Mzimba District Residents Express Gratitude for AIP Program
President Lazarus Chakwera launched this year’s AIP fertilizer program on October 20, 2023, with 1.5 million farmers expected to benefit.
MZIMBA, Malawi - Beneficiaries of the Affordable Input Program (AIP) in Mzimba district have expressed satisfaction with the program, citing improved living standards for their families, writes Alinafe Sambo.
Grace Twaya, a mother of three from Chiona Nyirenda village, said this is her second time benefiting from the AIP program.
“My life has changed because I am able to buy fertilizer at a cheaper price and some of the problems that I was facing way back have been reduced,” Twaya said.
Chimwemwe Darken Ngoma from Zakeyo T/A Mmbelwa, a third-time beneficiary, echoed Twaya’s sentiments.
“I have benefited a lot and the story of my family has changed a lot and I am able to provide for my family, pay school fees for my children from the farming,” Ngo`ma said.
The program has also indirectly benefited local taxi drivers. Joseph Banda, a taxi driver from Makwatanjira Njira village, said they make a lot of money during this season, which helps them and their families.
Group village headmen SauSau and Chiona Nyirenda confirmed that many people in their areas have benefited from the AIP program.
This year, 30 people in SauSau’s area and 40 people in Nyirenda’s area are set to benefit from the program.
“When my people benefit from the program I become happy because I know that when people have food the problems that the community face are being reduced,” SauSau said.
President Lazarus Chakwera launched this year’s AIP fertilizer program on October 20, 2023, with 1.5 million farmers expected to benefit.