Karonga councillors call for AIP abolition, climate smart project

By Winkly Mwaulambo

Some ward councilors in Karonga have called for the abolition of the Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP) and the Climate Smart Project, arguing that the initiatives are financially draining, fostering laziness, and failing to serve their intended purpose.

Speaking during a Full Council Meeting, Zgeba Ward Councilor Isaac Kalambo criticized the Climate Smart Project, stating that his area has seen no tangible benefits since its inception, despite individuals financially benefiting from it.

He compared the project to the previous MASAF 4 initiative, arguing that the latter had a more positive impact and that Climate Smart should be scrapped to prevent further misuse of funds.

On the other hand, Karonga District Council Vice Chairperson Kings Mvula called for the abolition of the AIP, describing it as a program that encourages laziness.

He pointed out that some beneficiaries sell the inputs they receive because they either lack farmland or need money for survival.

However, he urged the government to explore alternative ways to assist struggling farmers, such as providing loans, similar to those offered by the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF).

Echoing Mvula’s sentiments, Traditional Authority Mwilang’ombe criticized the AIP’s beneficiary selection process, arguing that it excludes chiefs and other local leaders, leading to the wrong people benefiting from the program.

Commenting on the matter, Agriculture Expert Tamani Nkhono Mvula acknowledged the challenges facing AIP but opposed its abolition.

He suggested that the program be re-evaluated and redesigned to ensure that only deserving farmers benefit.