Assessing the Military Upholding of Constitution in Democracy to Promote National Food Security in Malawi

Vincent Thom Nundwe; Mavuto Tembo; Chrispin Mphande; Thokozani Andrew Chazema; Hope Ngilazi; David Kumwenda

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijls.20250801.11

Research Article |

| Peer-Reviewed

Assessing the Military Upholding of Constitution in Democracy to Promote National Food Security in Malawi

Vincent Thom Nundwe^*, Mavuto Tembo, Chrispin Mphande, Thokozani Andrew Chazema

, Hope Ngilazi, David Kumwenda

Published in International Journal of Law and Society (Volume 8, Issue 1)

Received: 4 December 2024 Accepted: 19 December 2024 Published: 7 January 2025

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Abstract

Discussion over social influence of military power to supporting development of agriculture and achieving food security world over is eminent. Nations sovereignty depends on human security dependent on Food security, hence military engagement to support food security efforts. This paper assesses military upholding of constitution in democracy to promote national food security in Malawi. Qualitative interviews purposely selected retired Army senior officers, Members of Parliament, District Agricultural Development officers, Police station Officers in-charge, Station Criminal Investigation Officers, Station Community Policing Coordinators, trade and industry official and business persons. Qualitative approach collected data using interview guide in Karonga and Chitipa Districts. Data analysis followed coding, codes into sub-themes and themes answering research questions. Through constructivism paradigm, concordance theory, results indicate Malawi Defence Force acted professionally by (1) upholding constitution by working together with other departments to consulting, coordinating and planning meetings with stakeholders to enforce supporting food security; planning meeting with internal security agencies to strategize supporting food security; got involved during distribution of Affordable Input Subsidy, crisis, controlling the banning of illegal exportation of some cash crops like tobacco. (2) Intervening with non-traditional combatant missions of mounts roadblocks; seal borders to control careless distribution and smuggling of national food produce to bar exporting insufficient yielded of various declared crops; confiscating chattels used for moving declared emergency crops contrary to policies; backs up police; National Parks and wild life and the Forestry department including ADMARC to enforce food security policies. (3) Military have positively influenced compliance to policies of food security with fruitful interventions, when they confiscated trucks/vehicles and crops they handed over to police and taken to court for disposal, arrested suspects were handed over to police for prosecutions rendering military intervention efficient and effective. While other scholars conclude the importance of military autonomy on involvement at farming programs for food production, escorting food to the needy through humanitarian missions and distribution of food for difficult to reach areas. Current study concludes, military autonomy is pivotal to upholding of Constitution which empowers military to use effective civil military relations skills with concerned stake holders to manage constitutional requirements as dictated by law. Constitution empowers Malawi Defence Force to intervene with necessary strategies to promote and manage food security nationally. Autonomous lawful public administrative institutions may contribute to sustainable food security.

Published in	International Journal of Law and Society (Volume 8, Issue 1)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijls.20250801.11
Page(s)	1-8
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Civilian Leadership, Constitution, Malawi Defence Force, Democratic State, Food Security

1. Introduction

Malawi Vision 2063 aims for commitment to self-reliant nation by 2063

[10]

. Increase in population ignites need for more resources inclusive food security for any nation

[12, 13]

Embracing enabler 2: Effective Governance Systems and Institutions in the vision 2063, shall allow effective and efficient governance systems and institutions such as Malawi Defence Force with strict adherence to the rule of law, thereby helping the restoration of food security in terms of sufficient and nutritious food for all people at all times

[10]

. Food is a basic human right contributing to right to life as stipulated in Malawi constitution section 13 (b): “To achieve adequate nutrition for all in order to promote good health and self-sufficiency”.

1.1. Background Information

Ramokgadi posits that sovereignty in public administration vacuums exist when the government has no identifiable central authority to run the public administrative affairs of the country

[15]

1.2. Definitions of Concepts

Civil-military control: This broadly refers to the interaction between military, political leadership and general society over restoring national sovereignty.

Democracy: Refers to administration of public services through constitutionalized laws of democratically elected government. The elected authority is elected based on peoples’ trust through transparent and fair elections as guided by constitution.

Sovereignty: Refers to autonomy of particular nation within its territorial political boundaries within the region and in the world.

1.3. Empirical Evidence

In Egypt the military plays a major role in food production and security in Egypt, producing up to 18% of the country’s food. Research reveal that political security in Egypt is tied to food security; that a national level coordinating mechanism is critical to the military’s participation in food security in Egypt

[9]

In Kenya the military has a big impact in the country’s food security through the Kenya Ordinance Factories Corporation (KOFC). Study results indicate that the military can indeed contribute to the country’s food security, and that military interventions around the world, such as the US in Afghanistan, in Nigeria and Indonesia demonstrate that the military is capable of making a contribution to countries’ food security

[9]

In less developed countries addressing the long-standing debate over the social impact of military power and recent discussions of military-induced famine. Research results show that militarization is both beneficial and detrimental to food security, whereas militarism is consistently detrimental. Arms imports and associated increased military spending plus praetorianism and military repression reduce food security, whereas increased military participation and arms production boost food security

[16]

In Nigeria, Food Agriculture Organization estimates that most of Nigeria’s population is underserved; besides hunger, people experience effects of poor nutrition – diabetes, obesity, anaemia, etc. However, it may be argued that the army is capable of not only resolving conflicts, but also supporting the development of agriculture and achieving food security

[6]

In Pakistan in Northern Khyber Pukhtunkhwa, Khan and Shah Pakistan, in the study found that war on terror had threatened the efforts of establishing food secure environment, as militant tendencies and food security did not have any reinforcing effects rather paradoxical in nature. The existence of such environments were exploring toward imposing of the decision without the consent of the local population, which eroded the chances of greater public inclusion in the development initiatives. Moreover, such dynamics forced the locals to migrate internally as well. In addition, the local youth recruitment in such armed groups gave impetus to the rise of greater deviance, challenging the established social and cultural patterns of life while challenging the writ of the state as well. The rise of militant tendencies during the war on terror had the most significant impact on access to food in the study area

[8]

Sokolovska et al., in the study explored the impact of military actions on food and labor security. The stabilization of the economic situation after COVID-19 on the European continent was aggravated by the beginning of the military aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. Tracking the change in the situation became possible with regard to the food and labor security of Ukraine by comparing the nature of the threats that affected their level before and during the active phase of the military confrontation. The military actions not only exacerbated previously existing threats, but also provoked the emergence of new ones that received a higher level of priority. The large-scale military aggression also provoked the emergence of new threats to the EU countries due to the influx of a significant number of refugees and countries in Africa and the Middle East as a result of the cessation of food supplies. The military actions have exacerbated the problem of ensuring food and labor security both in Ukraine and at the international level, requiring a consolidated solution to stabilize the situation and avoid global famine

[17]

Furthermore, Pushak et al., in Ukraine indicate that the sowing campaign is taking place with great difficulty as a result of active military actions in the eastern and southern parts of the country, specializing in the cultivation of grain crops. Seaports are blocked, which creates new threats to global food security. The generalization of analytical data is aimed at characterizing the food security of Ukraine before and during military actions, followed by the designation of possible consequences, including on global food security. The generalizations made prove the need to consolidate the efforts of Ukraine, as one of the world's largest food producers, and international organizations in order to avoid the greatest catastrophe of mankind in its modern history, which will be caused by famine

[14]

In Indonesia, Bainus and Yulianti report that Indonesian military involvement in the agricultural sector had begun since the 1960s when they had a significant role in a global modernization of agriculture project led by the US government and world donor agencies, namely the Green Revolution. In 2015, the Indonesian military signed a Memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Agriculture in a “Special Efforts Program for Accelerating Food Production” which again delivers an important role to the military in the agricultural sector by implementing a Green Revolution oriented farming. The study provides a paradigmatic response to a question, why Indonesian military insists on implementing a program that after 50 years has not proven successful in reaching the target of food self-sufficiency? Based on literature studies and analysis of empirical data, this study suggests that there is a paradigmatic misperception among the policy makers, both civil and military, about food security concept. The authors also offer a new implementation framework based on the concept of food sovereignty that can be performed by policy makers in Indonesia and other developing countries

[3]

Ramokgadi reports that abundant pieces of legislation and policy frameworks exist that link the military role and durable peace, and those that link durable peace and sustainable development. The linkage between the military role and sustainable development is absent in these source documents. The researcher submits that this “absence” constitutes both a theoretical and a policy-based gap that demands the attention of the policy practitioners and scholars in Public Administration. In attempting to close this gap, this study begins with the fundamental concepts that emerged from the literature review. Among others, they include regional administration and defence administration that led to the formulation of regional defence administration (RDA) as a higher-order construct. The concepts “operations other than war” (OOTW) and “operational activities for development” (OAD) led to the formulation of “military operational activities for development” (MOAD). In theorizing the concept of MOAD, this study seeks to close the identified gaps. In closing this gap, this study depended on the grounded theory and methodological analysis using case studies selected from Southern Africa. The theoretical sampling method was used to generate data from various databases using three key terms, namely the military role, durable peace, and sustainable development. In analysing and synthesising the emerging data, the study focused on the most common words, utterances, concepts, properties, and categories to formulate the higher-order constructs. Furthermore, the study borrowed from biological studies to juxtapose the “unknown” with the “known” for purposes of theory building. In doing so, the study borrowed from systems thinking, biomimicry, metaphorical thinking, tensegrity systems, design by analogy to biology, and the theory of biological compressions and tensions. These theories assisted the researcher to establish the interdependence of civilian and military organisations that respond to worldwide complex emergencies. In doing so, the researcher argues that rapid responses and effective interventions in managing complex emergencies are a step in achieving the long-term Agenda for Sustainable Development. It is on the basis of this theoretical line of argument that the study establishes the military role in support of development

[15]

Food security is one of the main human’s component that could affect national security and human security. By seeing how strategic food security issue that obviously relates to national security and human security, the military engaged to oversee the food security efforts. This study discuss how the pattern of civil and military relations in dealing with food security. This study applies a qualitative approach. As a result, this study indicates that the military has an important role in safeguarding food security processes. Starting from the controlling action during the distribution process of fertilizer that still has a continuous problem, allocating the tool of agriculture intensification, education about the intensification of agriculture, irrigation and agricultural infrastructure. According to Law 34/2004, this role is commonly done by the military, especially in military operations apart from war. Besides the role of the military, public participation is also quite large in guarding national food security. The existence of farmers' groups combined (Gapoktan) and Region Sustainable Food House (KRPL) which is a national program in each village, and the community of farmers such as the Community Ngawi Organic Center (KNOC) in Ngawi, shows that the Indonesian people ready to the national food security. Unfortunately collaboration and communication between the civil and the military still needs to be improved, especially in the outside of agriculture area. Hence, this research is expected to be an ideal model of the pattern of civil- military relations in various fields aside from food security in the era of democratization to realize the national defense in the future

[7]

In Malaysia, Warman and Issa did a study that aimed to determine Food Safety knowledge, practice in preventing Foodborne Disease, and risk perception related to food handling among food handlers at military bases. An Optimistic Bias in preventing FBD was examined based on the risk perception responses. A set of questionnaires was sent to an officer at each military base in Malaysia. Later, the officer would conveniently distribute the questionnaire to approximately half of the targeted respondents. A total of 284 data were gathered and were analysed using SPSS version 20. The findings revealed that food handlers had good Food Safety knowledge scores and practice to preventing Foodborne Disease. However, it was found that different risk perception levels were present, indicating Optimistic Bias. The existence of Optimistic Bias was observed in all comparisons and situations except for the question about sanitising utensils. Hence, a conclusion can be made that there is a tendency that food handlers tend to neglect and overlook Food Safety procedures, and can contaminate foods due to the presence of Optimistic Bias. This study will contribute significantly to military foodservice establishments in Malaysia regarding food hygiene and safety awareness

[18]

In Japan, Barclay & Epstein report that concerns about supplies of food have been a feature of Japanese politics since Japan started modernising in the second half of the 1800s. It has remained a prominent political issue even after Japan cemented its status as a wealthy country in the 1980s, with the Japanese Government continuing to protect domestic food production from international competition. Protectionism is a curious policy for a country so dependent on world trade, including for food. Protectionist practices have led to entrenched interests in some sections of government and industry. Protectionist ideas are used in nationalist arguments against food imports. The protection of domestic food production, however, resonates positively well beyond the groups that benefit economically from protection and those that indulge in chauvinist notions about the dangers of “foreign” food. The issue, therefore, is broader than interest-group capture or xenophobia. Research findings show it is deeply embedded in Japanese policies relating to food domestically and internationally, and goes beyond government policy as such, involving ways of thinking about protection of national culture, and social and environmental responsibility. Michel Foucault’s notion of governmentality helps to explain this approach to food security, accounting for the balancing act between free trade and protection as well as the pervasiveness of this rationality beyond government as such

[4]

Alexander et al., indicate that the group of basic problems that determine the existence of mankind involves the surplus of food for some and the malnutrition of others. There is an opinion that ensuring food security is an integrated task of agriculture and political will, combined with the logistics of product delivery. Despite joint efforts and various UN programs to combat hunger, only short-term local results have been achieved. Food security, especially in the global sense, has not yet been implemented, and there are reasons for this. The analytical review presents evaluation of the achieved result and points out the activities that require adjustments

[2]

In Kuwaiti, Alajmi and Somerset a retrospective cross-sectional study indicate during the occupation, food became increasingly difficult to acquire. Two food systems emerged: (i) an underground Kuwaiti network linked to foods recovered from local food cooperatives and (ii) a black market supplied by food imported through Iraq or stolen locally. Food shortages led to reductions in meal size and frequency. Some respondents (47•7%) reported not having sufficient income to purchase food and 22•1% had to sell capital items to purchase food. There was a significant increase (P <0•01) in home production, with 23•1% of people growing vegetables and 39•0% raising animals to supplement food needs. Reduction in food wastage also emerged as a significant self-reported behavior change. Respondents reported deterioration in the quality and availability of fish, milk, and fruit in particular. Despite a decrease in opportunities for physical activity, most respondents reported that they lost weight during the occupation. Conclusions: Although the Kuwaiti population fell by about 90% and domestic food production increased during the 7-month occupation, the local population continued to rely heavily on imported food to meet population needs. The high prevalence of self-reported weight loss indicates the inadequacies of this food supply. High apparent food security in systems which significantly exceed the ecological carrying capacity of the local environment and rely on mass food importation remains vulnerable

[1]

In Slovak Republic, Morong and Nekoranec by the article analyzes the current state of the economy of the Slovak Republic in the conditions of a relatively open market, which has its parallelism with the economic development of almost all Central and Eastern European countries after 1989. Changes called the restructuring of industry and agriculture, which must have suffered a particularly sensitive to perceive not only from the aspect of food, but also national security. The critical situation of food security, despite all the military-political the repeated creating guarantees and benefits of the global market, the risks that must be taken into account in the framework of strategic planning in the armed forces

[11]

Basuki, analyzed the impact of the United States' armed military invasion of Afghanistan, initiated after the 9/11 tragedy, on food security in Afghanistan during the years 2021-2022. The research employs a qualitative approach, interpreting data through a descriptive method using literature review from articles, journals, and related scientific studies. The theoretical framework integrates Hegemony Theory to examine U.S. power in Afghanistan and Food Security Theory to assess the food security situation in Afghanistan during 2021-2022. The U.S. military invasion in Afghanistan resulted in economic, food, and political instability, placing the country under significant food security threats, exacerbated by geographic challenges that hinder economic recovery. After the full military withdrawal by the U.S. in 2021, driven by a shift in foreign policy prioritizing diplomacy, alongside critiques of the U.S. occupation and the "America First" policy under Donald Trump, nearly 11 million Afghans remained in critical food insecurity. This number rose to almost 20 million by 2022. International trade conducted by Afghanistan in 2021 had no significant effect on improving the domestic economy. Therefore, the study concludes that the U.S. military withdrawal did not improve Afghanistan's food security, as underlying issues such as geographic conditions and political instability remained the primary factors affecting the country's food security situation

[5]

Malawi Constitution section 160 mandates the Malawi Defence Force to operate at all times under the direction of those civil authorities in whom this Constitution vests such power, to (a) uphold the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic and guard against threats to the safety of its citizens by force of arms; (b) uphold and protect the constitutional order in the Republic and assist the civil authorities in the proper exercise of their functions under this Constitution; (c) provide technical expertise and resources to assist the civilian authorities in the maintenance of essential services in times of emergency. Civil-military control is a key feature of political life in all nations - -states that maintain permanent military organisations, tasked with the defence of the state and its citizens can be instrument for food security. Seeing that Defence forces have been involved to produce food for the country, come up with interventions to secure the available food production for its citizens. This study would like to assess the military upholding of constitution in democracy to promote national food security in Malawi. Specifically, does MDF use objective civil military relations to upholding the constitution in times of declared state of emergency in terms of food crisis? What interventions do MDF do to promote food security? How effective have these interventions promoted food security?

2. Methodology

2.1. Study Area

Is the whole Northern Region of Malawi. From the whole people of Northern Malawi the purposive sampling targeted, the researcher interviewed five retired MDF retired Commander, five Members of Parliament, five Chiefs from Karonga, five chiefs form Chitipa, Karonga ADD DADO, Chitipa ADD DADO, Officers in-charge Karonga and Chitipa Police stations, Station Criminal Investigation Officers Karonga and Chitipa, Station Community Policing Coordinators Karonga and Chitipa, two trade and industry official from Karonga and Chitipa, ten business persons from Karonga and Chitipa.

2.2. Study Design

Qualitative approach and Constructivism paradigm.

2.3. Theoretical Framework

Concordance theory is guiding the interpretations in the study phenomenon.

Data collection instrument is interview guide used for conducting in-depth interviews aided by digital recorder.

2.4. Data Analysis

The recorded interviews were transcribed word by word. The interview transcript was anlyzed by creating codes which were grouped into sub-themes, sub-themes were categorized into themes and themes answered research questions. Secondary documents were analyzed especially crop export permits as well as business trading licences.

2.5. Limitations

Time was not enough to exhaust intentions. The travelling and using of research assistants was costly. Some of the respondents were demanding money to supply information.

3. Findings

3.1. MDF Civil Military Relations in Declared State of Emergency of Food Crisis

Analyzed interviews indicate that respondents agreed that Malawi Defence Force has always been involved at consulting, coordinating, planning and executing policies of banning crop exportation. The consistent themes that came out during the interviews from respondents were that Malawi Defence Force was always involved at (1) consulting, coordinating and planning meetings with various concerned stakeholders to enforce policies supporting food security (2) Planning meeting with internal security agencies to enforce policies on export banning of illegal crop trading (3) Get involved in planning meeting with concerned departments on management of food management during declared food crisis state of emergency (4) got involved during distribution of Affordable Input Subsidy, crisis, (5) Taken part at controlling the banning of illegal exportation of some cash crops like tobacco.

Results imply that Malawi Defence Force plays a big role to consult, coordinate plan and execute their constitutional mandate of upholding the Constitution in promoting and managing food security in the country for the purpose of protecting national sovereignty. The challenge is that some of concerned departments flouted procedures such as giving fake documentations because of professional mediocrity because of corruption. Politicians wanted to intervene without lawful authority to direct planning of such activities.

This result is similar to Makwata that political security in Egypt is tied to food security; that a national level coordinating mechanism is critical to the military’s participation in food security in Egypt. In Kenya the military has a big impact in the country’s food security through the Kenya Ordinance Factories Corporation (KOFC)

[9]

3.2. Interventions That MDF Do to Manage Declared State of Emergency in Terms of Food Crisis

Analyzed qualitative interviews revealed that participants agreed that Malawi Defence Force has always come up with military non-traditional missions as interventions to deal promote and manage the national declared food crisis emergencies. The consistent themes that came out during interviews were (1) Malawi Defence Force mounts roadblocks, seal borders to control careless distribution and smuggling of national food produce to bar exporting insufficient yielded of various declared crops (2) Malawi Defence Force confiscates chattels that are moving declared emergency crops contrary to policies (3) Malawi Defence Force backs up police, National Parks and wild life and the Forestry department including ADMARC to enforce food security policies.

Finding implies that Malawi Defence Force intervenes through non-traditional missions to promote and manage food security in the country to protect the people of Malawi. However, some junior military officials get carried away in these non-traditional missions and gets entangled in corrupt behaviors. Some suspects who wanted to abuse names of high ranked officials or high political figures ended up being harassed by junior military officers deployed for the operations. Furthermore, allowing more involvement of military non-traditional missions erodes authority of internal security mandated institutions because military becomes very active than those mandated for internal matters. Further to that military budgetary implications mount pressure on already low budgetary provisions.

Results is similar to Makwata in Kenya, revealing that military can indeed contribute to the country’s food security

[9]

, and that military interventions around the world, such as the US in Afghanistan, in Nigeria and Indonesia demonstrate that the military is capable of making a contribution to countries’ food security

[4, 9, 15]

Increased military participation in socio-economic activities boosts food security

[16]

. In Nigeria, for the underserved population and where people experience effects of poor nutrition – diabetes, obesity, anaemia, the army is capable of supporting the development of agriculture and achieving food security

[6]

. Huda et al. report food security is one of the main human’s component that could affect national security and human security. The military has an important role in safeguarding food security processes. Starting from the controlling action during the distribution process of fertilizer that still has a continuous problem, allocating the tool of agriculture intensification, education about the intensification of agriculture, irrigation and agricultural infrastructure. According to Law 34/2004, this role is commonly done by the military, especially in military operations apart from war. Besides the role of the military, public participation is also quite large in guarding national food security

[7]

3.3. Effective Management of Non-traditional Mission

Qualitative analyzed data indicate that respondents agree that Malawi Defence Force actions have been effective. They have positively influenced compliance to policies. Consistent themes that came out during interviews were (1) confiscated trucks/vehicles and crops were handed over to police and taken for court disposal. (2) Arrested suspects were handed over to police for prosecutions. (3) People have always complied with the policies after seeing others facing the law after being caught by Malawi Defence Force members (4) Malawi Defence Force officers are efficient and effective (see figures 1, 2 and 3 below).

Result implies that the Malawi Defence Force is abiding by constitutional mandate by enforcing sovereignty through preserving, protecting and defending the Constitution through backing all relevant concerned departments and ministries concerned with promoting and managing food security within national borders. Interference of some corrupt high profile politicians wanted to come in to compromise professional standard procedures to their self-interest gains.

Result is similar to research finding by Sokolovska et al., in Ukraine that the military actions have exacerbated the problem of ensuring food and labor security both in Ukraine and at the international level, requiring a consolidated solution to stabilize the situation and avoid global famine

[17]

. The finding is similar to Makwata who reported that in Afghanistan the military play’s part to manage food sufficiency through army escorts to various affected areas

[9]

. Scanlan and Jenkins who pointed out that militarization of Defence forces contribute to managing food security in concerned nation

[16]

Download: Download full-size image

Figure 1. Showing a confiscated truck by the MDF to enforce food security in Malawi.

Download: Download full-size image

Figure 2. Showing one of the confiscated truck by MDF in non-traditional mission of enforcing compliance to promoting and managing food security.

Download: Download full-size image

Figure 3. Showing one of the confiscated truck by MDF in non-traditional mission of enforcing compliance to food security policy in Malawi.

4. Discussion

The paper discusses that while other scholars conclude the importance of military autonomy on involved at farming programs for food production, escorting food to the needy through humanitarian missions and distribution of food for difficult to reach areas. The current study concludes that the military autonomy is pivotal to the upholding of Constitution which empowers the military to use effective civil military relations skills with concerned stake holders to manage constitutional requirements as dictated by law. The Constitution empowers the MDF to effectively intervene with necessary strategies to promote and manage food security in the country. Contribution: Autonomous lawful public administrative institutions may contribute to sustainable food security. MDF is not influenced by politicians. But is more used in no-tradition combats a detrimental to democracy because of overuse outside its boundaries.

Implications

Constitution section 160 mandates the Malawi Defence Force to operate at all times under the direction of those civil authorities in whom this Constitution vests such power, to (a) uphold the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic and guard against threats to the safety of its citizens by force of arms; (b) uphold and protect the constitutional order in the Republic and assist the civil authorities in the proper exercise of their functions under this Constitution; (c) provide technical expertise and resources to assist the civilian authorities in the maintenance of essential services in times of emergency. Section 5 of Constitution says the Constitution is supreme in the land and any law inconsistent with the principles of the Constitution will render such law or culture, behavior invalid. Allowing Malawi Defence Force to discharge its duties without interference by politicians, as well as providing enough funding including budgetary allocation for resources for food production in the country will promote sustainable food security for Malawi. The environment must give the embracing of enabler 2: Effective Governance Systems and Institutions in the vision 2063. So, that factors shall allow effective and efficient governance systems and institutions. This will promote the rule of law, thereby helping the restoration of food security in terms of sufficient and nutritious food for all people at all times. Food is a basic human right contributing to right to life as stipulated in Malawi constitution section 13 (b): “To achieve adequate nutrition for all in order to promote good health and self-sufficiency”.

5. Conclusions

The paper concludes that rule of law will promote the Malawi Defence Force to uphold the constitution and protect national sovereignty inclusive promotion of food security to allow citizens exercise the right to life. The paper gives a recommendation just like Huda et al., upholding of constitutionalism in promoting and managing food security is an ideal model of the pattern of civil- military relations that must be applied in various fields aside from food security in the era of democratization to realize the national defense in the future

[7]

. Corruption, mediocrity and lack of authority must not be entertained in issues of preserving protecting and defending national sovereignty. There must be extensive civic education to all stakeholders of public administration on the autonomous and mandate that the institution like Malawi defence Force has to protect national sovereignty.

Abbreviations

MDF	Malawi Defence Force

Acknowledgments

Appreciations and acknowledgements must be expressed to all research participants for their variable contributions towards increasing of knowledge paradigm on the subject under study.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interests.

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[17]	Sokolovska, O., Dziurakh, Y., Kristinyak, M., Petrukha, N., and Nazaruk, M. (2022). The Impact of Military Actions on Food and Labor Security. IJCSNS International Journal of Computer Science and Network Security, VOL. 22 No. 6, June 2022. https://doi.org/10.22937/IJCSNS.2022.22.6.72
[18]	Warman, M. S. E., and Issa, Z. M., (2024). Examining Factors in Preventing Foodborne Diseases among Food Handlers at Military Dining Hall. J. Gizi Pangan, August 2024, 19(Supp. 2): 211-218. http://journal.ipb.ac.id/index.php/jgizipangan

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Nundwe, V. T., Tembo, M., Mphande, C., Chazema, T. A., Ngilazi, H., et al. (2025). Assessing the Military Upholding of Constitution in Democracy to Promote National Food Security in Malawi. International Journal of Law and Society, 8(1), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijls.20250801.11

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ACS Style

Nundwe, V. T.; Tembo, M.; Mphande, C.; Chazema, T. A.; Ngilazi, H., et al. Assessing the Military Upholding of Constitution in Democracy to Promote National Food Security in Malawi. Int. J. Law Soc. 2025, 8(1), 1-8. doi: 10.11648/j.ijls.20250801.11

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AMA Style

Nundwe VT, Tembo M, Mphande C, Chazema TA, Ngilazi H, et al. Assessing the Military Upholding of Constitution in Democracy to Promote National Food Security in Malawi. Int J Law Soc. 2025;8(1):1-8. doi: 10.11648/j.ijls.20250801.11

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@article{10.11648/j.ijls.20250801.11,
  author = {Vincent Thom Nundwe and Mavuto Tembo and Chrispin Mphande and Thokozani Andrew Chazema and Hope Ngilazi and David Kumwenda},
  title = {Assessing the Military Upholding of Constitution in Democracy to Promote National Food Security in Malawi
},
  journal = {International Journal of Law and Society},
  volume = {8},
  number = {1},
  pages = {1-8},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijls.20250801.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijls.20250801.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijls.20250801.11},
  abstract = {Discussion over social influence of military power to supporting development of agriculture and achieving food security world over is eminent. Nations sovereignty depends on human security dependent on Food security, hence military engagement to support food security efforts. This paper assesses military upholding of constitution in democracy to promote national food security in Malawi. Qualitative interviews purposely selected retired Army senior officers, Members of Parliament, District Agricultural Development officers, Police station Officers in-charge, Station Criminal Investigation Officers, Station Community Policing Coordinators, trade and industry official and business persons. Qualitative approach collected data using interview guide in Karonga and Chitipa Districts. Data analysis followed coding, codes into sub-themes and themes answering research questions. Through constructivism paradigm, concordance theory, results indicate Malawi Defence Force acted professionally by (1) upholding constitution by working together with other departments to consulting, coordinating and planning meetings with stakeholders to enforce supporting food security; planning meeting with internal security agencies to strategize supporting food security; got involved during distribution of Affordable Input Subsidy, crisis, controlling the banning of illegal exportation of some cash crops like tobacco. (2) Intervening with non-traditional combatant missions of mounts roadblocks; seal borders to control careless distribution and smuggling of national food produce to bar exporting insufficient yielded of various declared crops; confiscating chattels used for moving declared emergency crops contrary to policies; backs up police; National Parks and wild life and the Forestry department including ADMARC to enforce food security policies. (3) Military have positively influenced compliance to policies of food security with fruitful interventions, when they confiscated trucks/vehicles and crops they handed over to police and taken to court for disposal, arrested suspects were handed over to police for prosecutions rendering military intervention efficient and effective. While other scholars conclude the importance of military autonomy on involvement at farming programs for food production, escorting food to the needy through humanitarian missions and distribution of food for difficult to reach areas. Current study concludes, military autonomy is pivotal to upholding of Constitution which empowers military to use effective civil military relations skills with concerned stake holders to manage constitutional requirements as dictated by law. Constitution empowers Malawi Defence Force to intervene with necessary strategies to promote and manage food security nationally. Autonomous lawful public administrative institutions may contribute to sustainable food security.
},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Assessing the Military Upholding of Constitution in Democracy to Promote National Food Security in Malawi

AU  - Vincent Thom Nundwe
AU  - Mavuto Tembo
AU  - Chrispin Mphande
AU  - Thokozani Andrew Chazema
AU  - Hope Ngilazi
AU  - David Kumwenda
Y1  - 2025/01/07
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijls.20250801.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijls.20250801.11
T2  - International Journal of Law and Society
JF  - International Journal of Law and Society
JO  - International Journal of Law and Society
SP  - 1
EP  - 8
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2640-1908
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijls.20250801.11
AB  - Discussion over social influence of military power to supporting development of agriculture and achieving food security world over is eminent. Nations sovereignty depends on human security dependent on Food security, hence military engagement to support food security efforts. This paper assesses military upholding of constitution in democracy to promote national food security in Malawi. Qualitative interviews purposely selected retired Army senior officers, Members of Parliament, District Agricultural Development officers, Police station Officers in-charge, Station Criminal Investigation Officers, Station Community Policing Coordinators, trade and industry official and business persons. Qualitative approach collected data using interview guide in Karonga and Chitipa Districts. Data analysis followed coding, codes into sub-themes and themes answering research questions. Through constructivism paradigm, concordance theory, results indicate Malawi Defence Force acted professionally by (1) upholding constitution by working together with other departments to consulting, coordinating and planning meetings with stakeholders to enforce supporting food security; planning meeting with internal security agencies to strategize supporting food security; got involved during distribution of Affordable Input Subsidy, crisis, controlling the banning of illegal exportation of some cash crops like tobacco. (2) Intervening with non-traditional combatant missions of mounts roadblocks; seal borders to control careless distribution and smuggling of national food produce to bar exporting insufficient yielded of various declared crops; confiscating chattels used for moving declared emergency crops contrary to policies; backs up police; National Parks and wild life and the Forestry department including ADMARC to enforce food security policies. (3) Military have positively influenced compliance to policies of food security with fruitful interventions, when they confiscated trucks/vehicles and crops they handed over to police and taken to court for disposal, arrested suspects were handed over to police for prosecutions rendering military intervention efficient and effective. While other scholars conclude the importance of military autonomy on involvement at farming programs for food production, escorting food to the needy through humanitarian missions and distribution of food for difficult to reach areas. Current study concludes, military autonomy is pivotal to upholding of Constitution which empowers military to use effective civil military relations skills with concerned stake holders to manage constitutional requirements as dictated by law. Constitution empowers Malawi Defence Force to intervene with necessary strategies to promote and manage food security nationally. Autonomous lawful public administrative institutions may contribute to sustainable food security.

VL  - 8
IS  - 1
ER  -

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Author Information

Vincent Thom Nundwe

Transformative Community Development Programme, Department of AgriSciences, Mzuzu University, Mzuzu, Malawi

Contact Email
Mavuto Tembo

African Centre of Excellence in Neglected and Underutilized Biodiversity, Department of Agrisciences, Mzuzu University, Mzuzu, Malawi
Chrispin Mphande

African Centre of Excellence in Neglected and Underutilized Biodiversity, Department of Agrisciences, Mzuzu University, Mzuzu, Malawi
Thokozani Andrew Chazema

Transformative Community Development Programme, Department of AgriSciences, Mzuzu University, Mzuzu, Malawi

http://orcid.org/0009-0002-5563-2753
Hope Ngilazi

African Centre of Excellence in Neglected and Underutilized Biodiversity, Department of Agrisciences, Mzuzu University, Mzuzu, Malawi
David Kumwenda

Transformative Community Development Programme, Department of AgriSciences, Mzuzu University, Mzuzu, Malawi

http://orcid.org/0009-0001-4598-2146

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Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Nundwe, V. T., Tembo, M., Mphande, C., Chazema, T. A., Ngilazi, H., et al. (2025). Assessing the Military Upholding of Constitution in Democracy to Promote National Food Security in Malawi. International Journal of Law and Society, 8(1), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijls.20250801.11

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ACS Style

Nundwe, V. T.; Tembo, M.; Mphande, C.; Chazema, T. A.; Ngilazi, H., et al. Assessing the Military Upholding of Constitution in Democracy to Promote National Food Security in Malawi. Int. J. Law Soc. 2025, 8(1), 1-8. doi: 10.11648/j.ijls.20250801.11

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AMA Style

Nundwe VT, Tembo M, Mphande C, Chazema TA, Ngilazi H, et al. Assessing the Military Upholding of Constitution in Democracy to Promote National Food Security in Malawi. Int J Law Soc. 2025;8(1):1-8. doi: 10.11648/j.ijls.20250801.11

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ijls.20250801.11,
  author = {Vincent Thom Nundwe and Mavuto Tembo and Chrispin Mphande and Thokozani Andrew Chazema and Hope Ngilazi and David Kumwenda},
  title = {Assessing the Military Upholding of Constitution in Democracy to Promote National Food Security in Malawi
},
  journal = {International Journal of Law and Society},
  volume = {8},
  number = {1},
  pages = {1-8},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijls.20250801.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijls.20250801.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijls.20250801.11},
  abstract = {Discussion over social influence of military power to supporting development of agriculture and achieving food security world over is eminent. Nations sovereignty depends on human security dependent on Food security, hence military engagement to support food security efforts. This paper assesses military upholding of constitution in democracy to promote national food security in Malawi. Qualitative interviews purposely selected retired Army senior officers, Members of Parliament, District Agricultural Development officers, Police station Officers in-charge, Station Criminal Investigation Officers, Station Community Policing Coordinators, trade and industry official and business persons. Qualitative approach collected data using interview guide in Karonga and Chitipa Districts. Data analysis followed coding, codes into sub-themes and themes answering research questions. Through constructivism paradigm, concordance theory, results indicate Malawi Defence Force acted professionally by (1) upholding constitution by working together with other departments to consulting, coordinating and planning meetings with stakeholders to enforce supporting food security; planning meeting with internal security agencies to strategize supporting food security; got involved during distribution of Affordable Input Subsidy, crisis, controlling the banning of illegal exportation of some cash crops like tobacco. (2) Intervening with non-traditional combatant missions of mounts roadblocks; seal borders to control careless distribution and smuggling of national food produce to bar exporting insufficient yielded of various declared crops; confiscating chattels used for moving declared emergency crops contrary to policies; backs up police; National Parks and wild life and the Forestry department including ADMARC to enforce food security policies. (3) Military have positively influenced compliance to policies of food security with fruitful interventions, when they confiscated trucks/vehicles and crops they handed over to police and taken to court for disposal, arrested suspects were handed over to police for prosecutions rendering military intervention efficient and effective. While other scholars conclude the importance of military autonomy on involvement at farming programs for food production, escorting food to the needy through humanitarian missions and distribution of food for difficult to reach areas. Current study concludes, military autonomy is pivotal to upholding of Constitution which empowers military to use effective civil military relations skills with concerned stake holders to manage constitutional requirements as dictated by law. Constitution empowers Malawi Defence Force to intervene with necessary strategies to promote and manage food security nationally. Autonomous lawful public administrative institutions may contribute to sustainable food security.
},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Assessing the Military Upholding of Constitution in Democracy to Promote National Food Security in Malawi

AU  - Vincent Thom Nundwe
AU  - Mavuto Tembo
AU  - Chrispin Mphande
AU  - Thokozani Andrew Chazema
AU  - Hope Ngilazi
AU  - David Kumwenda
Y1  - 2025/01/07
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijls.20250801.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijls.20250801.11
T2  - International Journal of Law and Society
JF  - International Journal of Law and Society
JO  - International Journal of Law and Society
SP  - 1
EP  - 8
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2640-1908
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijls.20250801.11
AB  - Discussion over social influence of military power to supporting development of agriculture and achieving food security world over is eminent. Nations sovereignty depends on human security dependent on Food security, hence military engagement to support food security efforts. This paper assesses military upholding of constitution in democracy to promote national food security in Malawi. Qualitative interviews purposely selected retired Army senior officers, Members of Parliament, District Agricultural Development officers, Police station Officers in-charge, Station Criminal Investigation Officers, Station Community Policing Coordinators, trade and industry official and business persons. Qualitative approach collected data using interview guide in Karonga and Chitipa Districts. Data analysis followed coding, codes into sub-themes and themes answering research questions. Through constructivism paradigm, concordance theory, results indicate Malawi Defence Force acted professionally by (1) upholding constitution by working together with other departments to consulting, coordinating and planning meetings with stakeholders to enforce supporting food security; planning meeting with internal security agencies to strategize supporting food security; got involved during distribution of Affordable Input Subsidy, crisis, controlling the banning of illegal exportation of some cash crops like tobacco. (2) Intervening with non-traditional combatant missions of mounts roadblocks; seal borders to control careless distribution and smuggling of national food produce to bar exporting insufficient yielded of various declared crops; confiscating chattels used for moving declared emergency crops contrary to policies; backs up police; National Parks and wild life and the Forestry department including ADMARC to enforce food security policies. (3) Military have positively influenced compliance to policies of food security with fruitful interventions, when they confiscated trucks/vehicles and crops they handed over to police and taken to court for disposal, arrested suspects were handed over to police for prosecutions rendering military intervention efficient and effective. While other scholars conclude the importance of military autonomy on involvement at farming programs for food production, escorting food to the needy through humanitarian missions and distribution of food for difficult to reach areas. Current study concludes, military autonomy is pivotal to upholding of Constitution which empowers military to use effective civil military relations skills with concerned stake holders to manage constitutional requirements as dictated by law. Constitution empowers Malawi Defence Force to intervene with necessary strategies to promote and manage food security nationally. Autonomous lawful public administrative institutions may contribute to sustainable food security.

VL  - 8
IS  - 1
ER  -

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