Background
Recently, the country's mainstream media has been awash with a myriad of stories surrounding the surge in inorganic fertilizer prices on both local and international market. the price surge has been historical and agricultural experts fear the worst regarding Malawi's ability to produce enough maize for the next consumption period. the August 2021 retail prices for common types of fertilizer have increased 60 to 70% in Malawi compared to the same period last year, creating a policy problem for government and a food security and economic issue for farmers. about 70% of the national fertilizer supply is consumed by smallholder sub-sector, mostly supplied through the government's Agricultural Input Program (AIP) and its predecessors. The rise in fertilizer prices, therefore, is both a food security and economic problem for farmers, as well as a policy problem for the government and the treasury, which will be strained to maintain subsidy levels.
Given the scale and scope of implications of the recent fertilizer price increase, it is worth examining the factors that have driven it, what can be expected going forward, and the policy options to mitigate the negative effects in the near term and minimize vulnerability moving forward. it is against this backdrop that MwAPATA Institute and the International Research Institute (IFPRI) are organizing a roundtable event to allow stakeholders to deliberate the key drivers of the fertilizer price surge and potential policy options for consideration by policy makers. The event will comprise of presentations by MwAPATA Institute and IFPRI on their recent findings and policy recommendations, followed by a panel discussion by selected Malawian experts, and floor discussion.
Opening Remarks
- Mr. William Chadza, Executive Director, MwAPATA
- Mrs. Erica Maganga, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MoAFS)
Presentations
- Dr. Christone Nyondo (Research Fellow, MwAPATA): The Inorganic Fertilizer Price Surge in 2021: Key Drivers and Policy Options
- Dr. Jan Duchoslav (Research Fellow, IFPRI Malawi): Why are Fertilizer Prices in Malawi High? And what can be done?
Panel Discussion
- Dr. Wilkson Makumba, Director of Agricultural Research Services, Ministry of Agriculture (MoA)
- Mr. Dimitri Giannakis, Fertilizer Association Representative
- Mr. Jacob Nyirongo, CEO, Farmers Union of Malawi (FUM)
- Dr. Rhino Chiphiko, General Manager, ADMARC
- Representative of the Treasury
Closing Remarks
- Dr. Joachim De Weerdt, Country Program Leader, IFPRI Malawi
Date & Time: Thursday, 16 September 2021 @ 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm (CAT)
Venue: Sunbird Capital Hotel
Due to COVID-19 pandemic, physical participation is strictly by invitation. Join the Meeting via Zoom-
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82523000855?pwd=SDlCV2lYYkdZeUdaOXV0OXlIVzM5UT09
Meeting ID: 825 2300 0855 | Passcode: 270487
