The workshop was officially opened by the Minister of Lands Honorable Kezzie Msukwa who was also a guest of honor, on Monday, December 7th 2020.

Participants were drawn from the departments of lands, physical planning, surveyor general, Civil Society and traditional leaders from various districts in the country. 

In her welcoming remarks, the Acting Principal of the Polytechnic Dr Nancy Chitera welcomed the delegates to the launch where she briefly elucidated the five faculties of the Polytechnic.

The trainer is a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Built Environment, Dr Edward Chikhwenda.

Dr Chitera further outlined that it is this Faculty which is working with the government to build human capital in the Ministry of lands.

“The objective of this training is to train all responsible officers on the responsible land governance issues in Malawi,” said Dr Chitera.

Speaking during the launch, the Minister emphasized the need of training and involving all the stakeholders in issues to do with land distribution.

“Let me take this opportunity to thank FAO for the continued support it has always rendered to the Ministry in the areas of human capacity by working with learning institutions for the members of staff in the different departments to get diplomas, degree and even higher qualifications,” he said.

Msukwa advised the participants to use this opportunity seriously since the knowledge they will gain will not only be used by them as individuals, but they should be able to train members of the customary land committees.

Also present were; the Deputy minister of Land Abida Mia, the Acting Vice Chancellor of UNIMA Professor Al Mtenje, FAO representatives, government officials and Polytechnic staff members.