Smallscale Irrigation Development
Project / Programme Summary
I. Basic data
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II. Project description
Objectives
There are two reasons why the families living in the flood plains are poor: (a) their food production is limited by the very small size of their land holdings; and (b) most cropping is under rained conditions, so crop production is limited by the amount and timing of water availability. The Programme aims to increase the incomes, household food security and the nutritional and health status of resource-poor and vulnerable flood plain smallholder families in Malawi by raising their productivity through irrigation support.
Activities
(a) capacity building and institutional support at the national, Agricultural Development Division, district and local levels;
(b) expansion of flood plain irrigation and improved water use;
(c) promotion of improved irrigation agronomy and marketing;
(d) community support services including inter alia health care, sanitation, domestic water supply, and improved village access;
(e) provision of credit for seasonal and medium-term loans for smallholder groups and individuals.
Expected outputs/beneficiaries
To improve the year-round availability of water, the programme will provide affordable irrigation to farmers, including the construction/rehabilitation and equipping (small motor pumps and low-lift devices) of selected irrigation schemes, farmer training in better crop production techniques as well as the protection of water catchment areas. Credit will be provided to enable farmers to finance their on-farm investments. About 14,700 families (78,000 persons) living in the flood plains of the Karonga, Nkhotakota and Machinga districts who do not produce sufficient food and crops to feed themselves will benefit from the Programme. About one third of these families are headed by women.
III. Contact point:
Mr. Colin Dickerson, Country Portfolio Manager, Malawi
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