IT experts question return to manual FISP coupons

As the 2026–27 Farm Input Subsidy Programme (FISP) prepares to roll out in September, IT experts have questioned the Government’s decision to replace the electronic system with manual coupons for identifying beneficiaries.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the manual coupons will replace the electronic system previously used to identify and verify beneficiaries.

The digital system relied on databases, mobile redemption applications and National Identity cards to verify beneficiaries and process transactions.

IT expert Andrew Kamwendo, who is also General Manager of the ICT Association of Malawi (ICTAM), said reverting to a manual system could undermine efforts to promote digital technology in the delivery of public services and slow progress towards the digitalization goals outlined in Agenda 2063.

“If the digital system had problems, the best thing to do could have been to fix the issues rather than going back to the manual system. It is like we are making progress while at the same time moving backwards,” Kamwendo said.

Kamwendo said while maintaining a digital system comes with costs, such expenses could be lower than the cost of printing and distributing millions of physical coupons.

He also said manual processes could make it more difficult to manage beneficiary identification, minimize bias and address logistical challenges.

According to Kamwendo, digital systems can help reduce costs while also closing loopholes that could facilitate corruption, manipulation and abuse of coupons.

Meanwhile, agriculture expert Ronald Chirupha said the electronic system is more efficient but had previously faced several challenges, including reports that some politicians were allegedly attempting to have their names included among the beneficiaries.

Chirupha, however, said both electronic and manual systems have their own challenges, suggesting that the Government could consider combining the two systems.

“Considering the issues that surrounded the electronic system, I think the best approach would be to combine the two systems into one,” Chirupha said.

He proposed that the electronic system be used for tracking beneficiaries and record-keeping, while the manual system could be used for the redemption and distribution of farm inputs.