Malawi’s 11 most vulnerable districts stand to benefit from a K92.3 billion Ecosystems-based Adaptation for Resilient Watersheds and Communities in Malawi (EbAM) Project.
Launched through a six-year partnership between the Green Climate Fund (GCF), Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and the Government of Malawi, the initiative aims to enhance climate resilience and socio-economic stability in regions heavily impacted by climate-induced risks.
Speaking at the project’s inception workshop in Lilongwe, Ted Sitimawina, Principal Secretary for Administration in the Ministry of Finance, stressed the urgency of addressing climate vulnerabilities.
“By planting trees and investing in adaptation programmes, we can reduce the devastating impact of natural disasters on the economy and infrastructure,” said Sitimawina.
The EbAM Project focuses on restoring degraded ecosystems, fostering sustainable livelihoods, and improving institutional capacity to tackle climate change. FAO Country Representative, Zhijun Chen, described it as a “triple-win solution” that simultaneously boosts ecosystem health, sustains livelihoods, and enhances resilience to climate shocks.
Through collaboration with financial institutions under the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), rural farmers will access credit lines and market opportunities to implement climate adaptation strategies.
Donald Manda from IFAD emphasised the importance of supporting rural households, saying, “This initiative will ensure farmers in these districts are financially equipped to adapt to the changing climate.”
Spanning Dedza, Zomba, Mangochi, and eight other districts, the project aligns with Malawi’s long-term aspirations, Malawi 2063, by promoting sustainable resource management. Stakeholders at the workshop discussed roles, timelines, and monitoring frameworks to ensure the project’s successful implementation.
The environmental specialists say the EbAM Project represents a significant stride in fortifying Malawi’s resilience against climate challenges while paving the way for sustainable development and self-reliance.
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