Fertilizer Association of Malawi (FAM)
Fertilizer Association of Malawi (FAM)
About the Fertilizer Association of Malawi (FAM): Founded in 2007, the Fertilizer Association of Malawi (FAM) was established to foster a public-private partnership in the Government of Malawi’s Farm Inputs Subsidy Programme (FISP). The association represents a significant portion of the fertilizer industry in Malawi, with 20 member companies responsible for over 90% of the annual fertilizer consumption.
Mission: To create a conducive and enabling environment for the use and trade of quality fertilizer products, ensuring sustainable food security in Malawi for the benefit of its members and consumers.
Vision:
- Achieving sustainable food and nutritional security in Malawi.
- Promoting environmentally friendly fertilizer usage in agricultural production.
- Ensuring access to premium quality fertilizers.
Core Values:
- Transparency
- Accountability
- Sustainability
- Integrity
- Decorum
Aims & Objectives:
- Advocate for government policies that support the importation, manufacture, distribution, and sale of fertilizers.
- Ensure enabling legislation to protect both fertilizer dealers and consumers.
- Promote local fertilizer companies to enhance industry development.
- Serve as a forum for engaging with the government, development partners, and other agricultural stakeholders.
- Assist in promoting agricultural productivity and food security.
- Develop and promote fertilizer products suited to the Malawi agro-industry.
- Ensure honest and transparent conduct within the fertilizer business.
- Act as a regulatory body for the fertilizer industry in Malawi.
Advocacy: FAM liaises with the government on policy issues related to the fertilizer sector, enhancing the competitiveness of Malawian agriculture.
Safety & Security: FAM ensures that fertilizers are stored, transported, and applied with rigorous attention to safety and security on behalf of the industry, farmers, and the public.
Nutrient Stewardship: FAM collaborates with industry stakeholders to advance the best science-based environmental stewardship practices.
Membership: Membership is open to:
- Fertilizer manufacturers
- Fertilizer importers
- Fertilizer distributors
- Fertilizer retailers These members may also be involved in research and marketing of fertilizers.
Application for Membership: Applications must be made in writing on a prescribed form and accompanied by an entrance fee. FAM reserves the right to accept or reject any application.
Benefits of Membership:
- Representation in stakeholder engagements, including with the Malawi Government and development partners.
- Communication hub for members with relevant international and local bodies.
- Opportunities to enhance public profile and image through participation in FAM activities.
- Promotion of members’ interests in commercial and government business.
- Sharing of industry information and support against mistreatment from other parties.
FAM’s Involvement in the Farm Input Subsidy Programme (FISP): Since its inception, FAM has been actively involved in FISP, now called AIP. Members participate in procurement, transportation, and retail sale of subsidized fertilizers. FAM advocates for continued private sector involvement to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and alleviate storage issues in parastatal markets.
Funding Sources: FAM’s primary funding comes from annual membership subscription fees, currently set at the Malawi Kwacha equivalent of US$1,000. Members joining mid-year pay a prorated fee.
Partners:
- Malawi Government
- FISP Development Partners (Norwegian Embassy, World Bank, European Union, Irish Aid, DFID)
- Farmers Union of Malawi
- ARET (Agricultural Research and Extension Trust)
- COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa)
The Fertilizer Association of Malawi remains dedicated to improving agricultural productivity and ensuring food security through collaborative efforts with various stakeholders and adherence to high standards of business conduct.