Malawi

Download the end of programme report here

The Sustain Africa programme in  Malawi ran from October 2022 to 31 December 2023.  Sustain Africa worked with the government of Malawi to supply 51,950 metric tons of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium (NPK) fertilizer to 1,039,000 Malawian farmers through the Malawi government’s Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP). This involved facilitating the transportation of 10,000 metric tons of Monoammonium Phosphate (MAP), donated by OCP to the government of Malawi, from Beira to Malawi where it was converted to 51,950 metric tons of NPK fertilizer by blending companies, Optichem 2000 Limited in Blantyre and the Malawi Fertilizer Company (MFC) in Liwonde.

Sustain Africa also worked with seed suppliers to strengthen resilience of 117,260 farmers, of whom 93,280 accessed vegetable seeds at a discounted price A further 23,980 farmers were supported by Milele Agro processing Limited through contract farming to produce 1,158.9 tons of white haricot beans.

AFAP, the implementation partner for the project, collaborated with the Department of Extension Services in the Ministry of Agriculture and private extension service providers to  provide extension services to 1,156,260 smallholder farmers. Leaflets with information of good agronomic practices were put inside the fertilizer bags reaching 1,039,000 and the project provided extension advice through 98 radio programs.

Voices from the field

Khome cooperative – beans

The Khome cooperative in the South of Malawi joined the Milele Agroprocessing bean offtake programme that was part of the Sustain Africa programme. Yields on their 3-acre plot were 200kg per acre. A field office from Milele supported farmers with the correct methods for cleaning, drying, sorting, grading, and bagging the beans, and the correct storage ready for collection by Milele. Liness Fraction, the cooperative’s treasurer commented, “It was our first time growing white haricot beans but the process was seamless because of the unwavering support from Milele.  Sustain Africa is really promoting agribusiness, especially among smallholder farmers coming together as a group through a cooperative.”

Gwiritse Co-operative – vegetables

Timothy Katumbi and his wife survey their cabbage plot

The Gwiritse Co-operative joined the vegetable and bean resilience component of the Sustain Africa programme. Inspired by the vegetable demonstration plot that was part of the programme, they  planted a range of vegetables including cabbage, rape, mustard, Chinese cabbage. The aim is to plant vegetables in the winter season to build resilience by diversifying from only cultivating staple crops. This not only enhances household food security but also generates a sustainable income source for farmers. Timothy Katumbi, a member of the co-operative, is able to not only feed his family, but also sell surplus within his community and neighbouring areas, earning up to US$15 per day. “I am grateful to Sustain Africa, which grants me access to affordable high-quality seeds, coupled with a generous 20% rebate. The diverse range of seeds allows me to diversify my vegetable crops, ensuring a continuous harvest throughout the year, as different crops require different seasons and conditions.”

Margaret Ajibu – beans

Margaret Ajibu in her bean field

Margaret Ajibu, a 52-year-old member of the Ndundumala irrigation scheme in southern Malawi. Milele Agroprocessing Limited has collaborated with the irrigation scheme to introduce contract farming for beans. The collaboration covers seven hectares  and  involves 33 farmers of whom  20 are women. Milele Agroprocessing offered farmers a package of certified white haricot seeds and a contract for their produce.  Margaret commented, “The biggest worry for a farmer before growing any commercial crop is finding a market. This initiative, linking farmers to a readily available market at a premium international price, is a great move, and I am thankful.”