Empowering young farmers and women

Malawi, a nation of 21 million people in southern Africa, is currently grappling perennial hunger with a severe cost-of-living crisis, driven in part by soaring fertiliser prices. Unlike some African countries like Nigeria, Egypt, and Morocco, which have local fertiliser production, Malawi relies almost entirely on imports. This heavy dependence on foreign supplies makes Malawi vulnerable to global market fluctuations, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical events such as sanctions on Russian fertilisers.

The devaluation and instability of the Malawian kwacha have further worsened the situation, making it difficult for the government to provide affordable fertiliser to smallscale farmers. Between 2023 and 2024, the price of a 50kg bag of fertiliser increased dramatically from around $11–$13 to $45–$52. For many Malawian farmers, this sharp rise in cost has made fertiliser unaffordable, exacerbating food insecurity and the risk of hunger across the country.

At the Centre for Green

Project Synopsis: Addressing Fertiliser Challenges in Malawi

Samson Limbikani Chulu-Project Lead Malawi

Economy in Developing Countries (CeGED), we are committed to providing a sustainable solution. Together with local organisations, we have launched a project to train young people, farmers, and women on how to produce organic fertiliser, known as Mbeya Fertiliser, using locally available resources. This project will empower trainers, who will in turn teach others in their communities how to create organic fertiliser as an affordable alternative to synthetic products.

Your support will enable us to reach more farmers, helping them secure better crop yields and protect Malawi from worsening food insecurity.