Persistent fuel shortages and prolonged power outages in Malawi are disrupting economic activity, with milk producers counting the cost of the country’s energy challenges.
Malawi Milk Producers Association president Rodrick Mbango says unreliable fuel supplies are making it difficult for farmers to operate generators needed to preserve milk during electricity outages.
In an interview, he said transport challenges were also affecting the movement of milk to processing plants, further compounding the industry’s difficulties.
Mbango said the combined impact of fuel shortages and power outages had resulted in the loss of 17 percent of the 68 million litres of milk produced between January and October this year, translating into an estimated K1 billion in losses.
He described the situation as one of the major setbacks facing an industry striving to expand production and meet the country’s milk requirements, which have remained largely unmet over the years.
“The power outages, compounded by fuel shortages, have affected our operations. We cannot operate generators for the few farmers who have them because there is no fuel. The cost of these losses is not only borne by farmers, but also by the country as a whole. Milk is a perishable product and therefore requires appropriate storage conditions,” said Mbango.
He appealed to the government to consider providing farmers with solar-powered systems to help them cool and preserve milk during electricity outages, thereby reducing losses.
“Malawi is among the countries with the lowest milk consumption rates in the world. When we lose milk in this way, we also lose an opportunity to improve milk consumption,” added Mbango.
Director of Animal Health and Livestock Development in the Ministry of Agriculture Joseph Hami acknowledged the challenges milk producers are facing as a result of unreliable energy supplies.
In an interview, Hami said the government was exploring alternative interventions to help farmers minimise losses.
“The best outcome we would expect and encourage is for milk to be absorbed by industry players and processors at a price that enables farmers to recover their production costs. I think we have moved a step forward with the government’s involvement in setting the minimum price at which processors should buy milk,” he said.
Malawi has an estimated 175 255 dairy cows, which produce about 187 948 litres of milk daily, translating into roughly 68 million litres annually.
However, milk consumption in the country remains low. Per capita consumption, including both locally produced and imported milk, is estimated at between nine and 10 litres per person annually, equivalent to approximately one tablespoon per person per day.
The World Health Organisation recommends annual milk consumption of 100 litres per person.
