A consortium of non-governmental organisations has launched an association aimed at promoting agro-ecological practices. The consortium, called Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (Pelum) comprises the Catholic Development Commission in Malawi (Cadecom), Centre for Agricultural Research and Development (Card), Coalition of Women Farmers in Malawi (Cowfa) and Trocaire.

The grouping’s Interim Chairperson, Peter Nthenda, soutlined that the major objective of association is to improve livelihoods of marginalised people in Malawi and addressing low crop yield and food insecurity in the country.

He said the association is particularly concerned that smallholder farmers in the country continue to grapple with the ever-increasing cost of agricultural inputs and low yields.

The association has been formed, not long after Civil society organisations (CSOs) in the agriculture sector urged parliament to work on financing gaps that are amidst smallholder farmers. According to the CSOs, the 2019/20 budget is not addressing the gaps.