Items filtered by date: May 2025

By Martin Chiwanda

Machinga, November 29, Mana: Beneficiaries of Affordable Input Program (AIP) in Machinga have described the initiative as the best approach that government has used to bail its people from poor harvest and food insecurity.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Thursday, a 46 years old beneficiary from Traditional Authority Sitola, Damson Baton said he is pleased with the program saying it has reduced chances of poor harvest which he mostly faces as a result of poor crop nutrition due to lack of fertilizer.

Damson said he possess a very big land and buying fertilizer to much up the whole land was very difficult considering the prices of the commodity.

"The programe has seriously come as a savior considering that we are living in a time where most prices of goods have gone very high. I have a very big land and I always come with very low outputs despite my efforts.

"But with the AIP, it’s a sigh of relief knowing I stand a chance of having more harvest this season,” he said.

William Magombe is another beneficiary from Poteya village who has also hailed government for the AIP saying he will be able to produce more harvests and avert hunger this coming year.

Magombe said being one of the beneficiaries; he will utilize the opportunity in investing in farming so that he could produce more, to differentiate himself from those who have not had the opportunity.

"I will surely use the opportunity that I have for being in the programme. All I need is to use it in doing more in farming this year so that I should produce more harvest,” he said.

Machinga district director of agriculture, environment and natural resources (DAENR), Isaac Alli, said he is happy to see beneficiaries having great plans for the inputs they are getting.

"I will be very happy if these farmers use the inputs to improve their lives. I do not expect them to sell the inputs instead of applying them to their fields," he said, urging all beneficiaries to seize the opportunity and use the fertilizer on their own land.

Machinga has 27, 697 beneficiaries who are expected to benefit from the program.

According to Ali, the distribution of AIP to beneficiaries began in hard-to-reach areas, especially given the challenges of the rainy season. As a result, Ngokwe, Chikweo, Nampeya, Nayuchi, and Sale were prioritized, and bags of fertilizer have already arrived in these locations, where beneficiaries have begun purchasing them.

By James Mwale

Ntchisi, November 28, Mana: Affordable Input Program (AIP) Coordinator for Ntchisi Salim Mndoka has advised AIP beneficiaries to venture into other forms of farming methods in order to increase productivity in the district.

Mndoka told Malawi News Agency on Wednesday that following the reduction of AIP beneficiaries from 44, 980 the last rainy season to 31,011 this rainy season due to budget allocation from the treasury, people in the district should apply other farming methods like use of organic manure and irrigation farming in order to address hunger issues.

He said the devaluation of the kwacha has led to hike in fertilizer prices making Ministry of Agriculture to maintain only the fertilizer prices and not the number of beneficiaries.

He said: “the decrease means that government did not want farmers to be buying the fertilizer at a higher price but rather it has maintained the MK15, 0000 price and reducing the number of beneficiaries.

“Farmers in the district should desist from selling the affordable inputs but rather use the inputs to good use because they should know that they will not be benefiting each and every year.”

The district’s Council Chairperson councilor Marko Mtengo said the program has made a lot of people in the district to be self-reliant saying farmers are encouraged not only to rely on the program but also to use available resources in their communities.

Mtengo called on the beneficiaries of this year’s Affordable Input Program to make good use of the fertilizer and other inputs they are to access through the program saying it is sad to see that a lot of beneficiaries sell the inputs instead of using them wisely.

“As people have already started buying the inputs in the district I believe that there will not be any challenges that will affect the program and we believe that no cases of theft will be registered” He added.

Memory Yohane a beneficiary of this year’s AIP said she was happy that her name had been included in the program and hoped to benefit a lot from the same.

She has since concurred with the Mndoka and Mtengo on the need to apply alternative farming methods other than full reliance on the AIP.

By Leah Malimbasa

Mulanje, 28 November, Mana: The Director of Agriculture and Natural Resources for Mulanje District Osmound Chapotoka has advised farmers benefitting from the Affordable Inputs Program (AIP) to refrain from selling their subsidized inputs.

Speaking on Thursday, Chapotoka emphasized the importance of using the fertilizer as intended, to improve household food security and boost agricultural productivity.

“Farmers should prioritize their crops, the subsidized fertilizer can ensure better harvests and reduce reliance on food aid,” he said.

He added that if well managed, just one hectare of land can produce 100 bags of maize, ensuring the farmer has enough maize for food and sell some for their other basic needs.

The call resonated with farmers who pledged to make the most of the inputs. One of the farmers from Kumwambe village, Traditional Authority (TA) Mabuka in Mulanje who was not a beneficiary last year, shared her optimism about the program.

"Last year, I was not on the list of beneficiaries, and I only managed to harvest six bags of maize. This year, I am hopeful I will yield more because I have bought the subsidized fertilizer and plan to use it well," she said.

Another farmer from Wasi Village, TA Mabuka, Dorothy Mazima recounted her struggles in the last growing season, which were compounded by dry spells and an army worm infestation.

"I didn’t have fertilizer last year and only harvested one bag of maize to feed my family of five. Now, we rely on my husband doing piecework to buy food. I am hopeful the fertilizer I’ve bought through AIP will improve food security for my household this season," she explained.

AIP is a government initiative which provides subsidized fertilizer and seeds to smallholder farmers to enhance food production across the country.

By Mary Makhiringa

Balaka, November 28, MANA: Authorities in Balaka District have commended government for rolling out 2024/2025 Affordable Input Programme (AIP), expressing hope that farmers will harvest more yields this farming season.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency, one of the farmers from the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Kachenga, Yamikani Matope expressed gratitude for being enrolled on the programme citing that previously he could not harvest more yields because of limited fertilizer.

"Last year, I used manure for my farming and I only got five bags but with the fertilizer that I will use this year, I am optimistic to harvest nine to ten bags.

"I am grateful to government because my life will change and I would urge the same government to enroll more people in the upcoming season so that hunger should be history in our area," he added.

Commenting on the development, Group Village Head (GVH) Mtumbwe said the programme will cushion hunger in his area as many people who are on the programme would not manage to afford fertilizers from the vendors.

"A good number of people have benefitted from AIP and we just urge the government to speed up and finalize the process of selling the commodity because people have already planted their crops," he said.

G.H.V Mtumbwe however called for government to streamline the system of enrolling the beneficiaries by involving local leaders and extension workers saying this would eliminate some of the shortfalls within the programme.

Meanwhile, Smallholder Farmers Fertilizers Revolving Fund of Malawi (SFFRFM) Sales Clerk for Balaka Boma, Frank Maselenga said the cordial relationship among their entity, local leaders, district agriculture office and the central government has allowed the process of selling fertilizer to be successful.

He emphasized that from the three stocks that they had previously at Balaka Boma, farmers were able to purchase both NPK and Urea.

By Mary Makhiringa

Balaka, November 28, MANA: Authorities in Balaka District have commended government for rolling out 2024/2025 Affordable Input Programme (AIP), expressing hope that farmers will harvest more yields this farming season.

In an interview with Malawi News Agency, one of the farmers from the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Kachenga, Yamikani Matope expressed gratitude for being enrolled on the programme citing that previously he could not harvest more yields because of limited fertilizer.

"Last year, I used manure for my farming and I only got five bags but with the fertilizer that I will use this year, I am optimistic to harvest nine to ten bags.

"I am grateful to government because my life will change and I would urge the same government to enroll more people in the upcoming season so that hunger should be history in our area," he added.

Commenting on the development, Group Village Head (GVH) Mtumbwe said the programme will cushion hunger in his area as many people who are on the programme would not manage to afford fertilizers from the vendors.

"A good number of people have benefitted from AIP and we just urge the government to speed up and finalize the process of selling the commodity because people have already planted their crops," he said.

G.H.V Mtumbwe however called for government to streamline the system of enrolling the beneficiaries by involving local leaders and extension workers saying this would eliminate some of the shortfalls within the programme.

Meanwhile, Smallholder Farmers Fertilizers Revolving Fund of Malawi (SFFRFM) Sales Clerk for Balaka Boma, Frank Maselenga said the cordial relationship among their entity, local leaders, district agriculture office and the central government has allowed the process of selling fertilizer to be successful.

He emphasized that from the three stocks that they had previously at Balaka Boma, farmers were able to purchase both NPK and Urea.

By Wongani Mkandawire

Nkhotakota, November 28, Mana: Smallholder farmers in Nkhotakota District have expressed gratitude towards government for the timely access to Affordable Inputs Program (AIP) that enables them to purchase fertilizer at a cheaper price ahead of the farming season.

Speaking to Malawi news agency on Thursday, one of the Farmers Zaina Dawali, from Chipala Village, Traditional Authority (TA) Malengachanzi thanked the government for providing fertilizer at an affordable price. She said her family couldn't manage to buy at higher price from other shops.

"This fertilizer will help our crops to grow well and harvest more yield and have more food in our family after harvesting, "said Dawali.

Another Beneficiary Rashid Stambuli from Chilibunu Village Traditional Authority (TA) Mphonde also praised government for the affordable inputs coming on time ahead of the farming season giving farmers enough time to make sure they yield better harvest.

"This will help us to prepare our crops in time and I thank the government we are now buying 2 bags of fertiliser at K30,000." He said.

Village Headman Phagwa from Traditional Authority Malengachazi of the district said people in his community have accessed the fertilizer and he has encouraged them to put more efforts in the farms and not sale the inputs for quick money and suffer later.

Government introduced the Affordable Inputs Program (AIP) in order to help farmers to be food secured and enhance agriculture productivity in the country.

By George Mponda

Karonga, November 28, Mana: Small scale farmers in Karonga have hailed the Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP) for improving food security in the disaster prone district.

Speaking with Malawi News Agency, Kingsley Mweniyuba from Zindi Village in Paramount Cheif Kyungu's area, said the initiative has made high-quality fertilizers affordable and accessible, leading to increased crop yields and improved livelihoods.

"Most farmers in our area have long struggled with low soil fertility due to annual floods which has hindered our ability to produce sufficient crops. However, with the subsidy program, we are purchasing fertilizer at a significantly reduced cost, enabling us to rejuvenate our soil and reap bountiful harvests," said Mweniyuba.

Echoing these sentiments, Mary Mhone, another beneficiary from Mwenilondo said the impact of the programme has been remarkable, with many farmers reporting a significant increase in crop yields and quality.

"This, in turn, has led to improved food security and increased income for farming families, enabling them to invest in their future. Women farmers, in particular, have benefited from the program, as they are often responsible for managing household food security and with access to affordable fertilizers, they are now able to produce more and better food for their families," Mhango said.

Director of Agriculture Services for Karonga District Council, Yaz Nyirenda hailed the fertilizer subsidy program for having a positive ripple effect on local economies.

"10, 333 farming families are to benefit from this programme in Karonga from all six constituencies namely; Karonga Songwe, Karonga Lufilya, Karonga Town, Karonga Central, Karonga Nyungwe and Karonga South," said Nyirenda.

"With farmers producing more and earning more, they are able to stimulate economic growth and development in their communities. Moreover, the program has promoted sustainable agricultural practices, as farmers are now able to adopt climate-smart farming methods and reduce their environmental footprint," he added.

According to Nyirenda, 5, 747 farm families were food insecure in the district and the fertilizer subsidy program has been a resounding success, empowering farmers to boost productivity, improve livelihoods, and promote sustainable agriculture.

Group Village Head Malema has since hailed government for providing the fertiliser which he said has come in time as people await the rain season.

"My only worry is that although the fertiliser is available at the selling points, some still do not have the money with which to redeem their fertiliser," said Malema.

This year's AIP which is set to benefit over 1.1 million farmers countrywide was launched by President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera at Dzundu Primary School Ground, under the area of Traditional Authority (T/A) Symon at Zalewa in Neno District.

Speaking with Malawi News Agency, Kingsley Mweniyuba from Zindi Village in Paramount Cheif Kyungu's area, said the initiative has made high-quality fertilizers affordable and accessible, leading to increased crop yields and improved livelihoods.

"Most farmers in our area have long struggled with low soil fertility due to annual floods which has hindered our ability to produce sufficient crops. However, with the subsidy program, we are purchasing fertilizer at a significantly reduced cost, enabling us to rejuvenate our soil and reap bountiful harvests," said Mweniyuba.

Echoing these sentiments, Mary Mhone, another beneficiary from Mwenilondo said the impact of the programme has been remarkable, with many farmers reporting a significant increase in crop yields and quality.

"This, in turn, has led to improved food security and increased income for farming families, enabling them to invest in their future. Women farmers, in particular, have benefited from the program, as they are often responsible for managing household food security and with access to affordable fertilizers, they are now able to produce more and better food for their families," Mhango said.

Director of Agriculture Services for Karonga District Council, Yaz Nyirenda hailed the fertilizer subsidy program for having a positive ripple effect on local economies.

"10, 333 farming families are to benefit from this programme in Karonga from all six constituencies namely; Karonga Songwe, Karonga Lufilya, Karonga Town, Karonga Central, Karonga Nyungwe and Karonga South," said Nyirenda.

"With farmers producing more and earning more, they are able to stimulate economic growth and development in their communities. Moreover, the program has promoted sustainable agricultural practices, as farmers are now able to adopt climate-smart farming methods and reduce their environmental footprint," he added.

According to Nyirenda, 5, 747 farm families were food insecure in the district and the fertilizer subsidy program has been a resounding success, empowering farmers to boost productivity, improve livelihoods, and promote sustainable agriculture.

Group Village Head Malema has since hailed government for providing the fertiliser which he said has come in time as people await the rain season.

"My only worry is that although the fertiliser is available at the selling points, some still do not have the money with which to redeem their fertiliser," said Malema.

This year's AIP which is set to benefit over 1.1 million farmers countrywide was launched by President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera at Dzundu Primary School Ground, under the area of Traditional Authority (T/A) Symon at Zalewa in Neno District.

By Sylvester Kumwenda

Dowa, November 28, Mana: Some subsistence farmers in Dowa have applauded the Affordable farm Input Program (AIP) saying it has helped in promoting food security amongst the less privileged households.

One of the farmers, Anne Chikhasu from Chileka village in Traditional Authority (T/A) Chiwere said, most poor households dream of achieving food security through small-scale subsistence farming. She however added that they face challenges due to high market prices of farm inputs.

"For example, without fertilizer, I normally get far less than ten bags on a one acre field, which is not enough to feed my family for the whole year. That means continued cycles of food shortages," she said.

She said now she has been given hope through AIP, where less privileged households are enrolled to access farm inputs at a subsidized price.

Chikhasu who has already purchased two bags of fertilizer at K15,000 each, said this will help her in securing food for her family.

"Thanks to AIP, I have bought one bag of UREA and one bag of NPK. With good rains, I can be assured of harvesting around 30 bags which will be of huge significance in attaining food security for my family until the next growing season.

"As such I am very grateful to have been considered to be included under the program this year because I did not have any hope of sourcing farm inputs," she said.

She however urged government to increase the number of beneficiaries so that the program also reaches more other less privileged households.

Maxwell Mgabi of Kaliba village in T/A Nsakambewa who has also purchased two bags under AIP this year, concurred with Chikhasu saying the program is providing an opportunity for the less privileged to feed themselves.

"But I would like to urge beneficiaries not to sale the farm inputs. Also, that the program strictly targets those who really need assistance because there are many who work hard, but cannot afford the farm inputs on their own," he said.

Director of Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources for Dowa Chikumbutso Liwonde, in an interview said the program has started on a good note in the district.

“The program has started well and markets have opened in all selling points, and they have been stocked with both NPK and UREA. Currently we are prioritizing hard to reach areas to minimize logistical issues as the rainy season progresses and rains intensify.

“In the district this year, we have 75,298 beneficiaries under the program. And many of them are excited that the fertilizer prices have been maintained at MK15,000 per 50-kilogram bag," he said.

He added that each constituency in the district has at least two AIP selling points strategically placed, for beneficiaries not to travel very long distances to redeem the inputs.

Chairperson for Dowa District Council Institution Integrity Committee Amigo Wiseman, said as a committee that is tasked to oversee issues of integrity, they are conducting monitoring visits to AIP selling points.

He said their role is to monitor if sales and all procedures at all selling points are being done in accordance with government stipulated guidelines.

“So, during monitoring, we are looking at the availability of farm inputs, checking the availability of all necessary documents like receipts, personnel, and observing the buying processes. 

“As of now, we have seen that availability of fertilizer is quite good, the fertilizer is coming in different consignments and farmers are able to buy,” he said.

He however stressed of the need to strengthen security in all selling points to protect both the beneficiaries and traders, and also the farm inputs.

By Yamikani Sabola

Mzuzu, November 28, Mana: Deputy Director of Technology and Standards for Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA), Nicholas Kanyenda says the Authority has developed regulations empowering it to block entry of all substandard electronic gadgets into the country.

Kanyenda was speaking during an awareness meeting with journalists and other stakeholders in Mzuzu on Thursday.

He said the guidelines, which are being called Type Approval Regulations, are expected to come into effect on December 1, 2024.

Kanyenda said the regulations are aimed at ensuring that consumers in the country are buying electronic devices including information communication technology (ICT) equipment that is safe to use and that derives value for money.   

“ICT is one of the fastest growing industries in the world with the emergence of several technologies and innovations.

“These technologies and innovations that are coming into play are also coming in with various challenges and one of the challenges they come with is substandard and counterfeit electronic equipment and gadgets,” Kanyenda said.

He said the Authority observes with regret that a lot of electronic equipment entering the country through various borders are not meeting international standards.

“These substandard products pose a huge threat to the economy and safety of the people in the country. Consumers of ICT services have a right to be protected from dangerous products.

“It is in light of this that the authority has developed these Type Approval Regulations to ensure that all ICT equipment that is used in the country is of applicable and accepted standards,” he said.

He said once Type Approval Regulations come into force, all certified ICT equipment including phones, laptops and tablets will bear a sticker from MACRA.  

One of the participants, Alexander Mhango from Radio Dinosaur hailed the regulations, as they would give MACRA powers to assess the quality and safety of electronic equipment before they can be sold in the country.

“This will give confidence to the people of Malawi that whatever devices they are using are of good quality, are safe and can perform the intended task,” Mhango said.

He said the regulations were long overdue, noting that some ICT equipment sold in the country is substandard and many people have lost money through buying defective equipment.

By Rosalia Kapiri

Lilongwe, November 28, Mana: National Defence College (NDC) of the Malawi Defence Force (MDF), in collaboration with the Malawi Computer Emergency Response Team (MWCERT) and the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA), on Thursday officially opened a two-day symposium at the Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe under the theme “Harnessing Emerging Technology to Achieve Malawi Vision 2063 (MW2063)".

The symposium, which runs from November 28 to 29, aims to equip Malawi’s security and law enforcement agencies with insights into leveraging emerging technologies to enhance national security and foster development.

Speaking at the event, MACRA Director General, Daud Suleman emphasized the need to update Malawi’s cyber laws to keep pace with evolving digital challenges.

“Currently, we are operating under the Electronic Transactions and Cybersecurity Act, enacted in 2016, but the digital space has changed significantly since then.

“We have extracted the Data Protection Act and are processing four other Bills, including the Cyber Crimes Bill, a Cybersecurity Bill, the Electronic Evidence and Electronic Transaction Bill, and the Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship Bill," Suleman said.

He highlighted the rapid increase in internet penetration in Malawi, which he said has grown from 18 percent to 37.9 percent over the past three years, projecting that it could reach 60 percent within the next three years.

“This growth presents both opportunities and risks. We must ensure that our legal and regulatory frameworks are robust and that our institutions are equipped to provide the cybersecurity our people need,” he added.

Alekeni Menyani, MACRA board member, underscored the critical role of cybersecurity in protecting the nation’s digital future.

“Cybersecurity is no longer an afterthought; it is a fundamental pillar of progress. Safeguarding our digital environment is critical to the success of this nation,” Menyani said.

“As digital transformation gains momentum in Malawi, we must adopt a coordinated approach to cybersecurity," he emphasized.

He also underscored the importance of education and awareness, calling for investment in digital skills.

“Cybersecurity is not just about technology; it’s about building a culture of awareness. We must equip our students, professionals, and citizens with the knowledge and tools to navigate the digital world safely,” he explained.

Brigadier General Dan Kuwali of the Malawi Defence Force highlighted the symposium’s role in fostering collaboration among security experts and technology professionals.

“This symposium brings together security experts and technology gurus to develop innovative solutions for our country. Harnessing technology is key to improving security and driving national development,” Brigadier General Kuwali said.

The event’s focus aligns with Malawi’s long-term development strategy, Malawi's 2063 agenda, which envisions a technologically advanced, secure, and prosperous nation.

As the symposium continues, participants will explore strategies to enhance cybersecurity, promote digital innovation, and ensure that Malawi’s digital transformation is secure, resilient, and inclusive.