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.

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.

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.