By Gift Chiponde and Paul Madise

Lilongwe, November 24, Mana: Beneficiaries of the Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP) in Nathenje and Nanjiri, Lilongwe, have described the implementation of the 2024/205 AIP as a transformative opportunity for their community, particularly in terms of food security and improved livelihoods.

This development coincides with the government’s nationwide rollout of the AIP, which aims to support a large number of beneficiaries and enhance productivity among smallholder farmers across the country.

Stephano Kachelenga, a beneficiary from Makhwa Village in the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Kalumba, expressed gratitude for being included in this year's AIP.

He stated that during previous growing seasons, he was relying on organic fertilizers, and that participation in the AIP will enable him to create a self-reliant home and increase his productivity.

"I am very certain that if we experience favourable rainfall patterns, I will achieve a bumper harvest," Kachelenga said. "This is my first time being part of the AIP beneficiaries, and I am grateful that the government has considered me for this initiative."

Kachelenga encouraged AIP beneficiaries to use the inputs provided for their intended purpose, emphasizing the importance of improving food security, increasing production, and fostering self-reliant households, both at the family level and within the community.

In her remarks, Daleni Chiseka from Njole Village, T/A Kalumba, speaking at the Nanjiri depot, also expressed satisfaction with the AIP implementation.

She is optimistic that the distribution will yield positive results, as many people in the area are active farmers.

Mathews Laurent Phiri, a sales clerk at Nathenje depot, provided an overview of the AIP proceedings, stating that since the programme commenced, they have been able to sell inputs due to the discipline exhibited by community members.

He stressed that the sales team is committed to ensuring all AIP protocols are followed and that every beneficiary has access to the inputs during selling hours.

"This season, we are making sure that every AIP beneficiary has access to all farm inputs. Currently, we do assist over 100 beneficiaries daily through Village Development Committees (VDCs)," he added.