Malawi - Small-Scale Irrigation Development Study (SSIDS)

The proposed study has been designed to lead to projects that will strengthen the agricultural sector production in Malawi. It falls within the purview of the Public Sector Investment Programme whose overall policy objective is to reduce poverty among rural people by promoting rapid agricultural development, expansion and diversification of agricultural output and exports, raising farm incomes and promoting economic growth, while conserving natural resources. The study will identify bankable projects that will help improve small-holder farmers' agricultural output and incomes thereby improving their standard of living, and helping in poverty alleviation. It will also contribute to the Government of Malawi’s goal of self-sufficiency in food production and food security on a sustainable basis. The study will basically comprise three sequentially related phases that require a multi-disciplinary approach in its execution. The consultant is expected, in the formative stages of the study to ensure the involvement of stakeholders, such as small-holder farmers, community leaders, government representatives and other donors. The study shall focus on the use of appropriate irrigation technologies.