The Chakwera Government continues to disburse loans to Malawians through the National Economic Empowerment Fund (Neef). In this farming season, the Government has made deliberate efforts to accelerate loans to farmers, enabling them to access implements necessary for their activities in the farms.
In light of the ongoing challenges posed by erratic rainfall patterns, the farmers have been urged to diversify their agricultural practices by adopting irrigation farming. This guidance was announced by the Minister of Agriculture, Sam Kawale, during the launch of the Neef farm input loans aimed at supporting local farmers.
Kawale emphasized the importance of not relying solely on rain-fed agriculture, particularly maize farming, which has traditionally been the backbone of Malawian agriculture. “For farmers to reap the benefits of the loans provided and ensure their sustainability, they must adapt to changing weather patterns by implementing irrigation systems,” he stated.
The initiative comes at a critical time when many farmers in the region face significant crop failures due to inconsistent rainfall, thus threatening their livelihoods and food security. The farm input loans are part of a broader government strategy to bolster the agricultural sector and improve the resilience of farmers to climate change.
Robert Mkwezalamba, a representative of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), conveyed his satisfaction with the loan disbursement process, remarking that the initiative is inclusive, allowing farmers access to necessary inputs regardless of their geographical location or political affiliations. “This is a positive step towards empowering farmers and enhancing food production in our communities,” he noted.
Traditional Authority Mkhumba, a local leader in Phalombe, commended the government’s initiative. He believes that with the effective implementation of irrigation methods and improved rainfall patterns, farmers will have the potential to move out of the cycle of perennial hunger that has plagued the district for years.
