The Green Climate Fund (GCF) approved a $52.3 million project for Malawi in an important effort to enhance long-term food security and combat climate change. This initiative, spearheaded by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), is set to benefit nearly 575,000 vulnerable individuals in rural communities over the next six years. The project, known as Ecosystems-based Adaptation for Resilient Watersheds and Communities in Malawi (EbAM), was sanctioned at the GCF Board's 39th meeting in Songdo, South Korea.
FAO Deputy Director-General Maria Helena Semedo highlighted the comprehensive and inclusive nature of the project, highlighting its potential to address both environmental and socio-economic challenges in Malawi. She expressed optimism about collaborating with Malawian counterparts to transform the agriculture sector through ecosystem-based climate actions.
Malawi, recognized as one of the world's poorest countries with 70% of its population living below the poverty line, is heavily reliant on rainfed agriculture. The country is already grappling with the adverse effects of climate change, including rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and increasingly severe weather events. In 2023, Malawi faced acute food insecurity due to a drastic reduction in maize production, caused by droughts and floods linked to tropical cyclones and ongoing soil degradation.
The project aims to increase the resilience of rural communities by employing ecosystem-based approaches and sustainable water and soil management practices. It plans to restore over 83,000 hectares of communal and farmland and adopts an inclusive strategy that involves women, youth, and other vulnerable groups in all project activities.
Local communities will be encouraged to develop village-level action plans (VLAPs) for the conservation and sustainable management of landscapes. These plans will include green infrastructure projects like gully plugs and check dams, and sustainable forest management. Participants will receive native seeds, seedlings, and necessary materials such as wheelbarrows, shovels, and wire to support their efforts.
Farmer Field Schools will provide community members with essential knowledge on sustainable agricultural practices that enhance resilience and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The curriculum will cover topics such as agrobiodiversity, drought-resilient crops, and the use of weather information.
In addition to improving livelihoods and resilience, the project aims to enhance farmers' access to markets and financing opportunities. This will be achieved through the strengthening of Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLA), the creation of public-private producer partnerships, capacity building for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and technical support to financial institutions.
Malawi's Minister of Agriculture, Sam Dalitso Kawale, hailed the project as a historic moment for the country's agricultural sector. He noted that the investment would significantly boost the resilience of rural communities by promoting effective water and soil management practices essential for sustainable agricultural production.
