The Country Programming Framework (CPF) 2024-2028 is designed to align with the objectives of the FAO Strategic Framework 2022-2031, which emphasizes the centrality of agrifood systems in achieving the 2030 Agenda and advancing Malawi’s progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By facilitating the transformation of agrifood systems, FAO aims to enhance these systems to be more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable - for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind. The CPF has been developed through extensive consultations with a diverse range of stakeholders, including the Government of Malawi, key development partners, Farmer Organizations, the Civil Society and representatives from the local centres of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and is aligned with other strategic frameworks such as the UNSDCF and the Malawi 2063. Through these consultations, three broad thematic areas of FAO’s work were identified for the period 2024-2028. These areas highlight the expressed need by the stakeholders for FAO to provide support to the Government, specifically by putting increased emphasis on coordination, technical advisory services, capacity building and strengthened partnerships.

The three thematic areas are:

(1) Agriculture and food system transformation

(2) Sustainable natural resources and environment

(3) Improved resilience, emergency preparedness, response and recovery

The CPF implementation is estimated to require USD 90 million out of which USD 76 million has already been mobilized. This, therefore, presents a resource gap of USD 14 million which needs to be mobilized in the period 2024-2028, especially for resilience, emergency preparedness, response and recovery.