AFAP Participates during the Launch of the Affordable Inputs Program in Southern Region
AFAP Malawi participated in the launch of the Affordable Inputs Program, a fertilizer subsidy initiative aimed at improving agricultural productivity. The event was graced by the presence of two hub agro-dealers, one of whom showcased an organic fertilizer blend. The Minister of Agriculture expressed sincere gratitude for AFAP’s ongoing support in enhancing Malawi’s agricultural sector.
AFAP’s involvement extended to the 2024 Malawi Agricultural Productivity and Commercialization Conference, themed “Transforming Agrifood Systems to Generate Wealth for All.” This initiative aligns with the Malawi 2063 agenda, emphasizing the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and farmer groups. Notable partners, including Fortune Gardens (FG) and the Executive Community Based Financial Organization (CBFO), showcased commercialized agro-products at the conference.
Fortune Gardens operates as an off-taker, focusing on the packaging of groundnuts, sugar beans, and peanut butter. Meanwhile, the CBFO specializes in processing cassava into flour and growing export-quality Kilombero rice, with a significant representation of women among participants, reflecting a growing trend of female involvement in agricultural and financial development.
AFAP has strategically linked CBFOs in the Karonga, Chitipa, and Nkhatabay districts with Homes Industries, a key off-taker for the rice and sunflower value chains. This collaboration has not only enhanced productivity and profits for farmers but also facilitated contract farming, ensuring access to high-quality inputs and markets. By strengthening these community-based organizations, AFAP is paving the way for sustainable food production, increased local trade, and improved access to financial services, including input loans from formal financial institutions.