An agricultural expert, Dr Felix Jumbe, says Malawi needs to rethink its agricultural strategies by shifting its focus from food security to income security.
Speaking to Chanco Community Radio, Jumble said the country’s continued reliance on small-scale farmers as the main producers of maize is unsustainable and called for increased support to large-scale farmers to ensure adequate maize production.
“We need to move beyond focusing solely on food security and start prioritising income security as well. Supporting large-scale farmers will help ensure consistent maize production and improve the country’s food reserves,” said Jumbe.
His remarks come amid delays by the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) in purchasing maize this season and concerns over inadequate funding for grain procurement.
Jumbe also alleged that the current system is benefiting neighbouring countries, claiming that some traders are importing maize through uncharted routes before selling it to ADMARC and the NFRA.
“The current arrangement is allowing some traders to take advantage of the market while local farmers continue to face challenges in accessing profitable markets,” he said.
Meanwhile, NFRA, through its Chief Executive Officer Dr Bruce Munthali, says the agency has finalised preparations to begin purchasing maize from farmers and expects to buy 108,000 metric tonnes this season.
