SVTP is a Malawi Government initiative aimed at improving agricultural productivity, irrigation development, and rural livelihoods.

Professor Theresa Mkandawire, Team Leader for SHEFS-SA Malawi at MUBAS, made the remarks during the closing of a two-day stakeholders’ engagement held from 4 to 5 May 2026 in Chikwawa and Blantyre.

The engagement brought together local and international researchers, government officials, and other stakeholders to share insights on climate-resilient practices and sustainable food systems transformation. Discussions also focused on cross-cutting issues such as gender equity, youth inclusion, institutional effectiveness, and long-term environmental sustainability.

In Chikwawa, the delegation visited small-scale farmers and ongoing construction works under the project. The visit enabled researchers to explore opportunities for collaboration with SVTP, particularly in irrigation development within broader food systems, livelihoods, and resilience frameworks. The discussions also highlighted the project’s potential contribution to improved food security and nutrition outcomes.

Professor Mkandawire emphasized the important role academic researchers play in the country’s socio-economic development.

“In the Shire Valley Transformation Project, MUBAS plays a critical role by bringing interdisciplinary research and local expertise that help bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and real-world agricultural transformation,” she said.

In his remarks, Dr. Richard Kajombo from the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Decentralization stressed the importance of collaboration in ensuring the project’s success.

“The success of the Shire Valley Transformation Project depends on strong collaboration among stakeholders. By working together, we create synergy that enhances impact, strengthens implementation, and ensures sustainable outcomes for communities,” he said.

Irrigation Engineering Consultant for SVTP for Dr. John Njalamano, underscored the importance of research-driven solutions in addressing farmers’ challenges.

“Researchers play a vital role in providing solutions to the challenges farmers face, ensuring that innovations are practical and responsive to community needs,” he said.

Beyond the technical discussions, the project is already transforming lives at the community level. Tereza Mwalinja, a beneficiary and Board Secretary of the Mwanaalirenji Cooperative, said the initiative is changing livelihoods and perspectives on farming.

“This project has transformed how we think about farming. We now approach it as a business, improving food sufficiency and becoming more self-reliant,” she said.

MUBAS is participating in SHEFS-SA alongside the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR). Other consortium partners include the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), and the University of Zimbabwe. Representatives from these institutions also formed part of the delegation.

SHEFS-SA is a six-year project funded by the Wellcome Trust and commenced in 2024. The initiative draws expertise from sectors including agriculture, nutrition, health, socio-economics, water systems, and environmental sustainability.

The project seeks to promote integrated approaches that recognize the interconnections between human, animal, and ecosystem health in food systems transformation processes.