By Burnett Munthali
Farmers in Chitipa District are growing increasingly frustrated as fertilizer under the Affordable Input Programme (AIP) remains unavailable at the Smallholder Farmers Fertilizer Revolving Fund of Malawi (SFFRFM) selling points. The delay is raising concerns about the looming agricultural season and the impact on food security in the region.
Natasha Silwimba, a farmer from Siyombwe, voiced her frustration, noting that since the launch of the 2024 AIP, no one in her area has managed to access the subsidized farm inputs. She expressed worry that many farmers in her community had already begun planting their crops while they were still waiting for the government’s support, but with diminishing hope.
“We are very worried because our fellow farmers have already started planting their seeds, but we are still waiting for the government with little expectations as accessing subsidized inputs remains a challenge,” Silwimba said. “We keep being sent away empty-handed when we try to buy fertilizer, with the excuse that the inputs are finished.”
This ongoing shortage is deeply concerning for farmers like Silwimba, as it undermines the very purpose of the AIP, which is designed to help smallholder farmers secure affordable inputs and boost agricultural production. For many in Chitipa, AIP is crucial for their livelihoods, and the unavailability of fertilizers could threaten both food security and their ability to generate income.
Chitipa District Agriculture Officer, Benjamin Chipeta, confirmed the challenges, acknowledging that the authorities had engaged with the SFFRFM over the issue. However, as of now, the SFFRFM has not provided a response.
Chipeta emphasized the severe implications of this delay, stressing that many vulnerable farmers depend on the subsidized fertilizer to produce enough food to feed their families and contribute to local food security. He warned that without timely access to the inputs, agricultural productivity would decline, potentially leading to food shortages and further economic hardship for the district’s residents.
Most of the farmers in Chitipa rely heavily on the AIP to access affordable inputs, and the absence of these essential fertilizers could significantly impact food production. The situation is becoming increasingly dire, with many farmers uncertain about how they will proceed with the upcoming planting season.
Efforts to contact Grace Thipa, the spokesperson for SFFRFM, for a comment on the issue were unsuccessful as she did not respond to calls.
As the government continues to grapple with these challenges, farmers in Chitipa and beyond are anxiously awaiting resolution, hoping for the timely provision of the much-needed inputs to ensure a successful and productive agricultural season.
