Page 73 - AFAP Success Stories 2020
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low customer purchasing power, Low agricultural
inputs demand thus low sales, rising overhead
costs etc. This has greatly affected the AgriSMEs
operations and performance, to also adhere to the
imposed government regulations to curb the spread
of the virus, the business is incurring extra costs not
envisioned or budget for. The output/produce market
has also been affected in that; there is uncertainty
since most of the exporters with overseas contracts
are not sure if their contracts will be honored, scale
down in produce stocking, low Produce sale prices
below production costs, farmers are forced to sell
produce at very low prices to middlemen and brokers
due to market closure.
On another note, the COVID-19 pandemic has
become a fruitful business opportunity for the well
established AgriSMEs; they are able to sell personal
protective equipment (PPEs), appropriate waste bins,
water buckets, appropriate Sanitizers and disinfectant,
providing spraying services, bulking produce
from farmers etc. This AgriSMEs have positioned
themselves to work with local government, NGOS
and community based organizations to supply the
listed above products and services.
BY: Phyness Thembulembu, Malawi Country Programs Manager Fighting COVID 19 at Makungulu village, Likoma District. North of Malawi.
