By Suleman Chitera
Malawians want answers. Not polished words, not empty press statements — but the truth. A burning question continues to haunt the nation: What happened to the fertilizer money until it allegedly “ended up at a butchery”? And why does the name of Lobin Lowe, the former Minister of Agriculture, keep resurfacing in this scandal?
A scandal that refuses to die
In recent years, Malawi has struggled with fertilizer shortages, delayed distribution, high prices, and farmers’ complaints. At the same time, serious allegations have emerged that money meant for buying fertilizer was misused, diverted into unrelated activities — bluntly described by the public as “the butchery”.
As humorous as the phrase may sound, this is no laughing matter. It is about national food security, farmers’ livelihoods, and leadership accountability.
Where does Lobin Lowe stand?
As former Minister of Agriculture, Lobin Lowe occupied a critical position during the period when fertilizer procurement decisions were made. That office carries responsibility and accountability. Malawians are not demanding convictions without evidence — they are demanding investigation.
Key questions remain unanswered:
Who were awarded the fertilizer supply contracts?
Was there overpricing or use of incapable suppliers?
Were funds diverted from fertilizer procurement to other businesses?
Who approved the payments, and who benefited?
So far, no solid, detailed explanation has been provided to close these gaps.
How has MCP responded?
The ruling party has largely dismissed the issue as “baseless allegations” or “political propaganda.” But when allegations persist and recur, they become a matter for investigation, not slogans.
If MCP has nothing to hide:
Why not open all procurement records?
Why not allow an independent investigation into fertilizer funds?
Why not let the Anti-Corruption Bureau, the Auditor General, and Parliament do their work without interference?
Farmers suffer while others appear to prosper
As many farmers face hunger, poor harvests, and debt, a small group of individuals appears to have experienced sudden and unexplained wealth — new cars, expensive houses, and growing businesses — during the same period fertilizer was failing to reach the fields.
Coincidence? Or evidence of a broken system?
That is the question demanding answers.
What Malawians want
Malawians are not asking for political noise. They want:
A full, independent investigation
Public disclosure of all involved
Recovery of stolen funds if wrongdoing is proven
Prosecutions where evidence exists
System reforms to prevent future abuse
Conclusion: The question will not go away
The “fertilizer to the butchery” scandal persists because it has never been answered. Until Lobin Lowe and MCP provide clear, verifiable facts, the issue will continue to haunt them. National food security is not a political toy — it is the people’s survival.
When the truth speaks, everyone will hear. And Malawi is still waiting.
