Karonga CSOs Decry Selling of Farm Produce at Low Prices
Karonga police say they have intensified patrols in the district and at the Songwe border crossing into Tanzania to prevent farm produce from being smuggled out of the country.
KARONGA, Malawi — Civil society organizations in Karonga district have expressed deep concern over farmers selling their produce to vendors at significantly low prices, calling it exploitation that negatively impacts livelihoods, writes Lusekero Mhango.
"We cannot stand by and watch as our farmers continue to suffer from unfair pricing," said Edga Phiri, vice chairperson of the Karonga CSOs Network.
"It's essential that we establish systems that provide farmers with direct access to markets and ensure they are paid fairly for their produce."
In an interview Thursday, Phiri emphasized the need for better market access and support mechanisms to protect farmers from vendors taking advantage of them.
He said CSOs need to increase awareness efforts educating farmers about the benefits of storing harvested food to ensure household food security during lean seasons.
Karonga police say they have intensified patrols in the district and at the Songwe border crossing into Tanzania to prevent farm produce from being smuggled out of the country.
"We have also increased checks on traders to ensure they have proper documentation and permits to buy farming produce at fair prices, preventing them from taking advantage of poor farmers," said Sgt. George Mulewa, public relations officer for Karonga police station.
Farmers in the northern district frequently sell crops like maize, groundnuts and rice to vendors soon after harvesting, often at low prices due to lack of storage facilities and urgent cash needs. CSOs say this contributes to food insecurity later in the year.