Nasfam speaks on 2026/27 Budget

Farmers are an integral part of Malawi’s agriculture-based economy and every government recognises this fact when preparing the National Budget. Following the recent presentation in Parliament of the 2026/27 Budget Policy Statement by Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Decentralisation, Joseph Mwanamveka, our News Analyst WYCLIFFE NJIRAGOMA caught with National Association of Farmers in Malawi (Nasfam) chief executive office BETTY CHINYAMUNYAMU on what the association thinks of the Budget Statement and other matters. From your assessment, did the Budget stakeholder-engagement help to shape the final policy direction?

From the minister’s presentation, it is clear that many submissions made during the budget consultations were actually incorporated. That is very important because consultations sometimes risk becoming procedural. In this case, we appreciate that there has been genuine inclusion.

We also noted that some decisions that had previously been taken were revisited after stakeholders made their submissions. This shows government’s responsiveness and willingness to adjust policy direction based on evidence and engagement. The budget appears to shift resources toward development spending rather than consumption.

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Do you interpret this as a genuine pivot toward growth? Yes, we noted that a higher percentage of resources is being allocated to development financing compared to consumption. That is a significant and positive signal because development expenditure is what ultimately drives growth and productivity.

When more resources are directed toward investments that expands production capacity, infrastructure and economic activity, the country is better positioned for long-term transformation. That is something we would like to commend government for prioritising. Does the budget sufficiently recognise private sector’s practical role in economic expansion?

The acknowledgement of the private sector is very important because government alone cannot grow the economy. Growth requires active participation from businesses. What is encouraging is that the focus is not limited to large corporates but, also, extends to small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

SMEs are critical in job-creation and local economic activity, so recognising their role signals a more inclusive growth approach. Agriculture continues to dominate spending, what do you make of the allocations in terms of structural reform or reinforcement of existing food security priorities? We appreciate the continuation and expansion of the Farm Input Subsidy Programme as well as initiatives such as mega farms.

At the same time, the allocations show a strong emphasis on food security and maize production. While maize remains important, we would also like to see broader diversification so that agriculture contributes not only to food security but also to income-generation and export growth. Does this budget adequately support medium-scale farmers?

From the presentation, there appears to be strong focus on small-scale farmers and large corporates, but less visible attention on medium-scale farmers. Yet Malawi has a significant number of farmers in this category who contribute to both food and cash crop production. Supporting them through access to financing, loans, inputs and markets is essential.

We need to ensure the entire continuum of farmers, from smallholders through medium-scale to large producers, is adequately supported. Aquaculture received notable attention this year. How significant is this shift for the agricultural economy?

The increased focus on aquaculture is very commendable. Malawi has enormous potential in this area given that a third of the country is covered by Lake Malawi. Aquaculture has been relatively neglected in the past, yet it offers strong opportunities not only for domestic consumption but also exports.

Some fish species are unique to Lake Malawi, meaning there is regional demand that Malawi can tap into if the sector is properly supported. Beyond exports, what role could aquaculture play domestically?

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