AWARD Fellow Bettie Sindi Kawonga’s vision is motivated by her conviction that Malawian youth are a “sleeping giant”, capable of contributing a lot more to the country, and to Africa’s efforts to improve its food security. Currently, more than 60 percent of Malawi’s population are still in their youth (under age 25), with many unemployed or under-employed due to lack of technical skills and few job opportunities.

A lecturer at the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Kawonga was awarded the US$150,000 prize following a successful application for a 40 Chances Fellowship, funded by the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, Tony Blair’s Africa Governance Initiative, and the World Food Prize Foundation. The prize was awarded during the World Food Prize event in Des Moines, Iowa, on October 16, which was also World Food Day