Malawian farmers allege irregularities in subsidised fertiliser distribution

Malawian Farmers in Kasungu marched and petitioned the District Commissioner over what they called corrupt distribution of fertiliser subsidy coupons by the assembly and fewer numbers of coupons distributed compared to the number registered.

However, acting DC Charles Kaliwo said there was misunderstanding between the people’s expectations on the coupons and what was on the ground.

One of the complainants Senior Group Village Headman Zapochere from T/A Lukwa, said his village had registered 70 beneficiaries but only 13 have received the coupons.

But Kaliwo said this happened because the registration was done twice and they gave out coupons basing on the second registration, which had fewer numbers of people compared to the first list.

“We told them before hand about the reduced numbers. But as government we have received their complaint and we will sit down and see what can be done,” he said.

Zapochere denied being told in advance that there would be fewer coupons distributed than earlier anticipated.

“This is one of the questions we want to ask them. What we heard was that one person per household would get a coupon but unfortunately that hasn’t also happened,” he said. He added that he believed there were some leaders who distributed the coupons corruptly. “We are here because we want answers. Things are not okay in Kasungu. It is clear that there are some people who want to sabotage the whole system and blame it on the President when he has done all he could do,” he said.

“There is a lot of fertiliser in the shops but we can’t buy because we do not have coupons. You know Kasungu is famous for growing tobacco and maize and these crops need fertiliser. Where are we going to get it?” he queried.


There have been complaints on the distribution of subsidised fertiliser coupons in many districts where people are also complaining of fewer coupons than those registered.

Government started distributing the coupons on November 16.

Daily Times