The onset of the rainy season in Malawi marks a pivotal period for agriculture, a primary livelihood for many. However, as we prepare for the farming season, the critical need for land conservation looms large. While the expanse of land remains constant, its preservation is pivotal for present and future agricultural endeavours, ensuring sustenance for both people and livestock.

Despite the proclamation within the National Agriculture Policy of 2016, emphasizing agriculture’s fundamental role in the country’s economy, employment, poverty reduction, and food security, a disheartening reality persists. Thousands of hectares of farmland are lost to erosion annually during the rainy seasons.

Preserving agriculture from erosion and embracing sustainable practices are paramount. The absence of sustainability in fertilizer use poses a threat to the fertility of our land, demanding a balance between current needs and future generations’ requirements—an ideology in alignment with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Islamic teachings, particularly the actions and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him), emphasize resource conservation and sustainable land use. The Prophet’s establishment of preservation zones around Medina, prohibiting hunting and deforestation, served as a historical precedent for contemporary conservation efforts. His reverence for resource management and environmental preservation underscores the importance of nurturing agricultural lands.

For Malawi, sustainable agricultural practices should intertwine with spiritually inspired approaches to soil care. Understanding that farming is a continuous human necessity, we must uphold responsible stewardship of the land, recognizing it as a divine gift entrusted to us.

In this rainy season, let us harness its benefits by strategically planting trees around farming areas. Trees play a pivotal role in curbing land degradation, erosion, and wind damage, safeguarding our fields and fostering a more sustainable ecosystem.

Moving forward, Malawi must integrate these principles of sustainable agriculture into its practices. Balancing contemporary knowledge with timeless spiritual insights, we can uphold the sanctity of the land, ensuring its fertility for generations to come. May our efforts in conservation and sustainability echo the wisdom of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) and honor the divine gift of the land bestowed upon us.