The National Youth Council of Malawi today was in Rumphi District to present the a Youth Innovation Fund cheque to the E-Organic Fertilizer Producers, a dynamic youth-led cooperative based at Mchenachena trading centre.

This cheque presentation recognizes the group’s innovative approach to addressing soil degradation and high farming input costs through locally driven, sustainable solutions.

The E-Organic Fertilizer Youth Cooperative has distinguished itself through its dedicated mission to promote sustainable agriculture by producing and selling affordable, high-quality organic fertilizer. What makes this initiative truly unique is its resourceful use of locally available materials—including ashes, maize bran, and poultry manure—to create an accessible product that directly meets community needs. The group manages the full production cycle, from sourcing raw materials to processing, packaging, and distributing the final product to smallholder farmers, cooperatives, and youth-led farming ventures.

Beyond production, they actively provide informal education to farmers on the benefits of organic practices, emphasizing soil fertility improvement and enhanced crop productivity.

With the Youth Innovation Fund grant, the cooperative plans to scale its production by procuring essential production equipment such as wheelbarrows, protective gear, and storage facilities there by creating new job opportunities for the youth in the community.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, the Director of Youth at the Ministry of Youth and Sports – Malawi Ms. Judith Msusa commended the group for their determination to create homegrown solutions to community challenges. In her remarks, she said, “You are not just producing fertilizer; you are cultivating resilience, fostering self-reliance, and nurturing the future of agriculture in Malawi. By turning local resources into opportunities, you are demonstrating that the most powerful solutions are often grown from within our own communities. I urge you to continue being role models, inspiring others to innovate and take charge of their own development.”

Today’s event underscores the Government of Malawi’s commitment to supporting grassroots innovations that align with Malawi 2063 goals, sustainable agriculture, job creation, and community resilience.