A Major Investment in Agriculture
The Malawi government has unveiled an ambitious $400 million (696.3 billion MWK) agriculture budget, prioritizing commercialization and irrigation to drive food security and economic growth. This sector accounts for 9% of the total national budget of $4.6 billion (8.05 trillion MWK), demonstrating its critical role in the country’s development.
A significant portion—$82 million (143.5 billion MWK)—is earmarked for agricultural commercialization, while $57 million (99.5 billion MWK) is dedicated to irrigation projects aimed at boosting productivity and commercialization. These initiatives are expected to transform Malawi’s agricultural landscape and ensure long-term food sustainability.
Empowering Farmers and Boosting Mechanization
Through agricultural commercialization, smallholder farmers, cooperatives, women, youth, and rural communities gain access to better markets, increased income, and enhanced livelihoods. Programs such as harmonized tractor loans and mechanized farm operations, led by the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences, are further accelerating production efficiency.
Expanding Irrigation for Sustainable Yields
The government aims to maximize the use of 56,113 hectares of irrigable land, ensuring increased maize production to counter recurring food shortages. Plans include:
- 337,000 metric tonnes of maize yield from irrigated land.
- 6,000 hectares allocated for new irrigation infrastructure.
- 9,000 hectares undergoing rehabilitation.
- Support for farm groups managing 46,706 hectares of land.
Addressing Hunger and Climate Challenges
Malawi faces persistent hunger crises, with 5.7 million people at risk of food insecurity during the 2024/2025 lean season, according to the Vulnerability Assessments Committee. The staple maize crop has seen a 17% production decline—dropping from 3.5 million metric tonnes in 2023 to 2.9 million MT in 2024—leading to skyrocketing prices in parallel markets, making it unaffordable for many families.
Government Commitment to Food Security
Presenting the 2025/2026 national budget, Minister of Finance Simplex Chithyola Banda emphasized agriculture’s role in national development. He highlighted that irrigation is key to stabilizing maize yields, reducing food shortages, and shielding smallholder farmers from climate-induced economic shocks.
“Irrigation is critical to stabilizing maize yields and reducing food shortages. Our priority is investing in irrigation infrastructure and mega farms to expand our export base and achieve self-sufficiency,” Banda stated.
He further outlined plans to:
- Improve irrigation infrastructure and optimize land use.
- Transform agricultural production and entrepreneurship.
- Empower youth in agribusiness to drive sustainable farming.
Expert Reactions: A Step Forward for Agriculture
Agricultural economist Tamani Nkhono-Mvula described the budget as “well-structured to achieve agricultural development and commercialization”. He emphasized that the enhanced funding for irrigation will boost agricultural diversification and close production gaps.
“Not much was happening in irrigation before, but this investment should also be directed at mega farms, ensuring a shift from reliance on rain-fed agriculture,” he noted.
However, Nkhono-Mvula urged further crop diversification to maximize investments and reduce over-reliance on maize.
Farmers Express Optimism
Local farmers are hopeful about the impact of the budget, particularly in irrigation expansion. Dominic Amoni, a farmer from Dowa district, expressed optimism:
“Irrigation can feed this country for good. With such a significant budget allocation, we farmers have an opportunity to thrive.”
With this strategic investment, Malawi is taking bold steps toward agricultural transformation, food security, and economic resilience.
