Food security in Malawi

The intervention contributes to increasing agricultural production, productivity and food security of communities in Dedza and Nkotakota districts through improved access to irrigated agriculture and marketing of agricultural products. 

It improves the productivity and efficiency of smallholder farmers through the development of sustainable irrigation schemes, the introduction of improved conservation agriculture techniques and efficient management of irrigation infrastructure. 

It supports the rice value chain by promoting, including through digital market tools, market linkages between producers, processors and other stakeholders.

With the rehabilitation of two irrigation schemes (Tchanga and Kaombe-Thiwi) covering an area of about 300 hectares, over 800 households (about 4,800 people) have access to irrigated agriculture and the possibility to increase their income through improved productivity and agricultural output. The schemes are managed at community level by Water User Associations, which have been created and strengthened in their management capacities during the project.

Farmers benefit from training and support in the adoption of improved, sustainable and conservation farming techniques, strengthening territorial and climate resilience; they participate in training in agribusiness and in the creation and management of community savings and loan groups. 

The programme also contributes to the drafting and implementation of Environmental Management Plans and, together with the communities, undertakes measures for reforestation, soil and water conservation and the promotion of awareness-raising initiatives on sustainable ecosystem management.