Government has applauded the Africa Fertilizer and Agribusiness Partnership (AFAP) for helping Nachisaka EPA Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) in Dowa save K2.5 billion for purchasing fertilizer, seeds, other agricultural inputs and materials to use in making home-made Mbeya Fertilizer.
During a tour of AFAPs activities in the area of TA Msakambewa, the Area Extension Development Coordinator, Lilian Tomoka, who is also supervising these savings groups on behalf of AFAP revealed that the EPA has 500 Village banks this year and credited AFAP on helping them achieve the K2.5 billion fit.
AFAP Malawi Country Director, Margaret Mukwenha, said AFAP’s intervention aims to help the VSLAs shift their focus from small scale savings, meant for their homes, to investing in agriculture, ensuring easier access to critical inputs like fertilizer, seeds, and chemicals.
Minister of Agriculture, Sam Kawale has applauded AFAP for training the groups to use their Village Savings and Loan groups for agricultural purposes inorder to improve food security in the area.
By Yamikani Makanga
