Malawian farmers make local fertilizer to cope with rising costs

In response to rising fertilizer prices, Malawian farmers in Lilongwe produce local fertilizer, writes Jacqueline Phiri.

LILONGWE, Malawi — In response to the soaring prices of fertilisers and the scarcity of subsidised fertilisers under the Affordable Input Programme (AIP), small-scale farmers in Lilongwe's Traditional Authority Kabudula have taken matters into their own hands and started producing the commodity locally, writes Jacqueline Phiri.

This innovative approach aims to address the challenges faced by farmers who have struggled to afford expensive artificial fertilisers and have limited access to government-subsidized alternatives.

Introduced in 2020, the Malawi government's Affordable Input Programme was designed to provide subsidised farm inputs to subsistence farmers, with the government covering 70 percent of the cost.

However, the programme has proven to be a challenge for many small-scale farmers who lack the means to purchase subsidised fertilisers.

The subsequent shortage of fertilisers has caused sleepless nights for farmers anxiously awaiting the arrival of much-needed supplies.

One such small-scale farmer, Ledson Mwale, shared his perspective on the situation, stating, "Man-made fertilisers serve as a substitute for expensive artificial fertilisers that are beyond our means, especially with limited subsidy support. These local fertilisers will improve soil quality by providing the necessary nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and other vital elements crucial for crop growth."

Mwale further explained the process behind the local fertiliser production, saying, "We have gathered various resources, including ashes, sand, maize stocks, cow dung, and other animal droppings, to facilitate our fertilizer-making process."

These locally produced fertilisers offer a promising solution to the fertiliser shortages experienced by small-scale farmers.

By enabling them to plant more fertilizer-dependent crops, farmers can reduce hunger and generate additional income through the sale of surplus harvests.

Mwale concluded, "Man-made fertilisers will help combat the fertiliser shortage by allowing us to grow a greater variety of crops. This, in turn, will not only alleviate hunger but also contribute to our economic well-being."

The introduction of local fertilisers is expected to provide a lifeline for small-scale farmers in the next farming season.

As the AIP subsidy has failed to effectively address the issue of expensive fertilisers, many small-scale farmers have been left disillusioned and struggled to achieve satisfactory harvests.

However, the utilisation of locally produced fertilisers holds the promise of improving agricultural productivity and easing the burden on farmers who have long been deprived of affordable fertilisers under the government subsidy programme.