By Abednego Sibale

Nkhata Bay, January 28, Mana: Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have applauded National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) for its efforts in addressing food insecurity through the provision of loans for agricultural inputs to smallholder farmers in Malawi.

The remarks were made Tuesday at Chintheche by Fyson Chodzi who represented NGOs when NEEF distributed 308 bags of fertilizers on loan to 55 smallholder farmers.

"NEEF through this initiative is doing a great job in embracing food security efforts across the country.

“We also attest that the initiative is being conducted transparently," Chodzi said.

He also commended NEEF for establishing its offices in rural areas, thereby making it easy for farmers to access the organization’s services.

“This programme contributes to the growth of the country’s economy besides promoting financial inclusion. The initiative does not only benefit clients of the farm input loan facility but also contributes to the overall growth and development of the country,” he said.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Benedicto Chambo said it is the aim of the government to eradicate food insecurity in the country.

“To achieve this the programme is empowering smallholder farmers who have the potential to engage in crop production but lack necessary resources,” said Chambo.

Chambo also encouraged farmers to utilize fertilizers and loans responsibly so they do not face challenges when paying the loans.

Executive Director for NEEF, Humphrey Mdyetseni, emphasized the importance for the clients who have benefited from the loan facility to ensure that they pay back the loan for the program’s sustainability.  

"We are today distributing 308 bags of NPK fertilizer, worth K386,000,000 to 55 people who are organized in 11 groups here at Chintheche,” said Mdyetseni.

Chairperson of the Tikolole Group, Brenda Kaunda said members of the groups will work hard in their fields to realize maximum benefit from the initiative.

 Senior Chief Malanda of Nkhata Bay thanked the government for initiating the intervention and pledged to encourage the benefitting clients to repay their loans.

In a related development, NEEF also distributed 388 bags of fertilizer to 76 smallholder farmers who are in 14 groups.