MANAonline
Making farmers food secure with AIP
By Leonard Masauli
Lilongwe, November 28, Mana: Belia Chipeta, 78, from Kajiso Shaba Village in Traditional Authority Mthwalo in Mzimba, never believed that the Affordable Input Programme (AIP) truly existed.
Since the programme was established years ago, she had never benefited, which made her feel that only those connected to the Member of Parliament or related to chiefs were privileged to access it.
For decades, her farming journey yielded no significant results. Her household endured hunger year in and year out because she could not afford fertilizer and had to rely on a few kilos sold by vendors, which were never enough.
The years of insufficient harvests left Chipeta struggling to provide enough food for her family, making food security an unattainable dream.
However, everything changed when she learned her name was among the beneficiaries for the 2024-2025 farming season. She felt a surge of joy, knowing she would now farm with renewed hope and peace of mind.
“When I heard that my name had been considered to buy affordable fertilizer, I jumped in disbelief because I knew that my challenges with food security were finally over," said Chipeta.
"Today, I have managed to buy two bags, which will be enough for my garden. I believe this will transform my household from being food insecure to food secure," she added.
Chipeta thanked the government for introducing the programme, saying it is a game-changer for agricultural productivity.
Another beneficiary, Eleaner Kanyimbo from Chilongozi Village in Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe's area in Rumphi district, also commended the AIP saying it has potential to make people food secure and expressed her gratitude for being included in the programme.
"As a beneficiary this year, I feel honoured to be among those buying fertilizer. I am confident I will have enough food next year," said Kanyimbo.
She also appreciated the government’s efforts to ensure fertilizer is available on time and with minimal hurdles.
"I was nervous when I heard about issues like network problems, mismatched names, and other glitches. But all those have been resolved. I believe that by next year, I will not only have enough food but also surplus to sell, which will help pay school fees for my children and buy other household necessities," she added.
From Ekwendeni in Mzimba North, Blessings Twea echoed Kanyimbo's sentiments, emphasizing that the price of fertilizer on the market is unaffordable for many farmers, but AIP has made it possible for them to access it.
"We thank the government for being considerate. There are farmers who are elderly or living with disabilities who cannot afford to raise over MK100,000 for fertilizer. This programme provides a much-needed cushion for such people," said Twea.
Senior Group Village Headwoman Mankhambira from Nkhatabay also expressed her gratitude, saying the programme will significantly improve food security in communities.
"Many people could not harvest enough in the last growing season because they could not afford fertilizer. The AIP will help farmers produce enough, as fertilizer is now within their reach. So far, there have been no problems; people are buying freely," she said.
Programmes Manager for Mzuzu Agricultural Development Division (ADD), Anderson Chikomola, said that this year’s AIP has targeted 101,914 beneficiaries across the four district councils of M'mbelwa, Rumphi, Nkhatabay, and Likoma.
Chikomola said the programme has begun smoothly, with 94 selling points established across the ADD where farmers are already redeeming their inputs.
"We have prioritized hard-to-reach areas so that farmers have ample time to buy fertilizer and seeds before the rains start," he explained.
"Additionally, the programme has a multifaceted approach. Beyond AIP, some farmers are benefiting from NEEF loans and livestock initiatives. We believe this programme will not only ensure food security for farmers but also enable them to sell surplus, creating opportunities for others to benefit," Chikomola added.
Authorities in Balaka hail AIP, urging government to speed up the process
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.
Nkhotakota Small scale farmers thrilled with AIP
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.
AIP gives hope to subsistence farmers in Dowa
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.
MACRA to tame influx of substandard ICT equipment
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.
Experts call for enhanced cybersecurity laws and skills development
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.
Farmers praise government for Affordable Farm Inputs Program
By Salome Gangire
Neno, November 28, Mana: Farmers in Neno District have expressed gratitude to government for the Affordable Inputs Program (AIP), highlighting its positive impact on agricultural productivity and food security.
The 2024/25 AIP launched by President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera on October 14, 2024 at Dzundu Primary School Ground, in Traditional Authority Simon in Neno district.
Speaking in an interview Thursday, one of the beneficiary from Nkhwewa Village, Sub-Traditional Authority Chikalema, Patricia Frank said the timely provision of fertilizers has brought hope to many households.
"This program has lifted a heavy burden off our shoulders. Fertilizer prices on the market are too high for many of us, but with AIP, we can now farm confidently. I am certain we will harvest enough food for our families and even have surplus to sell," said Frank.
She said she has already applied the fertilizer in her field as she bought on 19th October, 2024 before the onset of the rains.
Echoing similar sentiments, Maria Steven from Tsabola Village, also under Sub-Traditional Authority Chikalema, commended the government for ensuring equitable access to inputs.
"This program has come as a blessing. Farming is our livelihood, and with affordable fertilizers, we can improve our yields.
"We are grateful to the government for considering the struggles of smallholder farmers like us," Steven said.
According to Neno District AIP Coordinator Taibu Nathaniel, a total of 7,378 farmers are benefitting from the program this year.
He revealed that currently 3,146 farmers have accessed NPK fertilizer, while 2,846 have received Urea.
"The distribution process is ongoing, and we are working tirelessly to ensure that all beneficiary farmers receive their inputs in time for the planting season. This program is a game-changer for small-scale farmers in Neno," Nathaniel said.
The Affordable Inputs Program, is a flagship initiative aimed to boost food security and alleviate poverty by providing subsidized fertilizers and seeds to smallholder farmers.
Under the program, farmers contribute K15,000 for a bag of 50 kg of fertilizer significantly reducing the cost of production.
Since its inception, AIP has transformed the agricultural sector in Malawi, empowering millions of farmers and enhancing the country’s food production capacity. The program also aligns with Malawi 2063, a long-term development blueprint that envisions an inclusive and self-reliant nation.
AIP beneficiaries in Rumphi hail programme
By Manasse Nyirenda
Rumphi, November 28, Mana: Affordable Input Programme (AIP) beneficiaries in Rumphi have hailed the programme for enhancing food security in their households.
In an interview on Wednesday one of the beneficiaries, Evelyn Nyirongo from Kavuli Village in Senior Chief Mwahenga said she is happy that she has bought a bag of NPK and is looking forward to harvesting enough food for her family of nine.
"I have benefited for the first time and I am really grateful that I have bought my first of the two bags of NPK and Urea at K15000. I have a big family which consumes an entire bag of maize in just under three weeks. That's not easy for a poor family like ours.
"This programme is very empowering for the poor who cannot afford to buy fertilizers from their own pockets. Now we will be able grow enough maize for our family," said Nyirongo.
Another beneficiary, Aaron Nyirongo from Chanda Village in Senior Chief Mwahenga says he is just waiting for his turn to buy since his area has received the inputs.
He added in the 2023/24 farming season he also benefited from the programme and harvested 17 bags of maize and has enough to take his family of four to the next harvest season.
On his part, Traditional Authority Kachulu said AIP beneficiaries in his area are accessing fertilizers without challenges.
He also warned his people not to sale the farm inputs in order for them to harvest enough food for their families.
AIP Coordinator for Rumphi, Victoria Munthali says as of Monday, 25 November beneficiaries in the district have redeemed 57 percent of fertilizers and of that fertilizer there is at least 14 percent of Urea.
About 18,000 people will benefit from the programme in Rumphi in 2024/2025 farming season.
Malawi to host 2024 National Conference on Creative and Heritage Industries
By Charles Nkhoma
Lilongwe, November 28, Mana: Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture Owen Chomanika, has announced that his ministry, in collaboration with the Malawi National Commission for UNESCO, will host the 2024 National Conference for the Creative and Heritage Industries.
The event is scheduled to take place from December 3rd to 4th, 2024, at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe.
Speaking during a press conference held at the Department of Unity in Lilongwe on Thursday, Chomanika emphasized the significance of the conference as part of a broader initiative aimed at strengthening institutional capacities for implementing the Malawi National Cultural Policy.
He said the initiative aligns with the UNESCO 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.
‘The conference, themed ‘Empowering Malawi’s Creative and Heritage Industries for Sustainable Development in the arts and Heritage sectors is in line with the provisions of the enacted National Arts and Heritage Act, 2024.
“The main objective is to foster discussions on policy issues and research that are critical to the growth and sustainability of the sectors,” he added.
In an interview, Acting Deputy Executive Secretary for the Malawi National Commission for UNESCO, David Mulera, underscored the importance of the event.
‘Our interest is to support the government and stakeholders in articulating strategies for implementing the UNESCO 2005 Convention on the Promotion of Cultural Diversity.
“The conference will cover several key topics, including the establishment of an arts and heritage promotion fund. Discussions will also focus on the renewal of the national cultural policy,’ he said.
The event aims to unite policymakers, industry players, and cultural advocates to advance the creative and heritage sectors as catalysts for sustainable development in Malawi.
Timely sale of AIP excites Nkhata Bay communities
By Chisomo Kmabandanga
Nkhata Bay, November 28, Mana: The timely sale of Affordable Inputs Program (AIP) has generated immense excitement among communities in Nkhata Bay saying this will enable smallholder famers to access essential farming inputs paving way for increased crop yield and income.
In an interview on Thursday at Mkumbira resource centre selling point, Luti Kasambala from Chilerawana village in the area of Senior Chief MKumbira said was happy to have secured her bags of fertilizer which will enable her focus on other things.
“I am very grateful to government that this year I have benefited from this programme which was not the case last year. Today I have accessed the bags of fertilizer and now will just be waiting for the rains while finalising preparing my field,” she said.
According to Kasambala, there is hope that in the 2024/2025 farming season produce from her farm will be increased.
Another beneficiary, Esther Nkhwazi from Usisya in the area of Traditional Authority M’bwana said she will use the two bags of fertilizers redeemed for its intended purpose as it is a step further towards achieving food security at her home.
In his remarks, Chairperson for Mkumbira Area Development Committee, Mavuto Kaunda expressed optimism that by the end of December this year, beneficiaries at Nkhata Bay Central Constituency will have redeemed their fertilisers.
“Currently, 635 bags of NPK and 681 bags of NPK have been redeemed in this constituency which has an allocation of 1,428 households to benefit translating to about 48 percent of fertilizer sold within three weeks.
“If the network will be stable and have continued supply of fertilizer, by mid-December everyone will have redeemed their bags of AIP which is encouraging,” he said.
Councillor for Usisya ward, Brown Chizeze, who is also Vice Chairperson for Nkhata Bay District Council commended government for timely targeting Usisya, a very hard to reach area, with fertilizers where about 200 bags have already been redeemed.
He further asked for special consideration to increase the load and frequency so that people can access their agriculture inputs before the roads are impassable considering the approaching rainy season.
Commenting on the matter, Director of Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources Raphael Mkisi said apart from network challenges selling of AIP commodities is progressing well in the district.
“On average we have two selling points at each of the six constituencies and at least each selling point has fertilizer. The need for the beneficiary of the program to be physically present with the National Identity card has helped to tighten security and also taken vendors out of the system resulting into sanity in selling points,” he said.
He therefore advised farmers not to sale the fertilizer to effectively achieve the program’s goal of making Malawi a food secured nation.
Launched on October 14, 2024 in Neno by President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, the 2024/2025 AIP is expected to benefit 12,540 famers in Nkhata Bay.
