Firm laments low agriculture output
By Steve Nkhoma:
The African Institute of Corporate Citizenship (AICC) has blamed poor infrastructure and lack of concerted efforts from stakeholders among challenges hampering the agriculture sector’s input to the economy.
AICC Executive Director, Felix Lombe, made the observation during a meeting on the sidelines of the just ended 15th National Agriculture Fair.
He said Malawi should invest heavily in the sector to improve its input to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) improve.
Lombe said stakeholders should brainstorm solutions to the challenges.
“Infrastructure is indeed often cited among main challenges apart from energy. I should add here that Malawi has a low labour skill base that, even if we want to industrialise, we may not get capable young men who would manage the process,” Lombe said.
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He reiterated the need to diversify the agriculture production and set structured markets for all commodities.
Deputy Director of Industry in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Clement Phangaphanga, conceded that the sector’s input has been dwindling.
He, however, said government has invested in new equipment at the Malawi Bureau of Standards to ensure that Malawi’s agro-products are certified.
“Government is very serious about the issue of industrialisation,” he said.
Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry President, Prince Kapondamgaga said access to finance remains a challenge for most small scale farmers.
