Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Serah Makondesa Chilora
Published on 2024-04-06 04:58:18
The Office of the Ombudsman has issued a directive to the Malawian government, specifically the Ministry of Finance and the National Audit Office, to conduct a forensic audit of the Affordable Input Programme (AIP) within the next two financial years. This directive comes as a result of an investigation carried out by the Ombudsman’s office into the implementation of the AIP for the 2022-23 growing season.
In a report dated March 8, 2024, titled ‘A Report on Systemic Investigations on the Affordable Inputs Programme Implementation for the 2022/23 and 2023/2024 Growing Seasons: the Successes, the Irregularities and the Failures – A call for Re-thinking and Reprogramming following its investigation,’ the Ombudsman highlighted instances of fraud, financial mismanagement, unethical conduct, and other malpractices within the AIP.
The report specifically states, “Considering the incidences of fraud, financial mismanagement, unethical conduct, and other malpractices that have continued to characterize the implementation of the AIP, the Government, through the Ministry of Finance and National Audit Office, should commission a forensic audit of the AIP. The forensic audit should be carried out within the next two financial years.” Additionally, the report has instructed the Ministry of Agriculture to conduct a comprehensive program research to assess efficiency and cost-benefit, as well as to devise an exit strategy or remodel the program before the next growing season.
Minister of Agriculture, Sam Kawale, acknowledged the recommendations from the Office of the Ombudsman and assured that the government would take steps to implement them. He mentioned that his ministry had a meeting with the Ombudsman, during which they discussed the findings of the AIP over the past few years. Kawale emphasized the importance of engaging with other stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the recommendations.
Agriculture expert Leonard Chimwaza supported the Ombudsman’s recommendations and emphasized the need for a thorough analysis of the AIP since its inception. He noted that while substantial resources had been allocated to the program, the impact did not align with the investments made. Chimwaza agreed with the proposal to remodel the program to ensure tangible outcomes and food security for Malawians.
Furthermore, Chimwaza highlighted the importance of a forensic audit to address issues of corruption that have plagued the AIP. He expressed concerns about the compromising effect of corruption on the program and emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in its implementation.
In conclusion, the directive for a forensic audit of the AIP and the call for program reassessment and remodeling underscore the commitment to accountability and efficiency in the implementation of agricultural programs in Malawi. Through collaboration with various stakeholders and a focus on transparency, the government aims to address challenges and improve the impact of initiatives like the AIP on food security and smallholder farmers.
Read the original article on The Times
