Malawi agriculture chief concedes failure of K100 billion farm subsidy
Mwenifumbo said the initiative's focus on small landholders had hindered farming improvements while questioning its effectiveness.
LILONGWE, Malawi — A top Malawian agriculture official has acknowledged the failure of the government farm subsidy program that received over 100 billion kwacha amid food shortages for 4.4 million residents this year, writes Fatsani Gunya.
Speaking Thursday at a food security event, Controller of Agricultural Extension and Technical Services Alfred Mwenifumbo openly criticized the long-troubled Agriculture Input Programme (AIP) managed by his ministry.
Mwenifumbo said the initiative's focus on small landholders had hindered farming improvements while questioning its effectiveness.
Implementation of the AIP has been marked by turmoil, leaving vulnerable farmers facing lean times annually.
Mwenifumbo was appointed by President Lazarus Chakwera to lead new mega farms.
His public criticism over the AIP's long-running problems surprised many observers.
Civil society groups have urged more accountability in rolling out the AIP, seen as a lifeline for farmers. Delays, opaque selections and limited distribution updates have undermined its effectiveness despite years of funding.
The government's commitment to resolve hunger now faces a squeeze as parliament steers K1 billion towards the Mega Farms Initiative amid tightening budgets.