Posted on February, 29, 2024 at 09:00 am
Amid growing concerns over food security in Malawi, the Smallholder Farmers Fertiliser Revolving Fund of Malawi (SFFRFM) has made a significant plea to the government for the replenishment of essential agricultural inputs. During a pivotal meeting with the Parliamentary Cluster on Agriculture and Food Security, SFFRFM's CEO, Richard Chikunkhuzeni, presented a compelling case for the need to restock 89,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser, crucial for the nation's smallholder farmers. This initiative, estimated to cost K140 billion, is deemed essential for SFFRFM to continue its mission of supporting agricultural productivity and food security in Malawi.
The request for government intervention stems from the depletion of fertiliser stocks initially provided through a government-funded starter-pack programme in 1998. Designed to enhance food security by aiding smallholder farmers with fertiliser and seed, this programme was a cornerstone of the United Democratic Front (UDF) administration's agricultural policy. However, since then, there has been no significant replenishment, severely impacting SFFRFM's ability to fulfil its mandate. CEO Chikunkhuzeni emphasized the dire need for recapitalisation to ensure the fund's sustainability and its pivotal role in reaching all Malawians, not just beneficiaries of the Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP).
The call for replenishment has garnered support within the political sphere, notably from the Parliamentary Cluster's co-chairperson, Sameer Suleman, who advocated for the recapitalisation of SFFRFM to benefit all farmers across Malawi. Conversely, the stance from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, represented by Fiskani Kaluwa, highlighted the complexities of addressing a request tied to transactions dating back to 1998. Kaluwa indicated that further consultations and guidance from the Secretary to the Treasury are necessary to move forward, underlining the bureaucratic hurdles that might delay the process.
The replenishment of fertiliser stocks is more than a logistical challenge; it is a matter of national importance. Malawi, predominantly reliant on agriculture, faces significant hurdles in ensuring food security and economic stability. The success or failure of this request could significantly impact smallholder farmers, who are the backbone of the country's agricultural output. As discussions continue, the agricultural community and stakeholders keenly await decisions that could shape the sector's future and, by extension, the nation's food security.
The unfolding situation highlights the necessity of strategic investments and policies to support agricultural development and sustainability in Malawi. As the government deliberates on the SFFRFM's request, the outcome will undoubtedly reflect broader priorities and commitments towards enhancing the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and securing the country's food supply.
Source: BNN