The Civil Society Network on Agriculture (CisaNet) has expressed discomfort with delays in the rollout of the Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP) by government saying it is a contradiction to its commitment to support poor farmers and ensure food security in the country.
In a statement signed by Board Chairperson Herbert Chagona, CisaNet ksaid it is extremely worrisome that, with only one-and-a-half months left before the rainy season, the government has not yet determined the price of fertilizer under the AIP.
“Fertilizer plays a pivotal role in agricultural productivity, and its timely availability at an affordable price is essential to enable farmers to prepare adequately for the planting season. Without this crucial information, farmers are left in a state of uncertainty, jeopardizing their ability to plan effectively.
“Smallholder farmers, who make up the backbone of Malawi’s agricultural sector, rely heavily on the AIP for access to affordable inputs. For many, it is a lifeline that sustains their families and ensures food security. The delay in price determination threatens to disrupt the planting season, potentially resulting in lower yields and increased food insecurity,” he said
Further, Chagona denounced government’s recent announcement of its intention to remove one million beneficiaries from the AIP list.
“While we acknowledge the importance of periodically reviewing and updating beneficiary lists to ensure that support reaches those who need it most, the timing and transparency of this process are crucial. Releasing the list of beneficiaries in a timely manner is essential to provide those who have been left out with ample time to make alternative plans. The abrupt removal of beneficiaries without clear criteria or explanations can have severe consequences for vulnerable households, and it is imperative that the government provides clarity on this matter promptly.
“Also, CisaNet has noted that over the years, the Programme is not accepting new entrants into the system. This implies that only those who benefitted from last year’s AIP will be the only ones to access farm inputs for the coming growing season. Like we have always lobbied for before, an exit strategy remains crucial. A working system ought to have such beneficiaries gradually graduate from the Programme. That would have easily paved way for others to grow their respective socio-economic development; at least from household level,” reads the statement in part
He said much as they appreciate the donations of 40,000 tonnes of fertilizer from Egypt and Russia, it remains unclear how these donations will be integrated into the AIP.
“Clarity on this matter is vital to ensure that these donations effectively benefit the intended beneficiaries. The clarity should also encompass how much from the allocated budget to the Programme will be offset by the donated fertilizers. The significance of transparency and accountability in this era, especially on this crucial issue, can never be overemphasized.
“The government should outline a clear plan for the distribution and allocation of these donated fertilizers to ensure that they reach smallholder farmers in a fair and equitable manner. These donations present an opportunity to bolster the AIP and provide much-needed relief to farmers facing economic challenges.
“CisaNet firmly believes that the AIP is not only a lifeline for Malawian farmers but also a cornerstone of the country’s economy. Majority of the smallholder farmers are the rural farmers whose hopes for a successful harvest depend on receiving subsidized fertilizer through the AIP. For them, this program is not a luxury, but a fundamental necessity upon which their lives depend. Consequently, how the government handles the AIP has far-reaching implications for the state of the entire economy.
“The success of the AIP is not just about improving agricultural productivity; it is about reducing poverty, enhancing food security, and stimulating economic growth. Malawi has the potential to be self-sufficient in food production, but it requires a robust and well-executed AIP to realize this vision. A clear and sincere political will remains key in this regard,” he said
