The Government of Malawi and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) have signed a $52.3 million agreement, approximately K90.6 billion, to finance Ecosystem-based Adaptation for Resilient Watersheds and Communities Project in Malawi. The project aims to address the impacts of climate change and improve food security.
A total of 575,000 vulnerable farmers in rural communities are expected to benefit from the project over a six-year period.
Speaking at Capital Hill in Lilongwe during the signing ceremony, Minister of Finance Simplex Chithyola Banda said the development demonstrates the confidence development partners have in the Chakwera Administration and the government’s commitment to using resources prudently.
“This Project Agreement has been crafted with the intention of streamlining the execution of the EbAM Project, which has a total resource envelope of $52.3 million. As you might be aware, this envelope includes a $9.4 million contribution from the Government of Malawi, a $1 million contribution from the FAO, and a $42.8 million grant from the Green Climate Fund (GCF). This is the biggest grant that the GCF has ever extended to Malawi thus far, signifying the trust donors have in the Malawi Government,” said Chithyola-Banda.
In his remarks, FAO Country Representative Zhijun Chen said Malawi’s agriculture sector has been challenged by various natural calamities, making the implementation of the project
“Malawi is committed to contributing to the achievement of Malawi 2063 and supporting food system transformation, sustainable natural resources management, environmental conservation, and disaster risk management. This will result in better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life for most households in Malawi,” said Chen.
The initiative will also facilitate access to financial services, markets, and job opportunities, further supporting Malawi’s agricultural sector.
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