinder their ability to fully benefit from their efforts.

Mbilizi said participation in the Governing Council presents an opportunity for Malawi to explore innovative approaches to strengthening agricultural value chains and expanding market access for young farmers.

She added that enhancing market systems is expected to create employment opportunities, reduce poverty and narrow inequality gaps, especially in rural communities where agriculture remains the backbone of livelihoods.

She expressed hope that IFAD will continue to support innovation and invest in rural communities, particularly young people, noting that such support is essential for the social and economic development of Malawi.