Former Minister of Agriculture, Lobin Lowe, has found himself back in the spotlight following new revelations linking him to what investigators are calling the “fertilizer butchery” scandal — a multimillion-kwacha scheme that allegedly drained public funds meant for the Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP).
According to inside sources within the Ministry of Agriculture, the scandal involves questionable procurement deals made during Lowe’s tenure, where suppliers were allegedly paid for fertilizer that was never delivered or was of substandard quality. The deals, insiders say, left farmers across the country struggling with shortages and poor yields.
A senior government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the situation as “a national embarrassment,” adding that the ministry is compiling a report to be presented to the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). “There were glaring irregularities — from inflated prices to ghost companies being awarded contracts. The paper trail points to deliberate negligence or complicity at the highest levels,” the source revealed.
Lowe, who served under President Lazarus Chakwera’s administration until his dismissal in 2022, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. Reached for comment, he insisted that he was being used as a scapegoat. “Everything was done in accordance with government procedures. I have nothing to hide,” he said.
The “fertilizer butchery” scandal has rekindled public anger over corruption in the agriculture sector, a crucial pillar of Malawi’s economy. Civil society groups are demanding swift action and transparency in ongoing investigations.
Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) executive director, Sylvester Namiwa, said the scandal reflects “a systematic failure of accountability” within government institutions. “The poor are paying the price. Farmers who rely on fertilizer subsidies have been betrayed,” Namiwa said.
Meanwhile, the ACB has confirmed that it is reviewing procurement documents and payments related to the case. “We are following the evidence. If anyone is found culpable, they will face the law,” said ACB spokesperson Egrita Ndala.
As the probe deepens, many Malawians are watching closely to see whether this will be yet another scandal swept under the rug — or the moment when accountability finally takes root in the country’s fight against corruption.
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