The reformed Affordable Input Programme (AIP) will be implemented in the 2023/24 fiscal year, President Lazarus Chakwera said on Friday.

This year’s programme has been marred by ineffective targeting of beneficiaries, high cost of farm inputs, and delayed procurement of fertilizer.

In his state of the nation address (Sona), Chakwera said despite the impact the programme has had on ensuring food security, millions are in danger of facing hunger.

“The Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee (MVAC) 2022 annual assessment estimated that over 3.8 million people will face hunger during the 2022/23 consumption period,” he said.

President Chakwera said even though there are still many vulnerable Malawians waiting to access the inputs, his administration has made significant progress in ensuring that beneficiaries have accessed the inputs.

“As of three days ago, the programme has achieved a redemption rate   of 73.74%, just 1.5% shy of what it was at this point last year. The number of households that have already benefited so far stands at over 1.7 million,” he said.