Neno, Malawi – On October 14, 2024: His Excellency Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi, officially launched the 2024 Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP) aimed at supporting farmers across the nation. Speaking to an audience filled with agricultural stakeholders, President Chakwera acknowledged the widespread hunger crisis affecting many Malawians, largely exacerbated by climate change.
“The reality is that no one in this country is unaware of hunger. I encounter many Malawians whose primary struggle is lack of food,” he stated, emphasizing the vital role of farmers in sustaining the nation’s food supply. “We must ensure that those capable of cultivating food receive the necessary support, including subsidized inputs.”
President Chakwera underlined the importance of targeted assistance, ensuring that aid reaches farmers who genuinely require it and not diverting resources where they are not needed. He called on all Malawians to unite in providing opportunities for each other, rather than living in isolation, and highlighted that receiving assistance comes with an ethical obligation to support fellow citizens.
The President called for transparency in the distribution of resources. “Those responsible for registration and distribution should not exploit this programme. We have over one million eligible farmers, and it is our duty to coordinate effectively to prevent future food shortages,” he asserted.
Additionally, he spoke about shared prosperity, urging all to utilize the benefits provided through the AIP to improve food security. “When we take responsibility for our parcels of land, we become self-reliant and less susceptible to political maneuvering,” he added.
In closing, President Chakwera declared the launch of the AIP for the 2024-2025 agricultural year. Concluding with a call for collective efforts to eradicate hunger and ensure food security for all citizens.
