The article discusses the plight of Malawian widow Salome Nkalawire, who lost her land rights following her husband's death due to cultural norms. Despite women making up a significant portion of the agricultural workforce in Malawi, they often lack access to land and face rights abuses. The article highlights the challenges women face in both matrilineal and patrilineal systems of inheritance and land ownership in Malawi. Legal reforms have been made, including a 2015 law to ensure fair property distribution, but cultural practices continue to discriminate against women. The article includes insights from various experts and organizations working on gender equality and women's rights in Malawi.

In Malawi, subsistence farmers are turning to an innovative and affordable fertiliser called 'Bionitrate', made from human urine. This alternative to chemical fertilisers is gaining popularity due to its low cost and effectiveness. The urine is collected, matured, and processed into a fertiliser that is safe and environmentally friendly. Environmental Industries, a private non-profit company, is championing Bionitrate and training farmers to produce and use it. The initiative is seen as a sustainable solution to the high costs of chemical fertilisers and the challenges of soil nutrient depletion and climate change. The government's Farm Input Subsidy Programme (FISP) has been costly and not fully effective, making Bionitrate a promising alternative for the country's agricultural sector.

In Malawi, subsistence farmers are turning to an innovative and affordable fertiliser called 'Bionitrate', made from human urine. This alternative to chemical fertilisers is gaining popularity due to its low cost and effectiveness. The urine is collected, matured, and processed into a fertiliser that is safe and environmentally friendly. Environmental Industries, a private non-profit company, is championing Bionitrate and training farmers to produce and use it. The initiative is seen as a sustainable solution to the high costs of chemical fertilisers and the challenges of soil nutrient depletion and climate change. The government's Farm Input Subsidy Programme (FISP) has been costly and not fully effective, making Bionitrate a promising alternative for the country's agricultural sector.

Cyclone Freddy has caused significant destruction in southern Malawi, resulting in over 200 deaths, displacement of more than 20,000 people, and extensive damage to homes, infrastructure, and agriculture. The government has declared a state of disaster in the affected regions. The cyclone's impact highlights the vulnerability of Malawi's agriculture-dependent economy to climate change and the need for climate-smart agricultural policies. Experts suggest rethinking agricultural policies, moving away from reliance on chemical fertilizers, and adopting sustainable practices. The current subsidy programs for fertilizers and seeds have been criticized for their unsustainability and corruption. The government is urged to invest in agricultural extension services, halt land degradation, and secure international financing for climate adaptation to prevent further impoverishment of farmers.

Chikuli ward councillor Beatrice Mlatho has seen a shift towards more gender-responsive budgeting in Mulanje District Council, supported by the European Union, UN Women, and local NGOs since 2015. This approach has led to equitable resource distribution and increased educational completion rates among girls in areas with high child marriage rates. The National Local Government Finance Committee and local councils are aligning development projects with Malawi's 2063 agenda for inclusive wealth and self-reliance. The Malawi Local Government Association, led by Hadrod Mkandawire, is implementing gender-responsive budgeting guidelines to ensure no societal group is left behind. UN Women's Faith Mvula notes the project's role in enhancing accountability and lobbying for increased funding. Human rights activist Emma Kaliya and Senior Chief Kachindamoto of Dedza District recognize the positive impact on women's participation and the reduction of child marriages.

Malawian farmers, facing high chemical fertilizer costs, are increasingly turning to organic alternatives. Sabawo Chikuni, a farmer from Neno district, has reduced cultivation costs by 80% using organic fertilizers. The FAO has warned that the Russian invasion of Ukraine will impact global food supply, as Russia is a key fertilizer exporter. Experts in Malawi predict fertilizer prices could triple due to the conflict. Organic fertilizers, such as those from biodigesters, are seen as cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Organizations like Environmental Industries and Our World International are promoting these sustainable practices, while the government is urged to shift subsidies from chemical to organic fertilizers. The International Food Policy Research Institute suggests that while subsidies increase fertilizer use and yields, they discourage organic methods.

The Affordable Inputs Program (AIP) introduced by the Malawian government in 2020, with a budget of 160 billion Malawian kwacha, aims to improve food security by subsidizing farm inputs for subsistence farmers. Despite a significant budget increase compared to its predecessor, the Farm Input Subsidy Program (FISP), AIP has faced challenges such as supply issues, corruption, and criticism over its effectiveness. Agriculture policy experts suggest that subsidizing large-scale farming could be more effective. The International Monetary Fund has also recommended targeted cash transfers over the AIP's narrow focus on maize production. The Norwegian Mission to Malawi is looking to assist in strengthening the program. Malawi's Minister of Agriculture, Lobin Lowe, acknowledges the program's challenges but commits to improvements, while a government spokesperson cites a maize surplus as evidence of AIP's success.

African countries, including Malawi, Ghana, and Zimbabwe, are considering or have implemented COVID-19 vaccine mandates for front-line workers, despite opposition from civil rights groups and the World Health Organization. The Malawi Human Rights Commission and other organizations argue that mandatory vaccination violates human rights and advocate for voluntary vaccination and public education. However, public health experts like Dr. John Nkengasong of the Africa CDC suggest mandates may be necessary if voluntary uptake is insufficient. In South Africa, private sector institutions like Discovery Limited have seen increased vaccination rates following mandates. The debate continues as governments seek to balance public health needs with individual rights.

The article discusses the global issue of plastic waste and highlights various community-driven initiatives in Malawi, Tasmania, and Zimbabwe that are turning plastic waste into valuable products and creating employment opportunities. In Malawi, women are trained to manage waste and create products like organic manure and recyclable materials. Tasmania has pioneered the use of recycled plastic asphalt for roads, reducing both waste and carbon emissions. Zimbabwe's Kudiwa Waste and Energy Solutions is producing construction materials from recycled plastic, providing jobs and promoting a clean environment. The article emphasizes the importance of local solutions and entrepreneurial efforts in addressing the plastic waste crisis.

An investigative audit in Malawi has uncovered extensive mismanagement of COVID-19 funds, leading to the firing of Minister of Labour Ken Kandodo for improper use of allowances. The audit, part of Malawi's commitments to the International Monetary Fund, revealed unprocedural procurement, irregular allowances, and wasteful expenditure totaling over 720 million Malawian kwacha. Over 60 arrests have been made, and President Lazarus Chakwera has warned of more to come. While development partners like the EU and UN express support for the government's anti-corruption efforts, local civil society members criticize the government for not doing enough to prevent corruption and its impact on the country's pandemic response and development.