United Nations Radio

President Bingu wa Mutharika of Malawi has received a medal from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for his efforts to improve the food situation in his country.

The UN agriculture agency says that President wa Mutharika has substantially contributed to transforming Malawi from a state of food deficit to a net exporter of maize.

FAO Director-General Jacques Diouf conferred the Agricola Medal on the Malawian leader at a ceremony held in the country's capital, Lilongwe, on Thursday.

Mr. Diouf noted that despite sharply rising food and energy prices earlier in the year and the negative impacts of climate change, Malawi has been able to contain food prices.

He said Malawi's economic growth of eight percent is forecast for 2008.

In 2005, the Government of President wa Mutharika succeeded in restoring food security by enabling poor farmers and other vulnerable population groups to have access to fertilizers and improved seeds.

Diane Bailey, United Nations

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