Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) has provided over K400 million for a project aimed at strengthening and scaling up the adaptation of agro-forestry systems.
This initiative is relevant for smallholder farmers to improve soil health, crop productivity, livestock nutrition, and enhance the capacity to adapt to climate change in the country.
The announcement was made during a project inception meeting at the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) in Lilongwe. Stakeholders also toured fields around Bunda Campus to observe the impact of agro-forestry systems.
The project, Institutional Capacity Building on Agro-Forestry Systems, seeks to enhance food security and improve adaptation to climate change in Malawi.
It will be implemented in four selected districts: Dowa, Balaka, Lilongwe, and Mchinji.
The Centre for International Forestry Research and World Agro-Forestry (CIFOR-ICRAF) and the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO) will implement the project, with LUANAR as the host implementing partner.
Associate Professor Joyce Njoloma from LUANAR said project activities will focus on improving farm productivity and enhancing food and nutritional security in Malawi by strengthening institutional capacity on agro-forestry systems that benefit smallholder farmers.
Njoloma added that these components will contribute to building more sustainable and resilient systems, which are essential for long-term food security and livelihood sustainability.
At least 30 young researchers, 180 extension workers, and 1,500 direct beneficiary farmers will be trained through demonstration study plots and field days.
Agro-forestry is an agricultural method that combines growing plants, raising animals, and preserving trees such as Gliricidia and other fruit trees.