The International Fund for Agricultural Development (Ifad) has pledged K5.2 billion to support Malawi’s national fertiliser programme and boost agricultural productivity.
Th e commitment was announced on Wednesday following a meeting between Ifad country representative Bernadette Makonyora and Mini ster of Foreign Affairs George Chaponda in Lilongwe.
Makonyora reaffirmed Ifad’s long-standing partnership with Malawi, saying the support is part of broader efforts to strengthen agricultural resilience and empower smallholder farmers.
“This support goes beyond fertiliser. It is about empowering farmers, modernising agricultural systems and ensur ing food systems that can withstand future challenges,” she said.
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Makonyora said Ifad will inject an additional K787.9 billion to fund rural infrastructure, modern farming initiatives and resilience programmes targeting the most vulnerable communities.
In his comment, Chaponda applauded the renewed partnership, noting that the investment a l igns w ith the government’s priorities under the Malawi 2063 development agenda.
“This assistance comes at a crucial time. It will help us strengthen food security, reduce poverty and uplift rural livelihoods,” he said.
Agr i culture pol i c y exper t Tamani Nkhono Mvula al so welcomed Ifad’s pledge, describing it as a timely boost to Malawi’s agricultural sector, which has been struggling with erratic weather patterns and input shortages.
He said: “This support comes when the country is facing climate-related challenges and a decline in crop yields.
“Such funding will not only provide access to critical inputs, but also ensure that agricultural systems become more sustainable and market-oriented.”
Agriculture economist Horace Phiri described Ifad’s support as a game-changer, emphasising that the fertiliser programme has been under financial strain for years.
“Ifad’s intervention will ensure stability and improve access for farmers ahead of the next farming season,” he said.
The Ifad support is expected to focus on fer tiliser supply, irrigation expansion, capacity building and smallholder farmer empowerment initiatives central to Malawi’s pursuit of agricultural transformation and food self-sufficiency
