On Wednesday 1st December 2021, Prof. Pedro Sanchez, a Research Professor of Tropical Soils and Core Faculty Member at the Food Systems Institute, University of Florida, conducted a public lecture at the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR).  He spoke on soil health and alternatives to subsidies to a group of students and lecturers from the University.
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Prof. Sanchez repeatedly emphasized that microbial biomass is a good alternative to subsidies.  He advised Ministry of Agriculture and other key policy makers to do more in promoting economic growth of the country by enhancing agriculture production.
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Joining the team was Prof. Cheryl Palm (Food Systems Institute, UF), Mr. William Chadza (MwAPATA's Executive Director), Prof. Richard Mkandawire (MwAPATA's Board of Directors Chairman), Dr. Solomon Mkumbwa (Project Coordinator for PolSAT, the Policy Support for Agriculture Transformation Project), Dr. Tony Milanzi (Assistant Regional Director for AAP, the Africa Alliance for Partnerships).
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Prof. Sanchez came to Malawi to be the Eminent Speaker at the 7th Eminent Speakers Series which took place under the theme "Surmounting Soil Health Challenge: Practical Solutions for Enhancing Agricultural Productivity in line with Mw2063" which is co-organized by the MwAPATA Institute, National Planning Commission (NPC) and LUANAR.