FAO Disburses Cash to Neno Farmers
The programme is targeting 30,280 farmers in Neno, Balaka and Chikwawa districts.
NENO, Malawi - Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) disbursed cash amounting to around K162 million to 995 farmers in Neno district on Saturday to help them cope with dry spells in the 2023/24 growing season, writes Salome Gangire, MANA.
"We are disbursing a total of about K500 million in the three districts and here in Neno, we are disbursing around K162 million," said FAO Malawi National Cash and Voucher Specialist Aubrey Sidik at the cash disbursement event at Kambale Community Day Secondary School.
Each beneficiary farmer received K180,000 to buy planting materials like seeds and other agricultural inputs to help produce crops despite the dry spells predicted in the seasonal weather forecast, Sidik said.
He advised farmers to use the money "prudently" by investing in agriculture while also using some for food during the lean season.
"The safety nets are provided with a purpose of ensuring food security," said Neno Director of Planning and Development Charles Lomoni, thanking FAO for the support.
Farmer Mpange Chingwalu of Galeta 2 Village said the money will help him buy fertilizer and food.
"The remaining money I will use to buy food for my household in this lean season as I did not have maize right now," Chingwalu said.
Linda Kamwendo of Kambale Village said she would invest part of the money in her small business besides buying food.
The programme is targeting 30,280 farmers in Neno, Balaka and Chikwawa districts.