By Pearson Nkhoma
ABSTRACT

Malawi seems to have come full circle to a position of development from time immemorial. The country has so far adopted many development policies and plans since colonial era with an attempt to address different dimensions of development challenges. One such development strategies are the International Development Goals, set up in 1996, which Malawi, together with 188 other countries adopted in September 2000 at the UN Millennium Summit as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) with a target of halving most development challenges like extreme poverty by 2015. The MDGs comprise of 8 goals, 18 targets and 48 indicators and are time bound for making real progress by 2015.

However, we are now almost half way through and there have been many outcries if the country is on track or not. It is in this light that this paper attempts to assess, review and evaluate the performance of the country towards achieving the MDGs by 2015. It summarizes the progress of the country with an aim of providing a clearer understanding of the constraints Malawi is facing on attaining the goals. The paper will also attempt to appraise if the quest and attainment of the MDGs by 2015 will eradicate all development challenges.

Key Words: MDGs, MPRSP, Sustainable Development, Malawi and Participation

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Academic Background

All the authors are Third Year students at Chancellor College pursuing Bachelor of Arts (Media for Development Communication) studies. Their focus of study include; Development, media and journalism, human rights, advocacy and communication for Development.

Research Background
The authors are upcoming researchers who (Pearson Nkhoma & Wongani Mugaba) presented a paper at the “2007 National Language Symposium” by the University of Malawi’s Centre of Language Studies titled, The Role of Local Languages in Achieving Socio-Economic Development: A Critical Analysis on how Usage of Local Languages in Development Strategies and Development Fora can Accelerate Development and Attainment of the MDG’S in Malawi?

They are also freelance writers for National print media, the Sunday Times and Malawi News and have published articles in areas to do with national development.

Contact Details

Pearson Nkhoma
Chancellor College
C/O Lubani Hall
P/O Box 280
Zomba
Email: pnkhoma@gmail.com or pearpie_c@yahoo.com.
Mobile Phone: (+265) 08 603 556