For the Former President of Malawi, agriculture is the one sector that can transform African economies. But it relies on leadership to make this happen she told Farming First TV. This leadership should not only come in the form of politicians, she tells us, but traditional leaders at a local level as well.
Citing the success of the input subsidies in Malawi in 2004, she comments: “In a country that is traditional, like Malawi, whatever (traditional leaders) say at the grassroots, is what will happen.”
Collaboration between the global donor community and national government is also key to success, according to the now Founder of the Joyce Banda Foundation.
“One thing I know for sure is that the international community, that supports African governments, must listen to the priorities of African leaders. (In turn) the African leaders must listen to the masses, and support them.”
Visit our You Tube Channel to catch the full interview.