AGRIFOCUS, CROP AND MARKET

By Luke Magombo Blantyre, Malawi Weather authorities have issued a new alert warning that rainfall activity is expected to remain suppressed across much of Southern Malawi in the coming days, increasing the risk of crop stress in several farming communities. Maize crop in a dry condition According to the latest climate  outlook, atmospheric conditions currently developing over the country are not favourable for rainfall formation. As a result, many areas are projected to experience extended periods without significant rain, particularly over the next week. The dry conditions are expected to affect a wide stretch of districts in the Southern Region, including lowland and highland farming zones. Parts of the Central Region may also begin to experience similar conditions if the pattern persists. This development follows earlier dry episodes that have already disrupted crop growth in some locations. Reports from the field indicate that maize and other staple crops are showing s...

By Luke Magombo Blantyre, Malawi The  Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP), commonly known as FISP, continues to be a major challenge for many smallholder farmers across Malawi, raising serious concerns about food production and national food security. Beneficiaries of FISP Farmers say delayed distribution, limited quantities and alleged irregularities in the selection of beneficiaries are undermining the programme’s intended goal of improving access to fertilizer and boosting crop production. In several districts, some farmers report receiving fertilizer too late in the season, reducing its effectiveness and negatively affecting yields. Others complain that despite being registered, they fail to access the inputs, while those with better financial capacity sometimes benefit repeatedly. This situation, farmers argue, has weakened trust in the programme and left vulnerable households exposed to poor harvests. Agriculture experts warn that continued inefficiencies in the FISP syst...

By Luke Magombo Blantyre, Malawi A disagreement has emerged between the government  and traders over plans to export maize, raising concerns about food security and market stability. Maxwell Chikapa a concern farmer of Kasungu   Traders are calling for permission to sell maize to regional markets, arguing that exports would improve prices and create better opportunities for farmers. However, government authorities remain cautious, saying maize exports could affect local supply at a time when many households are still vulnerable to food shortages. Officials maintain that maize is a strategic crop that must first meet domestic demand before any surplus is released for export. They add that climate shocks and unpredictable weather patterns make it risky to approve exports without clear and reliable production data. On the other hand, traders say restrictions on exports are limiting market growth. They argue that when export opportunities are blocked, maize prices drop locally, pr...

By Luke Magombo Blantyre, Malawi Smallholder farmers in parts of Nkhotakota District are returning to the fields after a local organisation provided agricultural inputs to help them recover from recent flood damage. Smallholder Farmers receive inputs  Njira Impact has distributed fertiliser and seed worth K30 million to 55 flood-affected households in areas under Senior Chief Kalimanjira and Mwadzama, where heavy rains washed away crops and disrupted farming activities. According to the organisation, the assistance is aimed at restoring food production rather than offering temporary relief. Njira Impact Monitoring and Evaluation Officer Linda Mwale said supporting farmers with inputs allows families to regain independence and strengthen food security. “By helping households plant again, we are supporting long-term recovery and reducing the risk of hunger,” Mwale said, adding that beneficiaries were selected after field assessments to identify the most affected families. Some ...

By Luke Magombo Blantyre, Malawi Fish farming is gaining importance in Malawi as farmers look for practical ways to increase income and improve household nutrition beyond traditional crop production. Farmers feeding Fingerlings In Ntchisi District, aquaculture received a boost after CDF Canada distributed 30,000 chambo fingerlings to five local fish farming clubs. The initiative aims to strengthen fish production while encouraging farmers to diversify their sources of income. CDF Canada Integrated Aquaculture and Agriculture Specialist, Tiwonge Soko, said the slow growth of the fish farming sector is largely due to limited technical knowledge and inadequate support for farmers. She explained that many smallholder farmers are interested in aquaculture but lack access to quality inputs and training.T he fingerlings distribution, supported through funding from Norway, is part of a wider effort to improve aquaculture productivity and promote sustainable farming practices at community...

By Luke Magombo Blantyre, Malawi Malawi has a strong opportunity to expand its agricultural exports by investing in fruit production, particularly tangerines grown in Mwanza district. The area’s favourable climate and fertile soils produce high-quality tangerines that are sweet, juicy, and suitable for both fresh consumption and processing. Peaked Tangerines Despite this potential, most Mwanza tangerines are sold on local markets at low prices, especially during peak harvest seasons. Limited access to export markets, lack of cold storage, and weak market linkages force many farmers to sell at a loss or allow fruit to go to waste. Tangerines in their branches Local Tangerine farmers are calling on the government to support fruit exportation by improving access to international markets, strengthening quality standards, and investing in post harvest infrastructure. Farmers argue that neighbouring countries are already benefiting from citrus exports while Malawi continues to miss out...

By Luke Magombo Blantyre, Malawi Maize distribution currently underway in Nsanje district is helping vulnerable households meet food needs, while also pointing to growing pressure on local grain supply. The exercise reflects wider challenges in maize production following poor harvests and climate related shocks in parts of the country. MVAC beneficiary has received maize Recent assessments by the Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee (MVAC) show that food insecurity has increased in several districts, particularly in the southern region. For crop and market observers, the scale of maize support highlights the link between reduced production and rising stress on household food systems. From a market standpoint, supplying maize directly to households is expected to ease short-term demand in local markets. This may help limit sharp price increases during the lean season, when many families depend on purchases after exhausting their own stocks. The intervention is also being su...

By Luke Magombo Blantyre, Malawi The 2025/26 farming season is developing unevenly across the country, with some farmers reporting promising crop conditions while others face serious setbacks. Drying of maize in a field D ry spells in certain areas and heavy rains in others are creating mixed outcomes, highlighting the growing impact of climate variability on agriculture. Agriculture expert Dr. Kingdom Kwapata says farmers affected by dry conditions must respond quickly to avoid heavy losses. He advises a shift towards drought-tolerant and early-maturing crops, noting that soil moisture is declining rapidly in many areas. According to Dr. Kwapata, timely adaptation is no longer optional but essential for survival in modern farming. He has further called on government and agricultural institutions to strengthen technical support and ensure the timely distribution of appropriate farm inputs. Dr. Kwapata emphasizes that well resourced extension services can help farmers make informed dec...

By Luke Magombo Blantyre, Malawi Lilongwe City Council has intensified efforts to promote sustainable farming by prioritizing the protection and management of trees planted across the district, recognizing their growing importance in agriculture and food security. tree planting in lilongwe The initiative follows a collaborative tree planting exercise between the council and One Acre Fund, during which about 7,000 trees were planted in Traditional Authority Chiseka in Lilongwe District. The programme forms part of wider efforts to integrate environmental conservation into agricultural production systems.                           Tree plantation According to Lilongwe City Council Chairperson Sekelani Kansikili, trees are no longer viewed only as an environmental asset but as a critical component of productive farming. He said well managed trees help maintain soil structure, reduce erosion, retain moisture and improve soil ...

By Luke Magombo Blantyre Many people across the country are encouraging one another on social media platforms to embrace maize farming and sell the crop while it is still fresh (green maize), instead of waiting for it to dry. Green maize for sale Several contributors argue that selling green maize whether on the cob or in small bundles is a smart business move because it allows farmers to earn quick and attractive profits. According to these discussions, the current price of one fresh maize cob can reach around K1,000, depending on location and demand. When a farmer calculates the number of cobs harvested per field, the income can be significantly higher than selling dried maize later in the season. Fresh maize cobs in a field “Instead of waiting for maize to dry, sell it fresh and make money immediately. At the moment, one fresh maize cob is going at about K1,000. When you count how many cobs you harvest, you realize the profit is much higher,” some farmers commented on social medi...

By Luke Magombo Blantyre , Malawi Farmers should generate income on a weekly basis. It should be profitable enough to reinvest in different projects within the farm.  farm workers must be paid from the income the farm produces, because a well run farm sustains itself. Maize field Workers are not responsible for the failure of a farm unless they are partners in ownership or decision-making. Success or failure depends largely on planning, management, and commitment. If an you have land and access to water, you already have the most important resources to start. You do not need much capital in the beginning. Even small progress is better than doing nothing at all. There is money in the soil, but it will not enter your pockets by magic. Farming requires effort, discipline, and consistency. This year, if you follow this page and apply what you learn, you will not remain the same.

By Luke Magombo Blantyre, Malawi Raising local chickens can be very rewarding, especially when hatching is done correctly. If you keep indigenous (local) chickens and want to increase your chances of getting healthy chicks, the following simple but effective tips can help you achieve better results. Poultry farming  When a hen starts laying eggs and reaches the stage where she wants to sit on them for hatching (brooding), proper preparation is very important. First, prepare a mixture of wood ash and sand, making sure that the ash is more than the sand. This mixture helps to control parasites such as lice and mites, which can disturb the hen during brooding and reduce hatching success. Take a basket, sack, or any suitable container and spread this mixture properly in the place where the hen will sit on the eggs . After that, take clean sand (without mixing it with ash) and place it on top, shaping it into a shallow nest, like a small bowl. This helps keep the eggs stable, warm, and...

By Luke Magombo Blantyre, Malawi Authorities in Mchinji have moved to curb illegal cross border grain trade after intercepting three trucks suspected of transporting maize to Zambia without authorization. Illegal  trucks of maize  caught According to police, the trucks  one Scania and two Freightliners were stopped while allegedly en route to the Zambian market. The development highlights growing pressure on Malawi’s maize trade, driven largely by price differences between domestic and regional markets. In recent months, maize prices in neighbouring Zambia have reportedly been more attractive to traders, creating incentives for illegal exports. Agricultural experts warn that such practices, if left unchecked, could reduce local maize availability and contribute to price instability, particularly for vulnerable households. Officials say the suspects involved will face legal processes, while enforcement agencies have intensified monitoring of grain movement in border dist...

By Luke Magombo Blantyre, Malawi Traditional vegetables are crops we already know and trust. These include cowpea leaves, African nightshade, spider plant (saga), amaranth, pumpkin leaves, and jute mallow. They grow well in local conditions, mature quickly, tolerate dry weather, and need fewer inputs than many exotic vegetables. Traditional vegetables These vegetables are highly nutritious rich in vitamins and minerals that improve family health and strengthen food security. They also have a strong and growing market, especially in towns and cities where consumers are increasingly choosing healthy, indigenous foods.   Pumpkin leaves Growing traditional vegetables is a smart option for farmers, supporting better nutrition, reliable harvests and improve income.

By Luke Magombo Blantyre, Malawi Poor egg production is a common challenge among poultry farmers, but in many cases, the problem can be traced back to management practices rather than disease or breed issues. Layers chicken in a cage One of the most important factors is proper guidance. Farmers who seek timely advice from extension officers or experienced poultry experts are better equipped to make the right decisions at each stage of production. Nutrition also plays a critical role. Chickens must be given balanced and adequate feed that matches their age, size and type. Overstocking birds beyond what a farmer can properly manage often leads to poor performance and losses. Access to clean drinking water is equally essential. Birds should have uninterrupted access to fresh, clean water at all times, as dehydration directly affects egg laying. The number of feeders and drinkers must also be proportional to the flock size to avoid competition and stress among birds. When chick...

By Luke Magombo Blantyre, Malawi Seasonal farming conditions in parts of southern Malawi are beginning to improve following a challenging year marked by widespread food shortages. Recent field observations indicate that crops in Machinga District are responding well to better distributed rainfall, raising optimism among farming households. Well improved maize field Agricultural specialists caution, however, that good weather alone is not enough to guarantee strong yields. They are encouraging farmers to carry out regular field monitoring, detect crop diseases early, and work closely with extension officers to safeguard their fields. Farmers who adopt proper crop management practices are expected to gain the greatest benefits from the current season. Quality of maize product Similar progress is being reported in Blantyre District, where steady rains have supported crop establishment, particularly among small scale farmers who rely heavily on rain fed agriculture. Although some risks ...

By Luke Magombo Blantyre, Malawi As land pressure continues to limit crop production in Thyolo District , attention is increasingly turning toward dairy farming as a practical and sustainable response to hunger and poverty. Unlike land intensive crops, dairy farming allows households to earn steady income and improve nutrition even on small plots of land. Minister of local government In addition to livestock production  the revival of banana farming has been highlighted as a key opportunity to strengthen local food systems and diversify household incomes. These efforts, combined with responsible use of development funds, could help communities invest in projects that deliver long-term economic benefits rather than short-term relief. The district’s development agenda also emphasizes the importance of strengthening agricultural infrastructure and local markets to support farmers and small-scale producers. At the same time, traditional leaders continue to call for timely food a...

By Luke Magombo Blantyre, Malawi The Government of Malawi has received US$1 million (about K1.7 billion) from the African Development Bank (AfDB) to strengthen food assistance for households affected by hunger across the country. The Minister of Economy, Mwanamveka (Picture of zodiak) The support was officially announced in Lilongwe , where AfDB Country Manager Macmillan Anyanwu said the funding was approved in response to the government’s declaration of food insecurity. He emphasized that the bank remains committed to supporting Malawi during humanitarian and economic challenges Minister of Finance Joseph Mwanamvekha welcomed the assistance, describing it as timely and critical in addressing the current food situation. He assured that the funds will be used responsibly and transparently to ensure they reach the intended beneficiaries. Mwanamvekha further highlighted that government interventions to address hunger have helped stabilize food availability and contributed to a reductio...

  By Luke Magombo Blantyre, Malawi At least 1,200 people facing hunger in Luchenza Municipality, Thyolo District, have received free maize from the government through the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) , easing food shortages among vulnerable households. During the distribution, Rashid Ntelela from the Office of the President and Cabinet urged beneficiaries not to sell the maize, stressing that the assistance is meant solely for consumption. He also advised residents living in disaster prone areas to relocate as heavy rains continue across the district. DODMA officials distributing maize(picture of zodiak) Luchenza legislator and Minister of Lands, Chimwemwe Chipungu , said about 8,000 people in the area still require food assistance and called for expanded support. He also raised concerns over alleged favoritism by some local officials during beneficiary registration, urging transparency in future distributions. One beneficiary, Oddeta Tsikulamowa , described t...

By Luke Magombo Blantyre, Malawi The    National Food Reserve Agency ( NFRA) has announced plans to rehabilitate and expand all its grain storage facilities located at Kanengo in Lilongwe. Grains store, Kanengo  The agency said it is hopeful of financial support from the Government of Egypt, which has pledged to provide funding for the project. Egypt Ambassador has confirmed that their country is committed to supporting Malawi with the funds. The support aims to help the country improve its capacity to store agricultural produce safely, ensuring that farmers can rely on government storage facilities that prevent post harvest losses. NFRA Board Chairperson, Bruce  Munthali , said the funds promised by Egypt will be used strictly for the purposes outlined by the ambassador. “We will renovate and expand all storage facilities at Kanengo so that we can safely store different types of crops such as maize, groundnuts, beans, soya and many others,” said Munthali. The d...