Burundi and Malawi’s agriculture investment boosted

Burundi and Malawi are among the six African countries that have been awarded grants to support their National Agriculture Investment Plans (NAIP) by the Global Agriculture and Food Security Programme(GAFSP). The grants will be used to increase food security,raise rural incomes, and reduce
poverty in the two countries.

Burundi has received a total of US $30 million, which will be used to improve water management and irrigation in the drought-prone regions of Imbo and Mosso, with investments in infrastructure and agricultural intensification through improved technologies, productive assets, and the establishment of farmer field schools. Malawi has received US $39.6 million to promote irrigated riceand horticulture production as well as crop diversification, and value chain development for selected commodities. Both countries have received the funds from COMESA through the CAADP programme.

CAADP Coordinator, Dr Sam Kanyarukiga, said the grant to the two countries is a source of inspiration for other COMESA Member States to expedite the process of developing their National Agriculture and Food Security Investment plans. “The funding by GAFSP to Burundi and Malawi is an important milestone for the CAADP programme. We have been advocating for development Investment plans and we are happy so see countries that we have supported get funding,” said Dr Kanyarukiga.

Burundi and Malawi bring to four the number of COMESA Member States that have so far benefited from the GAFSP. Previously, Ethiopia and Rwanda have also benefited from the fund to support their country-driven investment in agriculture and food security. Other countries that received funding from GAFSP include the Gambia, Kyrgyz Republic, Senegal, and Tanzania. The six countries will receive grants totaling US $177 million. GAFSP is a fund that supports country led efforts aimed at fighting hunger and poverty in the world.