Chernor Bah

Strengthening Local Voices for Transformational Impact in Malawi's Agriculture Sector: A Call to Support CISANET Malawi is home to some of the most promising and committed civil society organizations (CSOs) dedicated to national development. One such organization is CISANET Malawi whose work is rooted entirely in advancing policy advocacy within the agricultural sector—a sector that is the backbone of our economy and the livelihood of millions of Malawians. CISANET's voice has grown to become one of the most respected in influencing agriculture-related policies, championing accountability, and amplifying the needs and concerns of farmers and rural communities. Its mandate is not only timely but critical in addressing systemic challenges such as food systems issues, climate injustice etc. However, like many local organizations, CISANET continues to face significant financial constraints. Despite its unwavering commitment and strategic vision, the lack of consistent and adequate support from development partners limits its ability to scale its impact. Strategic investment in CISANET’s programs, especially in the implementation of its forward-looking strategic plan, could catalyze long-term solutions to some of the most persistent development issues in Malawi’s agriculture sector. As a leader, I carry a deep conviction that accountability must be the cornerstone of our work not to assert moral superiority, but to restore integrity and transparency within systems that directly affect our nation’s most vulnerable. I believe in a future where we can look our children in the eyes and say: we did the right thing. We acted with courage and integrity not for a paycheck, but for the future of our country. CISANET recently launched a program to confront corruption within the agricultural input supply chain—a bold step that reflects our values and our courage to challenge the status quo. Malawi holds tremendous potential, as does CISANET. Yet we must ask ourselves: how can transformative change be achieved when local voices are under-resourced or viewed with suspicion in political spaces? How can we drive sustainable development if we are not intentional with our strategies and interventions? The fight against hunger, poverty, corruption, and climate injustice is not one we can afford to defer. It requires clarity of purpose, bold action, and genuine partnerships. This is not just about funding a local CSO—it is about investing in Malawi’s future. To our partners, donors, and fellow citizens: let us be able to tell future generations that we stood on the right side of history. That we chose integrity over convenience, not because it was easy, but because it was right. Let us choose to be part of a legacy that brought dignity and prosperity to Malawi’s farmers and rural communities. Let this be the moment we turned potential into progress. Learn more about who we are and how you can be part of this story at www.cisanetmalawi.org.

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