OPINION | GUEST ESSAY | Nkhondo Lungu

Years of heavy chemical fertilizer use are degrading Malawi’s soils, threatening yields and raising health concerns. Now, organic alternatives are emerging as a cleaner, more sustainable solution for farmers and the economy.

The use of fertilizers goes back thousands of years. Early civilizations understood the value of manures, ashes and lime in improving soil health and crop yields. In the mid-19th century, scientific research marked a turning point by identifying essential plant nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

The 20th century brought an even bigger breakthrough: the large-scale production of ammonia from atmospheric nitrogen. This innovation dramatically increased the supply of nitrogen fertilizers, boosting agricultural productivity and helping meet growing global food demand.

But that success has come at a cost.

Today, across the world, including in Malawi, concerns are growing over the long-term use of synthetic chemical fertilizers. Many argue that these inputs have gradually degraded soils that were once naturally fertile. Land that used to sustain crops with minimal input is now heavily dependent on chemical fertilizers.

Farmers are noticing the difference. Where crops once thrived naturally, yields are becoming harder to sustain without increasing chemical use. Over time, these fertilizers can weaken soil structure, reduce fertility and disrupt the natural balance that healthy soils depend on.

There are also health concerns. Some scientists have linked prolonged exposure to certain chemicals used in fertilizers to diseases, including cancers. People may be exposed through direct handling, contaminated water sources or food grown using these inputs.

This is why there is growing interest in cleaner, more sustainable alternatives.

Organic fertilizers — such as manure, compost, fish emulsion and seaweed — offer a more natural approach. These materials improve soil structure while providing nutrients, without relying on synthetic chemicals. They are generally less toxic and pose fewer risks to human health.

Soil scientists note that organic fertilizers do more than just feed plants. They also add organic matter, helping soils remain loose, well-aerated and able to retain water and nutrients. In contrast, the continuous use of chemical fertilizers can degrade soil, reduce microbial activity and weaken root systems. As organic matter declines, soils become compacted, less fertile and more vulnerable to pests and diseases.

There are several key types of organic fertilizers:

Compost: Decomposed plant and animal material that improves soil structure and nutrient content.

Animal manure: Waste from livestock such as cattle, goats and chickens, rich in nutrients and organic matter (often composted first to remove pathogens).

Green manure: Plant material or cover crops that are ploughed back into the soil to add nitrogen and organic matter.

Vermicompost: Organic waste broken down by earthworms into nutrient-rich material.

Organic amendments: Products like bone meal, soybean meal and seaweed extracts that supply essential nutrients.

In many parts of the Western world, consumers are paying closer attention to how their food is produced. Whether it is a passing trend or a lasting shift, demand for organically grown food continues to rise. Organic food is produced without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, though natural alternatives may still be used.

For Malawi, this presents a double opportunity: investing in organic farming and developing a local organic fertilizer industry. While organic food often sells at higher prices, it also opens access to premium markets and growing global demand.

The global organic food market is expanding rapidly, valued at roughly USD 224–259 billion in 2024–2025 and projected to surpass USD 560 billion by 2030. Growth is being driven by health-conscious consumers and demand for natural products, with Europe and North America leading consumption. The United States remains the single largest market.

At the same time, the organic fertilizer industry is also gaining momentum. Valued at around USD 9.7–9.9 billion in 2023, it is expected to grow to between USD 13 billion and USD 19 billion by 2028–2033. This growth is fueled by increasing soil degradation, rising environmental awareness and the expanding organic food sector.

Around the world, companies are already using modern technologies to produce organic and bio-based fertilizers at scale to meet this demand.

Malawi cannot afford to be left behind. More than six decades after independence, the country still faces widespread poverty, as highlighted by the World Bank. Investing in sustainable agriculture — particularly organic farming and fertilizer production — could help drive economic growth, create jobs and improve livelihoods.

The opportunity is there. The question is whether Malawi will seize it.

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