Malawi - Shire Valley irrigation project feasability study

The present feasability study is initiated by the Government of Malawi (GoM) to permit the development of irrigated agriculture in the Lower Shire Valley as part of the preparatory activities of the Shire Valley Irrigation Project (SVIP). This project aims to improve agricultural productivity and production in a sustainable manner leading to economic growth and reduction of rural poverty in the Lower Shire Valley. The work, in this feasability study, include the following points: (a) updating the 2008 feasibility study, taking account of the findings of the recently completed (May 2012) prefeasibility study funded by AWF and recognizing the opportunity presented by the presence in the project area and (b) undertaking additional work on aspects that have not so far received adequate coverage in the feasibility study. The estimated total cost of the activities is € 5.3 million. Of this amount, AWF will provide a grant of € 1.79 million to cover the cost of the technical feasibility study. GoM will contribute € 73,700 to cover the project management costs and the balance (€ 3.42 million) will be provided by on-going projects financed by the World Bank.