Irish President Michael Higgins has hailed the Malawi Government for its performance in the annual hunger and nutrition commitment index.

Higgins said this on Wednesday at in Lilongwe at Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) when he was conducting a Public Lecture.

“I should congratulate the Government of Malawi on its performance in the annual hunger and nutrition commitment index.

“I believe that this level of commitment, with the right policy choices and support, can translate into equally impressive progress in reducing malnutrition in the coming years”, said Higgins.

The Irish President said the 2008 report of the Irish Hunger Task Force has shaped Irish foreign and development cooperation policy in recent years.

Higgins further congratulated Malawi for helping to shape the Irish Hunger Task Force Report.

“I am glad to be able to tell you that Malawi played a part in helping shape the conclusions of this influential Hunger Task Force report. The Hunger Task Force came to Malawi in February 2008. It visited the countryside, discussed with government officials, civil society and farmers, and drew conclusions which were reflected in the final report. So my country’s political leaders and policy makers are in your debt.

“Our understanding of the issue of hunger is directly influenced by your experience in Malawi, and I believe that this approach focusing on vulnerable small-holder farmers in the first instance, centring national policies on nutrition, and combining with action at the international level can provide the basis for a successful strategy”, said Higgins.

The index is run by the Institute of Development Studies, and supported by Irish Aid. The index ranks 45 governments on their political commitment to reduce hunger and under-nutrition.

Malawi lies third on the index with only Guatemala and Peru ahead in terms of their political commitment to address hunger issues.