By Wendy Mkandawire
The Citizens for Justice and Equity, CJE, has called on the Government of Malawi to provide clear direction to tobacco farmers, saying the current silence is costing the livelihoods of many farmers who faced challenges during the 2025 to 2026 tobacco season.
In a statement signed by CJE Executive Director Agape Nkhombe, the organization said government must issue a clear policy statement on the future of tobacco in Malawi, compensate farmers, and establish a Tobacco Transition Fund to support those who incurred losses in the 2025-2026 season.
According to Nkhombe, farmers faced multiple challenges. Banks and microfinance institutions continued to tighten lending to tobacco farmers due to perceived risks. Input loans were delayed, interest rates were high, and many farmers could not access fertilizer and chemicals on time. This led to poor yields and increased debt.
He also highlighted transportation challenges. High fuel prices and poor road infrastructure in major tobacco growing areas made it expensive to move bales to auction floors. Farmers in remote districts spent up to 30 percent of their earnings on transport alone, eroding profits.
“Marketing and sales were also affected. Auction floors opened late, volumes were low, and prices remained depressed due to decreased global demand as major cigarette manufacturers reduced purchases. This was compounded by World Health Organization, WHO, recommendations against tobacco production and stricter anti-tobacco policies in key export markets,” he said.
Nkhombe stressed that farmers invest their land, labor and borrowed money every season. He said government should invest in alternative value chains and prioritize crops such as chilli, coffee, rubber, sugarcane, nuts, soybeans and sunflower with financing, extension services, markets and processing.
He added that government should strengthen farmer cooperatives for better bargaining power and market access, and negotiate better market access for non-tobacco crops through trade agreements.
CJE indicated that the 2025-2026 season has proven that tobacco brings more debt than development for many households. The organization is calling on the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Trade and all stakeholders to roll out a just transition plan for tobacco farmers.
