Host Country

Malawi

Highlights

The SPFS activities focus on education in the form of Farmer Field Schools, to improve production techniques

Budget

US$1 million donated by African Development Bank

Commencement Date

2002

Background

• Malawi is a small landlocked country in South-East Africa with a population of 12 million. It ranks among the world's least developed nations.
• The economy is predominantly agricultural, with roughly 90% of the population residing in rural areas. Agriculture accounts for nearly half of the country's GDP, as well as a considerable part of its export revenues.
• The economy depends on substantial inflows of economic assistance from the International Monetary Fund, The World Bank and individual donor nations.
• In 1997, the President of the African Development Bank signed an agreement with the Director-General of FAO, pledging financial support to FAO activities within the framework of the SPFS in 8 African countries.

Goals

To help small-scale farmers improve food production

Activities

• Small-scale irrigation
• Farmer Field Schools
• Introduction of high yield crops and aquaculture
• Diversification from crops into livestock.

SSC

• Thanks to a South-South Cooperation Agreement, experts from Myanmar assisted in implementing specialised irrigation schemes, which included river diversions, water harvesting techniques, motorized pumps and efficient water conveyance systems through small canals.
• The irrigation schemes adopted during the project were implemented in 8 villages and benefited over 500 farmers, increasing the average yield of maize fivefold.

Results

• SPFS activities used an educational approach to improve production techniques through Farmer Field Schools. Four hundred village households were fully involved in the process of “learning by doing”, in areas such as agro-processing and the preservation of fresh produce.
• In diversifying from crops into small-scale livestock, an estimated 500 village households benefited from the introduction of chickens and goats, livestock housing, veterinary drugs, vaccines and equipment resulting in a more consistent supply of meat and dairy products for the entire community.
• The construction and stocking of 13 fishponds helped to diversify the nutritional intake of the population.
• Project ownership by local institutions and farmer communities is highly developed, ensuring a greater degree of sustainability. Due to the positive impact of SPFS on farmers and communities, in May 2005 the Government of Malawi requested that FAO start formulating a NPFS. The 10-year action plan consists of investments exceeding US$350 million, of which, the African Development Bank is financing US$50 million.