Machinga farmers complain about One Acre Fund seeds

Machinga, May 2, Mana: Farmers in Machinga have expressed dissatisfaction with One Acre Fund, alleging the organization provided poor-quality maize seeds on loans, leading to low yields and potential food insecurity in the district.

The grievances were raised during a District Agriculture Stakeholders Panel Committee (DASP) meeting at Ntaja Trading Centre in Machinga where farmers were advised to prepare for the May to August irrigation season.

“We received maize seeds variety like DK 777 and Kanyani, but the yields were very low. The seeds were clearly labeled as high-yielding varieties, but the results were disappointing.

“We urge One Acre Fund to reconsider the loan amount to avoid losses among farmers. Many of us are compelled to resort to irrigation farming to supplement our harvests, which is not sustainable.” said Joshua Maunde, a farmer from Nyambi Extension Planning Area (EPA).

The situation has put One Acre Fund inputs beneficiaries in an awkward situation with most of the farmers uncertain of their food security at household level.

“We had hopes that we would be food secure once we plant the seeds, but now we will face hunger. We urge One Acre Fund to work with us to find a solution to this problem," added Maunde, who is also Chairperson for Agricultural Stakeholders Panel for Traditional Authority Sale.

Agricultural Development Coordinator for Nyambi EPA, Maganizo Erick Likagwa, confirmed that many farmers experienced losses due to the seeds.

“The seeds didn't grow as expected, and we have consulted One Acre Fund about the issue. We have been working with One Acre Fund for a while, and we have trusted their distribution of different varieties like DK777 and Mzati.

“However, the quality of the seeds this season has been disappointing,” added Likagwa.

Agricultural Extension Methodology Officer for Machinga District Council, Betty Kujingo Tholo, emphasized the importance of DASP meetings in addressing farmers' concerns.

“These meetings provide a platform for farmers to share their experiences and challenges. We will take up this issue with One Acre Fund and explore ways to improve the situation,” she added.

Responding to the allegations, One Acre Fund's Public Relations Officer, Francis Chipanda, said the organization opted for maize seed variety, DK 8023, Mzati, based on farmers’ demand.

“We believe performance issues might be due to unfavorable weather patterns and ecological factors. The same seed batch has performed well in other districts like Mulanje and Chiradzulu.

“We provide crop insurance to farmers affected by extreme weather conditions, and our team will assess whether the affected areas in Machinga District qualify for this support. We are committed to continuous improvement and appreciate the feedback and concerns raised,” he said.

Chipanda said that One Acre Fund values farmer feedback, adding that the organization works to strengthen seed quality control processes and enhance farmer training and support.