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(NYASATIMES) Malawi gets grant for ‘Green Belt’, fertiliser subsidy and audit office

Malawi gets grant for ‘Green Belt’, fertiliser subsidy and audit office
By Nyasa Times
Published: November 13, 2009

Malawi government has signed grant agreement with three donor partners on agriculture infrastructure, fertilizer subsidy and the strengthening of National Audit Office (NAO). African Development Bank has pumped in 3.2 billion Malawi kwacha meant for ‘Green Belt’ initiative.

Irish government has given 683 million Kwacha towards farm income subsidy programme while the Norwegian government has given Malawi a total of 458 million kwacha for capacity building of the NAO.

Speaking during the signing in ceremony African Development Bank representative, Frank Kufakwadi (pictured) said the grant, said the grant will be implemented in districts of Nkhotakota ,Neno, Chikwawa, and Nsanje for which falls under the green belt zone.

“Grant signed is part of the ADB support to the government of Malawi to improve irrigation infrastructure increase smallholder Farmer productivity and contribute to enhancing food security,” said Kufakwadi

The green belt project has prioritized for agriculture investment and the first project on the green belt initiative.

The Norwegian ambassador to Malawi Mr. Johannessen said support to the audit office intends to strengthen the capacity of the office through the delivery of high quality and timely audits services among other things.

“The support is in line with Malawi government agenda of enhancing Good governances outlined in the Malawi growth and development strategy MGDs”, he said.

However, the Irish ambassador to Malawi, Mac Gabhann said grant is meant to support the 2009/10 farm income subsidy programme.

The ambassador said he hope that the subsidy programme could further be improved in the coming years so that it becomes an even more important instrument in responding to malnutrition.

“The agreement represents the largest single contribution by the Irish Government to any programme in Malawi,” said Mcgabhann.

Labels: FERTILIZER, GREEN BELT (MALAWI)

posted by MrK @ 7:36 PM