By Chisomo Phiri
The Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, Roza Mbilizi, has announced that government will make reforms in the administration of the Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP) before its rollout later this year so as to enhance transparency, efficiency, and equitable access to farm inputs across the country.
Mbilizi made the announcement in Lilongwe during the launch of the Resource Mobilisation Initiative input distribution exercise under the Lilongwe Agricultural Development Division(ADD ), an effort supported by One Acre Fund and other implementing partners.
The minister urged agricultural input suppliers to consider offering price reductions to farmers who are organised in groups or clubs, noting that such collaboration would not only ease farmers’ financial burdens but also strengthen Malawi’s food security and agricultural resilience.
She commended One Acre Fund and other partners for complementing government efforts to improve agricultural productivity, saying such partnerships are key to achieving sustainable development in the sector.
On his part, Government and Relations Policy Manager for One Acre Lovemore Mtsitsi,said the organisation provides farm inputs to smallholder farmers on credit, allowing them to repay over an extended period.
“Farmers register in groups of between 10 and 25 members and indicate the types of inputs they need.
“They make a 10 percent upfront payment of the loan amount, and the remainder is repaid in instalments throughout the agricultural season,” said Tsitsi.
AIP is a flagship agricultural subsidy initiative introduced by the government of in the 2020/2021 farming season.
It was designed to replace the former Farm Input Subsidy Programme (FISP) with the goal of increasing access to quality farm inputs,mainly fertiliser and improved maize and legume seeds among smallholder farmers.
Over the years, the AIP has benefited millions of Malawian farmers, contributing to improvements in maize production and food availability.
However, the programme has also faced challenges, including funding constraints, logistical inefficiencies, and reports of beneficiary targeting errors.
