If you were trying to fathom the name of an emotion coming across a sign such as “Heaven Bound Coffin Makers” or “Comfort Coffin Carpentry,” it could range between heartrending, stirring, poignant, or to some, poignantly amusing..This is Malawi, one of Africa’s poorest nations, HIV infection rate of approximately 14 percent, life expectancy of 36 years and almost 85000 people dying of Aids related illnesses every year.

Revolting to say, that on one hand, while coffin making has become a thriving business in Malawi, on the other, the Agricultural Subsidy program has brought a new lease of life to the new generation farmers, blessed with the Malawi government initiative of distributing subsidised fertilizers and improved seeds in tandem with training and certifying agro dealers to set up shop in remote areas. Grace `a such efforts, small scale farmers have enough not just to feed their families but also to buy some luxury amenities.

“I received a 50kg bag of subsidised fertiliser and 10kg of seed. I planted the seed and after applying fertiliser using the technological skills from agricultural extension workers, I was surprised at the yield I harvested,” says Matupa, a farmer. He harvested enough to feed his family and had extra maize, which he sold to buy a television set, two bicycles and a three-CD player. He was also able to open a grocery store.

This is significant considering Malawi experienced serious ravages of drought in 2002 and during the last growing season a 50kg bag of fertilizer that used to sell for $25 now sells at $6. This is remarkable in a country where an estimated 60% population lives on less than $1 a day.

This may also be attributed to the His Excellency Dr Bingu wa Mutharika, an economist, politician and current President of Malawi’s astute economic policies with the able and shrewd assistance of Finance Minister Goodall Gondwe.

This is also particularly pertinent in terms of Zimbabwe’s rapid collapse and most African countries grappling with acute food crises.