Revitalizing Malawi’s Economy: Enhancing Nasfam’s Subsidy Programme for Sustainable Growth

Key Business Points

• Review of the Farm Input Subsidy Programme (Fisp) is necessary to make it more effective and beneficial to other supply chains, according to the National Smallholder Farmers Association of Malawi (Nasfam).
• Diversification of Fisp to include crops that generate foreign exchange, such as legumes, is crucial to reduce the programme’s reliance on imported fertilizers and promote forex-earning crops.
• Timely announcement of Fisp outlook is essential for stakeholders to plan accordingly and make informed decisions, ensuring the programme’s success and impact on the agricultural sector.

The National Smallholder Farmers Association of Malawi (Nasfam) has called for a review of the Farm Input Subsidy Programme (Fisp) to make it more effective and beneficial to other supply chains. According to Nasfam CEO Betty Chinyamunyamu, the programme consumes a significant amount of resources and foreign exchange, yet it primarily supports maize production, which is consumed domestically and does not generate foreign exchange. Chinyamunyamu emphasized the need to allocate some Fisp resources to crops that can generate foreign exchange, such as legumes, to promote a more sustainable and forex-earning agricultural sector. This is in line with the Kusinthani concept, which emphasizes the importance of diversification and innovation in agriculture.

Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development Roza Fatch Mbilizi assured that the government will extend the Fisp programme to other crops, including legumes, to empower farmers to grow cash crops. This move is expected to kuchuluka (boost) the agricultural sector and promote economic growth. The government’s decision to include other cereals in the Fisp programme this year is a step in the right direction, and the inclusion of legumes will further kuletsa (enhance) the programme’s impact.

The Nasfam AGM, which brought together over 160,000 members, provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss key issues affecting the agricultural sector and identify opportunities for growth. The meeting also recognized outstanding farmer groups and awarded them for their achievements, promoting a sense of ubale (competition) and encouraging others to strive for excellence. The AGM’s focus on mphamvu (empowerment) and kujitolea (commitment) to improving livelihoods through climate-smart agriculture is crucial for Malawi’s economic development.

As Malawi’s largest smallholder-owned farmer organisation, Nasfam plays a vital role in promoting commercial farming, providing business training, and advocating for the interests of smallholder farmers. The organisation’s efforts to promote ufiti (agricultural development) and kumwamba (sustainability) are essential for the country’s food security and economic growth. By working together with stakeholders, including the government, universities, and the private sector, Nasfam can continue to drive growth and innovation in the agricultural sector, ultimately contributing to Malawi’s economic development and mavuto (prosperity).

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