Farmers Union of Malawi (FUM) on 11th August, 2016 launched its new Strategic Plan (SP) that will guide the Union’s work over the next five years from 2017 to 2021.
Themed ‘Towards inclusive agricultural transformation in Malawi: Enhancing farmer’s incomes through increasing farmer productivity, food and export diversification and access to structured markets,’ the new strategic document aims to position FUM as a credible player in the agriculture sector at both global, regional and national levels.
Speaking during the launch of the blue-print, FUM Chief Executive Officer Prince Kapondamgaga said the new SP is anchored upon the gains achieved in the previous strategic plan which was implemented from 2011 to 2015 and focused on providing a strong and effective voice for Malawian farmers.
Kapondamgaga stressed that the new document builds on the strengths and achievements that FUM has registered in recent years including a well diversified farmer membership base where a strong FUM leadership is drawn from.
“FUM now has a decentralized structures through the District Farmers’ Union, has also strengthened partnership with government and Non State Actors, has a highly skilled and committed work-force and also a well-established financial and administration system, among other achievements,†said the FUM boss.
The plan, Kapondamgaga said, is part of efforts by FUM to ensure continued delivery of prioritized and expanded services to its members so that the Union is well positioned and aligned to national, regional and global policy imperatives.
Reacting to FUM’s new strategic document, Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development George Chaponda hailed FUM for clearly outlining its vision for developing Malawi agriculture sector through the new plan.
The minister also commended FUM for being a strategic partner in the implementation of the relevant strategies such as the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS) 11, the National Agriculture Policy (Nap), the Agriculture Sector Wide Approach (Aswap) and the National Export Strategy (Nes), among others.
FUM’s new SP has key strategic areas namely contributing to improved evidence-based and predictable agricultural policy environment, increased access to agribusiness and marketing services by FUM paid-up members, enhanced climate smart agricultural practices, empowerment of women and youth economically and socially, and also the strengthening of FUM institutional capacity. END-