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DfID takes Malawi to task over subsidy

Britain’s Department for International Development (DfID) has asked Malawi Government to be transparent and accountable in the implementation of the Farm Input Subsidy Programme (Fisp) because its money comes from taxpayers.

Speaking when she opened the 2011/12 Fisp Review Workshop in Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe, on Wednesday, DfID head of office Sarah Sanyahumbi expressed concerns that some of the key agreed actions between DfID and government are yet to be implemented.

“There is need to publish the list of beneficiaries prior to distribution of the coupons and the police report on use of counterfeit coupons for the 2010/11 Fisp. We really need to see progress on the matter,” said Sanyahumbi.

She, however, commended government for the use of more secure coupons which the united Kingdom (UK) partly funded on behalf other of partners, which has helped reduce use of counterfeit coupons by almost 80 percent.

Sanyahumbi also said the recommendations by the School of Oriental and African Studies and the Farmers Union of Malawi (FUM) on the role of the private sector and the graduation of farmers that are now able to afford inputs should be given more prominence in discussions.

Principal secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture Jeff Luhanga said government will ensure that only intended beneficiaries benefit from Fisp.

“We have been working closely with the police and the Anti-Corruption Bureau and this has helped us reduce the number of cheats. Our plan is that only the intended beneficiaries should get the fertiliser; hence, the idea to hold this workshop,” he said.

Luhanga said government has this year increased the number of beneficiaries from 1.4 million to 1.5 million.

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