By Lewis Msasa
Earlier this year, I accompanied a colleague to the burial ceremony of our friend’s departed mother in Chiwamba area, some 45 kilometres (km) from Lilongwe City. It took us almost an hour to navigate the dusty and pothole-infested 12km-plus stretch off the main road. Eventually, we had to park our vehicle somewhere after realising that we could no longer proceed, considering the state of the road. Thankfully, a good Samaritan who was going to the same funeral ceremony offered us a ride.
At the funeral, a representative of the area’s Member of Parliament addressed people. In addition to offering condolence messages, he took the opportunity to remind attendees who had Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP) coupons to redeem their fertiliser. However, some murmuring arose, presumably from villagers expressing discontent over the prospect of receiving basal dressing fertiliser when the maize crop was about to start tussling.
Ironically, those receiving subsidised fertilizer might find themselves receiving relief maize the following year, if current trends are anything to go by.
While the AIP may have its merits, the public discourse surrounding the programme suggests a review to help fend off some public misconceptions about the AIP. It is crucial to address concerns regarding the programme’s impact. It becomes a reputation issue when some quarters start questioning as to whether the programme is, in real sense, helping the poor or simply there to perpetuate dependence while enriching a small group of people.
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However, shortcomings from one programme should not make us undermine positive strides registered elsewhere in other programmes. There are many success stories Malawians could celebrate on to avoid subjecting ourselves to a single story which, as Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie puts it, is a one-dimensional perspective; sometimes a false perception formed about individuals, groups or countries rather a misrepresentation of the reality.
For instance, from the Western world perspective, Africa is invariably viewed as a continent inherently backward and dysfunctional. African leaders are painted with the same brush as being corrupt. The negative narratives are part of a single story that any foreign media would use happily to deepen the psychology of Africa as a failed continent with backward people.
African countries, including Malawi, have much to offer, in terms of resources, tourism, culture and innovation. By promoting these positive aspects, Malawi can enhance its reputation and attract investments.
However, effective leadership and strategic communication are essential in countering negative perspectives.
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While questioning interventions, it is equally vital to present a balanced narrative rather than a single story. By showcasing diverse perspectives and success stories, Malawi can overcome negative stereotypes and present more accurate portrayal of the country.
Leadership, at all levels, must set the tone through words and actions when it comes to managing reputation. No serious investor would be interested in investing in a country dominated by negative stories, especially those related to corruption.
But this does not necessarily mean that Malawians should not question some of these interventions or those in leadership positions. It is a matter of maintaining a balanced narrative—not a single story.
