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How the Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP) Works in Malawi

updated on : Saturday, 7 Nov, 2026 · 2 min read · from 6 official sources

Rows of young plants in white bags inside a large greenhouse with natural lighting.
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Table of contents
  • The AIP provides subsidised fertiliser to smallholder farmers across all districts at a fixed coupon value of MK15,0003
  • You pay the coupon plus the difference between the coupon value and the market price of a 50kg fertiliser bag3
  • Each beneficiary receives one bag of 23:10:5+6S+1.0Zn and one bag of Urea fertiliser for cereal crops3
  • Use your National Identity Card linked to an electronic tracking system when purchasing inputs6
  • Never sell your subsidised fertiliser; use it to improve your harvest and household food security2

The Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP) is a government scheme that helps smallholder farmers buy fertiliser and seeds at reduced prices.9 It targets poor resource farmers who cannot afford to buy these inputs at full market prices.12 The programme started in October 2020 as a replacement for the Farm Inputs Subsidy Programme (FISP) and covers all districts across Malawi.9

Who qualifies

The AIP targets all smallholder farming households in all districts.9 To benefit, you must be validated on the beneficiary list through the National Registration Bureau to ensure you are a genuine farmer.9

A farmer works in a lush green cornfield, depicting rural agriculture and summer growth.
Illustrative photo by donny yularso on Pexels

How much you pay

The government has fixed the value of each fertiliser coupon at MK15,000.3 You pay this coupon value plus the difference between the coupon and the current market price of a 50kg fertiliser bag.3 For example, if Urea fertiliser costs MK18,000 per bag and you have a Urea coupon, you pay the coupon plus MK3,000 in cash.3

What fertiliser you receive

Each beneficiary gets a package of one 50kg bag of 23:10:5+6S+1.0Zn fertiliser and one 50kg bag of Urea for cereal crops.3 Each fertiliser type has its own coupon with different colour marks, security features and district-specific serial numbers.3

An African farmer in vibrant attire walks through a lush corn field, showcasing agriculture.
Illustrative photo by Seun Adeniyi on Pexels

How to redeem your inputs

When purchasing fertiliser, you must use your National Identity Card, which is linked to an electronic tracking system.6 Present your coupon and card to the seller, pay the required cash difference, and collect your fertiliser.3

Important rules

Do not sell your subsidised fertiliser.2 The inputs are meant to improve your crop production and household food security, not for resale.28 Using the inputs as intended will help boost your harvest and reduce reliance on food aid.2

Official sources

  1. Mulanje farmers advised against selling AIP fertilizer manaonline.gov.mw · archived copy
  2. AIP agriculture.gov.mw · archived copy
  3. Provisional Budget Statement 2020 2021 FY 1 finance.gov.mw · PDF
  4. Ntchisi AIP beneficiaries tipped on alternative farming methods manaonline.gov.mw · archived copy
  5. 2021 Annual Economic Report finance.gov.mw · PDF
  6. E.News Volume 1 agriculture.gov.mw · PDF · archived copy

Every fact in this guide comes from these official Government of Malawi pages, numbered to match. Fees, dates and rules change: confirm on the official site before you go. Spotted an error? Tell us.

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