National Irrigation Policy, 2024

Government of Malawi 2024 NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY Government of Malawi NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY v NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY TABLE OF CONTENTS FOREWORD ................................................................................. VII PREFACE ....................................................................................... IX LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ........................ XI GLOSSARY .................................................................................... XIII 1.0 INTRODUCTION ............................................................. 1 1.1 Historical Context ....................................................................... 1 1.2 Current Status ............................................................................. 1 1.3 Problem Statement ................................................................... 3 1.4 Purpose of the Policy .............................................................. 5 1.5 Linkages with relevant key policies and legislation 6 2.0 BROAD POLICY DIRECTIONS ...................................... 9 2.1 Policy Goal .................................................................................... 9 2.2 Policy Outcomes ....................................................................... 9 2.3 Policy Objectives ........................................................................ 10 2.4 Guiding Principles ...................................................................... 10 3.0 POLICY PRIORITY AREAS ........................................... 13 3.1 Sustainable Irrigation Development .................................. 13 3.1.1 Policy Statements ....................................................... 14 3.2 Sustainable Irrigation Management .................................. 16 3.2.1 Policy Statements ....................................................... 16 3.3 Capacity Development ............................................................ 18 3.3.1 Policy Statements ........................................................ 18 vi NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY 4.0 IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS ........................ 20 4.1 Institutional Arrangements .................................................... 20 4.1.1 Government Ministries ............................................... 20 4.1.2 Government Agencies .............................................. 25 4.1.3 Irrigation Related Institutions ................................. 27 4.1.4 Training and Professional Institutions ................ 28 4.1.5 Private Sector ................................................................ 29 4.1.6 Irrigation Organizations ........................................... 30 4.1.7 Civil Society .................................................................... 30 4.1.8 Development Partners ............................................... 30 4.2 Implementation Plan ................................................................. 31 4.3 Monitoring and Evaluation Plan ........................................... 31 Annex 1 Implementation Plan ................................................... 33 Annex 2 Monitoring and Evaluation Plan ............................ 39 vii NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY FOREWORD The National Irrigation Policy (2024) provides guidance to all stakeholders in Malawi, for the next five years, in the implementation and provision of irrigation-related goods, works and services. This is necessary in order to attain food and nutrition security as well as economic growth and development as aspired for in the Malawi 2063 under the pillar of Agricultural Productivity and Commercialisation; the Irrigation Master Plan and Investment Framework (IMPIF, 2015 2035); the Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) compact and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In Malawi, irrigation development has so far been guided by the NIP (2016). However, since the inception of the policy, a number of new developments have taken place including the need for strengthened farmer organisations; promotion of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs); better management of land and water resources; and the need to go beyond food and nutrition security to driving the industrialization and export agenda as stipulated in the National Export Strategy. The Policy seeks to support efforts to transform farmer organizations from subsistence to commercial farming in line with Malawi 2063. The Policy also strives to promote transparency and accountability in the management and operation of farmer based irrigation organizations. Whilst recognizing the numerous challenges facing irrigation development, the goal of this Policy is to contribute to increased agricultural productivity and commercialization in order to attain an inclusively wealthy and self-reliant nation. The Policy focuses on three priority areas, namely; sustainable irrigation development, sustainable irrigation management and capacity development. viii NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY It is my firm conviction that the Policy will contribute to accelerated attainment of food security, creation of more jobs and wealth for economic and social development of Malawi. It is pertinent, therefore, that all sectors of the economy play their respective roles to transform Malawi by being committed to the implementation of this Policy. Samuel Dalitso Kawale, M.P. MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE ix NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY PREFACE The National Irrigation Policy (2024) aims at addressing critical issues affecting the irrigation sector that include high environmental degradation; increasing adverse climatic conditions; low access to land; low access to farm inputs; poor land and water management practices; poor access to finance; weak linkages to markets, increasingly fragmented land tenure system; and poor operation and maintenance of irrigation infrastructure. The NIP attempts to provide solutions to these challenges by addressing three priority areas of sustainable irrigation development, management and capacity development. The Policy acknowledges several opportunities that exist for accelerated irrigation development, namely; effects of climate change, public private partnerships, improved governance reforms in water and land management, and increasing interest by stakeholders and development partners. The NIP is in conformity with the Malawi Implementation Plan I (MIP I), National Agriculture Investment Plan (NAIP) and Irrigation Master Plan and Investment Framework (IMPIF) and emphasizes that irrigation development and management should serve human needs such as food, nutrition and income. This NIP describes broad policy objectives, development strategies and expected outcomes. The Policy has been prepared through a consultative process involving relevant private sector firms, civil society organisations as well as Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies. Smallholder irrigators have also been consulted in the preparation of the policy. x NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY The Policy encourages collaboration with regional and international institutions such as the Southern Africa Regional Irrigation Association, International Water Management Institute and the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage. The Ministry, therefore, calls upon all stakeholders to embrace the National Irrigation Policy in the improvement of irrigated agricultural production and productivity in Malawi. Dickxie V. Kampani SECRETARY FOR AGRICULTURE xi NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome CAADP Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Programme CONGOMA Council for Non-Governmental Organizations in Malawi COVID 19 Coronavirus Disease 2019 CSOs Civil Society Organisations DAES Department of Agriculture Extension Services DARS Department of Agriculture Research Services DoI Department of Irrigation EAD Environmental Affairs Department EIA Environmental Impact Assessment ESIA Environmental and Social Impact Assessment ESMPs Environmental and Social Management Plans GBA Green Belt Authority GoM Government of Malawi HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus ICID International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage ICoP Irrigation Code of Practice IF Irrigation Fund IMPIF Irrigation Master Plan and Investment Framework ISD Irrigation Services Division xii NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY LIMS Land Information Management System LRCD Land Resources Conservation Department MALCID Malawi Committee on Irrigation and Drainage MBS Malawi Bureau of Standards MEI Malawi Engineering Institution MEPA Malawi Environment Protection Authority MICo Malawi Irrigation Committee MIP-1 Malawi Implementation Plan Phase 1 MoA Ministry of Agriculture MoFEA Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs NAIP National Agriculture Investment Programme NCIC National Construction Industry Council NEP National Environmental Policy NGOs Non-Government Organizations NIP National Irrigation Policy NPC National Planning Council NWRA National Water Resources Authority O&M Operation and Maintenance PPP Public Private Partnership PPDA Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority SDGs Sustainable Development Goals ToR Terms of Reference WUA Water Users’ Association WUG Water Users’ Group xiii NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY GLOSSARY Anchor farm: Large-scale agricultural enterprises or agribusinesses in the form of big aggregate farms and/or cooperatives that best unleash the potential production and productivity of commercial smallholder farmers to generate surplus raw materials for industrialization. These serve as focal points or “anchors” for promoting agricultural development and facilitating value chain integration. Climate resilient: the adaptive capacity of a system to absorb stress and maintain functionality in the face of external stresses imposed upon it by climate change and adapt, reorganise and evolve into more desirable configurations that improve the sustainability of the system, leaving it better prepared for future climate change impacts Commercialization: growing crops with the intention of selling the produce/products on the market for high financial gains. Irrigation Code of Practice: a set of guidelines to help practitioners comply with recommended irrigation standards and requirements Safeguards: essential tools to prevent or mitigate undue harm to people and the environment in the development process. Safeguards define measures and processes to effectively manage risks and enhance positive impacts Smallholder: farmer owning and using small pieces of land parcels for growing crops and/or rearing livestock. xiv NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY Subsistence: an agricultural system that aims to grow many crops to meet all or almost all the needs of the farmer and his/ her family, with little or no surplus to market. Water User Associations: a non-profit legally registered group of persons of all gender categories united voluntarily for purpose of operating and maintaining an irrigation scheme governed by a constitution and by-laws to ensure sustainable irrigated agriculture production. Water User Group: a grouping of smallholder irrigators, with a common water abstraction point, organized for the purpose of operation and maintenance of an irrigation scheme but without legal status. 1 NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Historical Context This Policy document is an updated version of the National Irrigation Policy (2016). The Government of Malawi (GoM) found it necessary to revise the NIP (2016) so that irrigation can effectively contribute to increased agricultural productivity and commercialization, and ensure consistency with the aspirations of Malawians as reflected in the Malawi 2063 and Malawi Implementation Plan I (MIP-1). The Policy recognises the regional and global plans as reflected in the Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Policy recognises the provisions in the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi by encouraging participation of the youth, women and all gender groups. The Policy also recognises the need for sustainable natural resources management. Above all, the Policy seeks to provide guidance to all stakeholders in the provision of irrigation goods, works and services as well as interventions that will facilitate improved income levels and food and nutrition security for sustainable national economic growth and development. 1.2 Current Status Malawi has a predominantly agriculture-based economy. The agriculture sector is dependent almost entirely on subsistence rain-fed agriculture. The irrigation potential of 407,862 hectares in the country remains, largely, unexploited. Out of the estimated potential of 407,862 hectares, only about 148,850 hectares have been developed for irrigation purposes representing 36.5% of the potential area. 2 NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY The area under irrigation increased by 40,859 hectares from 107,991 hectares in 2016 to 148,850 hectares in 2023; an average increase of 5,837 hectares per year which is higher than the targeted annual increase of 4,000 hectares over the period. The participation of stakeholders was significant as the area under private sector management increased by 26,928 hectares from 53,499 to 80,427 hectares, an average increase of 3,847 hectares per year. The growth under smallholder irrigation was however, less significant; increasing by 13,931 hectares from 54,492 to 68,423 hectares with an annual average increase of 1,990 hectares per year. The limited area under irrigation results into low agricultural production leading to reduced income levels and food deficits during periods of erratic rainfall patterns, dry spells, droughts and floods which have increased in frequency of occurrence over the recent years due to climate change. The food deficits are exacerbated by population growth which according to the National Statistical Office is growing at an annual rate in excess of 2.5%. The irrigated area has been growing steadily since 2016 at a rate of around 5% per annum; however, the increase is more significant under the private sector than under smallholder farmers (7% average annual increase under private sector as compared to 4% annual increase under smallholder farmers). The ever-increasing demand for food and cash crops requires strategies that can enhance agricultural productivity, and irrigation is one such technical strategy for achieving increased agricultural productivity. 3 NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY 1.3 Problem Statement Current high population growth rates need to be matched with increased agricultural production and productivity by, among other things, expanding irrigated agriculture. Irrigation is one of the proven practices for adapting to climate change for profitable crop production and increasing agriculture production and productivity even during droughts and dry spells. The irrigation sector is, however, affected by a number of challenges that require clear policy direction for the sector to meaningfully contribute to increased agricultural production and productivity. For irrigation to be sustainable, it must fit into a strategy of sustainable and environmentally appropriate natural resources development and management, especially for water and land. There is need for careful coordination among stakeholders to ensure that plans for irrigation development are not contradictory or overlapping, but are mutually supportive and form a coherent policy framework. The NIP 2016 managed to provide necessary guidance broadly for sustainable irrigation development, irrigation management and capacity building. Particularly the Policy provided for the operationalisation of the Malawi Irrigation Board created under the Irrigation Act 2001 to provide guidance in the implementation of irrigation development initiatives. The NIP 2016 also acknowledged the Irrigation Fund as a basket for mobilizing harmonized funding for irrigation development. However, both the Board and the Fund were largely not operational during the entire period of NIP 2016 mainly due to government budget limitations. The Irrigation Act 2001 has been reviewed and strategies for effective mobilization of finances for the Fund are included. The NIP 2016 also provided an enabling environment for development of large-scale irrigation projects; however, a number of other important facets were missed out. The NIP 2016 did not provide deliberate and sure strategies for 4 NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY establishment of the Irrigation Fund. Furthermore, since the effectiveness of the NIP 2016, a number of new developments have taken place including the need for strengthened farmer organizations; promotion of Public Private Partnerships; shifts in management of land and water resources; and the need to go beyond food and nutrition security to driving the industrialization and export agenda as aspired for in the National Export Strategy. More importantly, in the pursuit of transforming the economy, Government is taking new strides towards agriculture commercialization. The Policy, therefore, intends to support the migration of farmer organizations from subsistence to commercialization in a well-coordinated and harmonized manner whilst also providing for new innovative business models and approaches for profitable irrigation farming. The performance of existing smallholder irrigation schemes also faces a number of constraints. The exceptionally large number of small irrigation schemes is difficult to service and support. Cost recovery to fund operation and maintenance tends to be weak, resulting in declining system functionality over time. Since farmers are generally not required to pay for the water they use, they tend to grow low-value staple food crops which limit economic performance. High erosion rates in catchment areas due to inappropriate agricultural practices means that dams and weirs experience very high siltation rates. There are also significant marketing challenges in a landlocked country surrounded by countries that produce similar agricultural commodities, and with a small, but growing, urban demand for food. In some situations, irrigation has to compete for water with rapidly growing demand for hydro-electric power. Irrigation development is unavoidably capital intensive, and has to compete with many other investment needs for the limited funding available. Smallholder farmers have very limited capacity to invest their own capital, or to borrow money for investment, and most of the 5 NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY investment needs to come from the private sector, GoM and its development partners. A further consequence of the shortage of funding is weak institutional capacity at both central and district levels. Additionally, responsibility for irrigation is dispersed among various ministries, departments and agencies, and there have been frequent changes to institutional arrangements. There is, therefore, need for clear policy guidance for irrigation to meaningfully contribute to the national agenda of MW2063. 1.4 Purpose of the Policy The NIP 2024 provides a clear statement of the Government’s aspirations of developing the irrigation sector and for attaining its development objectives. The Policy also emphasizes the importance of incorporating irrigation for both food security and commercial purposes. It also has a provision for establishing the Irrigation Trust Fund and for developing linkages with other partners. The Policy encourages the adoption of irrigation technologies that enhance water and nutrient use efficiency to overcome negative effects of climate change. The Policy provides clear guidance to stakeholders for effective observance of environmental, health and social safeguards in irrigation development and management and also provides direction on the mobilization of required funding including PPP arrangements for sustainable irrigation development and management. The NIP 2024 provides arrangements for profitable irrigation enterprises so as to achieve accelerated and sustained irrigation development and also provides direction on land tenure arrangements for sustainable irrigation development. 6 NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY The Policy recognizes the provisions in the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi by encouraging participation of the youth, women and all gender groups and also recognises the need for sustainable natural resources management. The Policy respects the rights as enshrined in the Constitution that include the right to economic activities, equality and development for the youth, women and other vulnerable groups. Above all, the Policy seeks to provide guidance to all stakeholders in the provision of irrigation goods, works and services as well as interventions that will facilitate improved income levels and food and nutrition security for sustainable national economic growth and development. 1.5 Linkages with relevant key policies and legislation The NIP 2024 considers policies and pieces of legislation of other related sectors such as water, environment, land resources, nutrition, HIV and AIDs and gender for effective contribution to sustainable national economic growth and development. 1.5.1 Linkages with relevant key policies The NIP 2024 is well anchored in the National Agriculture Policy (2016) which also aims at addressing sustainable management of agricultural resources and increasing agricultural exports and income. The NIP recognises the set of actions to be taken in order to facilitate sustainable utilization and management of natural resources as stated in the National Environmental Policy (2004). The NIP is linked with the National Water Policy (2005) in promoting the use of water to contribute to the economy while properly managing and utilizing water resources. The NIP enjoys synergies from the National Land Resources Management Policy and Strategy (2000) which 7 NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY provides for the efficient and sustainable use of land resources to avoid land use conflicts and ensure socio-economic development. The NIP promotes the participation of people at local level in irrigation development programmes which is the central theme of the Decentralisation Policy (1998). The Malawi Land Policy (2002) ensures tenure security and equitable access to land to facilitate attainment of social harmony and social economic development which is acknowledged in the NIP. Public Private Partnership Policy (2011) is also recognised in the NIP by encouraging private sector participation in provision of irrigation services, supplies and works. 1.5.2 Linkages with relevant pieces of legislation The NIP 2024 recognises pieces of legislation, such as the Irrigation Act, 20011, Water Resources Act, 2013, Environmental Management Act, 2017; Land Act, 2016; Customary Land Act 2016; Forestry Act 2020; Public Private Partnership Act, 2011. The Policy recognises the need to provide services, works and supplies in line with the legal requirements in the various pieces of legislation. Some of the key legislative provisions include the acquisition of water rights and observance of the buffer zone as provided for in the Water Resources Act 2013; the implementation of Environmental and Social Management Plans as provided for in the Environmental Management Act, 2017; the formalisation of land tenure arrangements as provided for in the Land Act, 2016; the management of catchment areas as provided for in the Forestry Act, 2020 and encouraging partnership with the private sector as provided for in the Public Private Partnership Act, 2011. 1 The Irrigation Bill 2024 has been approved by Cabinet and repeals the Irrigation Act 2001 and the Policy aligns to the Irrigation Bill, 2024 8 NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY 1.5.3 Linkages with relevant protocols, international commitments At international level, Malawi is a signatory to several agreements and protocols on sustainable water and land management. These key agreements and protocols include the (Revised) Protocol on Shared Watercourses in the Southern African Development Community (2000) and the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) 2003. The CAADP calls for expanded public and private investment in agriculture and desire to build on the progress that African Governments have made in advancing a vision for agricultural development in Africa. The NIP has been prepared to contribute to the attainment of regional and global aspirations on agriculture and water resources. 9 NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY 2.0 BROAD POLICY DIRECTIONS 2.1 Policy Goal The overall policy goal is to develop and manage irrigation projects so as to effectively contribute to increased national production of cereals, tobacco, cotton, horticultural crops and legumes, and other emerging high value crops for industrial use and export market. 2.2 Policy Outcomes The policy outcomes are: 2.2.1 Increased irrigated agriculture production and productivity for local and export use; 2.2.2 Increased production of high value irrigated crops to support national industrialization drive; 2.2.3 Mitigated climate change effects through use of appropriate environmental management practices; 2.2.4 Increased employment opportunities for the youth, women and people of all gender categories; 2.2.5 Enhanced technical and administrative capacity within the public and private sectors and farmer organizations. 10 NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY 2.3 Policy Objectives The policy objectives are: 2.3.1 Increase land under sustainable irrigation farming by at least 6,000 hectares annually; 2.3.2 Increase volume of high value irrigated export crops by 20% annually; 2.3.3 Increase number of irrigation practitioners with technical capacity by 10% annually 2.3.4 Increase investment in sustainable irrigation development by 20% annually 2.3.5 Increase commercially oriented irrigation groups by 10% annually 2.3.6 Increase adoption of standards, practices and technologies by 20% annually 2.3.7 Increase sustainable utilisation of area under irrigation to at least 80% annually 2.4 Guiding Principles The NIP 2024 builds on the existing sectoral Policy Frameworks and Strategies and offers actions that need to be taken to improve the performance of the irrigation sector in the wake of various national, regional and global opportunities and challenges. The guiding principles of the NIP are outlined below: 2.4.1 Striving for efficiency All stakeholders in the irrigation sector will be encouraged to strive for efficiency to ensure optimal use of the both financial resources invested in the sector as well natural resources such as water and nutrients. 11 NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY 2.4.2 High return on investment Irrigation development is capital intensive investment, as such the Policy ensures that high value irrigation enterprises are targeted to achieve high returns on investment vital for sustainability. 2.4.3 Environmental sustainability The Policy recognises the need to undertake irrigation development and management activities with full observance of environmental safeguard so as to enhance benefits and minimise negative impacts. 2.4.4 Encouraging resourcefulness The primary stakeholders in irrigation development will be encouraged to take full ownership of the irrigation schemes from identification, development and management stages for sustainability purposes. The Policy eliminates the dependency syndrome by encouraging effective beneficiary participation in the planning, development and management of irrigation projects. 2.4.5 Innovation and adaptability The Policy expects that all players in the irrigation sector will embrace proven emerging innovations and adaptations that enhance irrigated agricultural productivity in a sustainable manner. 2.4.6 Teamwork and collaboration The Policy recognises the diverse nature of stakeholders who play key roles in the sector and provides for collaboration of efforts in a coordinated manner in the spirit of institutional partnership to ensure efficiency in irrigation service delivery. 12 NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY 2.4.7 Transparency and accountability The Policy expects that in the discharge of duties and delivery of services all persons responsible for managing public resources at community, district and national levels shall discharge their duties and responsibilities in a manner that is transparent and accountable. 2.4.8 Mindset change The Policy expects that irrigation undertakings will be pursued as a means to enhance agricultural production and productivity in the wake of climate change and that the irrigation development interventions will be implemented with a commercial orientation bearing in mind the associated high investment costs. 2.4.9 Demand driven approach In line with the decentralization process and other national policies, the NIP seeks to ensure that all services provided to the different stakeholders are in response to the felt needs of the beneficiaries including youth, women and other vulnerable groups. 13 NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY 3.0 POLICY PRIORITY AREAS In order to achieve the overall goal, the policy will focus on three priority areas namely, Sustainable Irrigation Development, Sustainable Irrigation Management and Capacity Development. 3.1 Sustainable Irrigation Development Sustainable irrigation development considers environmental, health and social parameters in the planning, design, construction, modernisation, upgrading and rehabilitation of irrigation infrastructure to put more land under irrigation with due consideration to economic viability, environmental protection and social equity. It is incumbent upon irrigation stakeholders to ensure that irrigation development undertaken meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The development of irrigation has been lower than the 6% targeted minimum annual growth rate for the agriculture sector stipulated in the Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) due to a number of factors that include inadequate financial resource mobilisation, high development costs, unharmonized irrigation development initiatives, environmental degradation, customary land disputes, farmers’ unwillingness and limited participation of stakeholders. The policy, therefore, aims at addressing these issues so as to achieve sustainable development of irrigation infrastructure. 14 NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY 3.1.1 Policy Statements Policy statement 1 The policy will ensure that mobilisation of financial resources for irrigation development is achieved Strategies i. Operationalise the Irrigation Trust Fund. ii. Enhance Public Private Partnership arrangements Policy statement 2 The Policy will ensure that implementation of the Irrigation Master Plan and Investment Framework is facilitated. Strategies i. Enhance public awareness on the Irrigation Master Plan and Investment Framework ii. Enhance stakeholder coordination on development of new and rehabilitation of existing irrigation projects iii. Facilitate approvals of irrigation development plans and designs iv. Facilitate availability of both surface and sub-surface water for irrigation v. Enhance cost sharing and recovery for smallholder irrigation development Policy statement 3 The Policy will ensure that suitable land tenure arrangements for irrigation projects are facilitated Strategies i. Engage stakeholders on tenure security under irrigation ii. Facilitate land tenure arrangements for Irrigation Organizations and private irrigators iii. Promote land consolidation and resettlement 15 NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY Policy Statement 4 The Policy will ensure that stakeholder participation in irrigation development is enhanced Strategies i. Create public awareness on irrigation development opportunities ii. Capacitate irrigation organisations for irrigation development iii. Create enabling business environment for private sector participation in irrigation development Policy Statement 5 The Policy will ensure that development of environmentally sound and climate resilient irrigation projects is enhanced Strategies i. Facilitate environmental approvals for new irrigation projects and rehabilitation works ii. Promote adherence to safeguards during construction and rehabilitation of irrigation projects iii. Promote use of renewable energy sources for pumping irrigation water 16 NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY 3.2 Sustainable Irrigation Management Sustainable irrigation management aims at adopting practices that will ensure sustainable and profitable utilization of land and water resources as well as irrigation infrastructure. The management of irrigation projects is beset with a number of challenges that include degradation of catchment areas hence affecting availability of water resources; beneficiary community unwillingness or capacity limitations to operate and maintain the systems resulting in underutilisation of developed area; lack of transparency and accountability in the management of scheme’s resources; marketing challenges for irrigated produce; land tenure issues, and inadequate irrigation extension services which. 3.2.1 Policy Statements Policy Statement 1 The Policy will ensure that environmental, health and social management practices for irrigating and non irrigating communities is promoted Strategies i. Promote implementation of Environmental and Social Management Plans and Social Safeguards during the operational phase of irrigation projects ii. Promote efficient use of irrigation water and nutrients iii. Promote access to irrigation plots for vulnerable beneficiaries iv. Promote practices that minimise water borne diseases v. Promote adherence to catchment management guidelines 17 NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY Policy Statement 2 The Policy will ensure that farmer organisations for productive and commercialised irrigated agriculture are developed/established Strategies i. Establish and empower Water User Associations (WUAs)/ Water User Groups (WUGs)/Irrigation Organisations ii. Build farmers technical capacity for effective management of irrigation schemes iii. Promote sustainable utilisation of irrigation schemes to ensure productivity Policy Statement 3 The Policy will ensure that access to stable and profitable markets for irrigated crops is facilitated Strategies i. Facilitate establishment and empowerment of cooperatives and other farm enterprises for irrigated crop commodities ii. Promote systematic production of high value crops in irrigation schemes iii. Promote value addition of irrigated produce Policy Statement 4 The Policy will ensure that an extension service for irrigated agriculture is strengthened. Strategies i. Ensure availability of Government irrigation staff in major irrigation areas ii. Strengthen participation of Non-State Actors in irrigation extension services iii. Promote anchor farming in irrigation management 18 NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY 3.3 Capacity Development The development and management of irrigation schemes require adequate technical and administrative capacity among others. The technical competence within the public and private sectors including training institutions and beneficiary communities is critical for sustainable irrigation development and management. The main capacity challenges include undocumented training needs for irrigation stakeholders; low literacy levels; limited adherence to national irrigation standards, code of practice and guidelines for irrigation development; inadequate availability of irrigation expertise; poor linkages between irrigation research and extension; short supply of equipment, plant and irrigation software; and, inadequate irrigation service providers. 3.3.1 Policy Statements Policy Statement 1 The Policy will ensure technical and administrative capacity gaps, including illiteracy, in irrigation development and management are addressed Strategies iv. Facilitate development and implementation of training programmes for the public, private and training institutions v. Facilitate registration of irrigation professionals vi. Facilitate regulation of importation of irrigation equipment and technologies 19 NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY Policy Statement 2 The Policy will ensure that irrigation stakeholders’ adherence to the Irrigation Code of Practice (ICoP) is promoted Strategies i. Create stakeholder awareness of the ICoP ii. Promote adherence to ICoP during design, construction and operation phases of irrigation schemes iii. Enhance registration of irrigation service providers Policy Statement 3 The Policy will ensure that adoption of irrigation technologies and best practices is promoted Strategies iv. Promote the generation or adaptation and dissemination of irrigation technologies and best practices v. Enhance the utilisation of irrigation technologies and best practices 20 NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY 4.0 IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS 4.1 Institutional Arrangements The National Irrigation Policy will be implemented by a number of stakeholders playing various roles. The roles of each stakeholder are as follows: 4.1.1 Government Ministries 4.1.1.1 Ministry Responsible for Irrigation The Ministry will be the policy holder and responsible for provision of policy and technical direction in the implementation of the policy; The main responsibilities of the Ministry will include: i. Coordination amongst various departments; public authorities on irrigation; relevant training institutions and professional bodies; private sector; development partners; and, CSOs. ii. Promote irrigated agriculture in accordance with the National Environmental Policy (NEP), EIA Guidelines for Irrigation and Drainage Projects (2002) and EIA Guidelines (1997); and Irrigation Code of Practice iii. Promote integrated approach in the planning and designing and implementation of irrigation projects factoring in resilience to climate change; iv. Promote establishment and empowerment of farmer organisations for irrigated crop production; v. Provide oversight on irrigation development; vi. Manage the Irrigation Management Information System 21 NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY 4.1.1.2 Ministry Responsible for Agriculture The key responsibilities of the Ministry will include: i. Provide agricultural extension and research services; ii. Ensure that land conservation issues are addressed in irrigation schemes and catchment areas; iii. Explore alternatives to handling and marketing of farmers produce in order to realize maximum possible gross margins from irrigated agriculture; iv. Ensure that crops grown in irrigation schemes are based on market demand and associated with high returns and also allow for diversification of irrigated crops; v. Facilitate prevention and control of pests and diseases for irrigated crops; 4.1.1.3 Ministry Responsible for Water The Ministry will be responsible for: i. Managing water resources for irrigation and monitor sustainable utilization of water resources; ii. Provide hydrological data for the design of irrigation projects and facilitating the provision of water permits for irrigation development; iii. Considering irrigation water requirements in planning water resources development in the country. 22 NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY 4.1.1.4 Ministry Responsible for Finance The role of the Ministry will be to: i. Mobilize and disburse financial resources for the implementation of irrigation programmes; ii. Monitor utilization of disbursed funds; iii. Facilitate tax incentives and preferential treatment for private estate, commercial farming and service providers. 4.1.1.5 Ministry Responsible for Lands The role of the Ministry will be to: i. Implement land reform and land tenure programmes for irrigation development; ii. Prepare land use plans, registration and acquisition for irrigation projects iii. Maintain Land Information Management Systems for irrigation purposes. iv. Prepare Resettlement Policy Framework and Resettlement Action Plans for irrigation development 4.1.1.6 Ministry Responsible for Forestry The role of the Ministry shall be to: i. Consolidate the conservation of forest and catchment areas to conserve soil and water for irrigation purposes; ii. Pursue the establishment of forest reserves to rehabilitate catchment areas; 4.1.1.7 Ministry Responsible for Environment The role of the Ministry shall be to ensure that irrigated agricultural development is environmentally sound and consistent with the principles of sustainable development by promoting sustainable utilization of the natural resources. 23 NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY 4.1.1.8 Ministry Responsible for Meteorological Services The role of the Ministry shall be to provide meteorological data for planning, design and operation of irrigation and drainage projects. 4.1.1.9 Ministry Responsible for Parks and Wildlife The role of the Ministry shall be to: i. Ensure that in any review of the status of protected areas, irrigated agriculture should be included as one of the options for future development and utilization of such land. ii. Devise ways of preventing invasion of wildlife to irrigated lands. 4.1.1.10 Ministry Responsible for Trade The role of the Ministry shall be to: i. Facilitate the formation and empowerment of farmer organisations for efficient marketing of irrigated produce; and ii. Encourage investment in irrigation farming value chain. 4.1.1.11 Ministry Responsible for Local Government The role of the Ministry shall be to: i. Facilitate public awareness and mobilize communities for irrigation development; ii. Plan and coordinate the implementation of irrigation development at local council; iii. Mobilise funding for irrigation development iv. Recruit and promote irrigation staff v. Build technical capacity of irrigation staff 24 NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY 4.1.1.12 Ministry Responsible for Education The role of the Ministry shall be to: i. Promote irrigation principles and practices in curricula for primary, secondary and tertiary education institutions; ii. Train irrigation personnel to correspond to the needs of the industry iii. Assist in carrying out irrigation research and development 4.1.1.13 Ministry Responsible for Health The role of the Ministry shall be to provide appropriate interventions such as the promotion of hygiene and sanitation education to prevent water borne diseases and also provide health care services to communities around irrigation schemes. 4.1.1.14 Ministry Responsible for Nutrition, HIV and AIDS The role of the Ministry shall be to mainstream Nutrition, HIV and AIDS in the irrigation sector. 4.1.1.15 Ministry Responsible for Gender The role of the Ministry shall be to ensure that gender issues and involvement of vulnerable groups are mainstreamed in irrigation programmes. 4.1.1.16 Ministry Responsible for Youth The role of the Ministry shall be to ensure that aspirations of the youth are incorporated in irrigation programmes and that they participate in irrigation development. 4.1.1.17 Ministry Responsible for Energy The role of the Ministry shall be to advise on sustainable sources of energy for irrigation development and facilitate gazettement of affordable energy tariffs for sustainable irrigation development 25 NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY 4.1.2 Government Agencies 4.1.2.1 Public Private Partnership Commission The role of the Commission will be to advise on PPPs arrangements and engagements in irrigation development and management and promote investment in irrigation. 4.1.2.2 Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority The role of Authority shall be to advise on procurement processes for irrigation works, services and supplies 4.1.2.3 National Audit Office The role of this agency will be to advise on public resources management in order to achieve intended results in irrigation development. 4.1.2.4 National Commission for Science and Technology The role of this agency will be to support the irrigation sector in the generation of irrigation technologies for sustainable irrigation development and management. 4.1.2.5 National Planning Commission The role of the Commission will be to: i. Design medium- and long-term national strategies; including irrigation related strategies ii. Monitor the implementation of the irrigation related medium- and long-term strategies in achieving common objectives in tandem with the overall national development agenda. 26 NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY 4.1.2.6 Malawi Environment Protection Authority The role of the Authority will be to: i. Review and approve Environmental and Social Impact Assessment reports and, conduct environmental compliance monitoring for approved irrigation projects; ii. Facilitate the approval of environmental Audits for existing irrigation projects. 4.1.2.7 National Construction Industry Council The roles and responsibilities of the National Construction Industry Council shall be to: i. Promote safety standards in the construction industry; ii. Conduct training, within Malawi and co ordinate the training conducted by others, of persons engaged in the construction industry. 4.1.2.8 Malawi Bureau of Standards The roles and responsibilities of the Malawi Bureau of Standards shall be to serve as reference point for irrigation materials and manage process for certification of irrigation products. 4.1.2.9 Malawi Human Rights Commission The Commission shall enhance civil, social, economic and cultural rights of those affected by irrigation development. The Commission shall ensure that gender and women’s rights including child, disability and elderly rights are respected in irrigation development 27 NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY 4.1.3 Irrigation Related Institutions 4.1.3.1 Malawi Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (MALCID) The roles and responsibilities of the MALCID shall be to provide a forum for exchange of ideas in irrigation development within Malawi and be affiliated to the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) for ease of accessing irrigation technologies. 4.1.3.2 Malawi Irrigation Committee The Irrigation Committee, as the multi-sectoral advisory body of irrigation in Malawi, shall promote irrigation farming in the country by undertaking the following functions: i. develop standards and guidelines for development and management of irrigation schemes; ii. advise Government on strategies to promote and develop irrigation; iii. monitor and evaluate implementation of irrigation strategies with a view to drawing lessons to enhance development and management of irrigation at national level; iv. administer the Irrigation Trust Fund; and 4.1.3.2 National Water Resources Authority NWRA shall be responsible for reviewing applications and issuing of water permits and monitor water abstractions and effluent discharges. 4.1.3.3 Malawi Engineering Institution The role of the Malawi Engineering Institution will be to provide for the regulation, registration, promotion and development of Irrigation Engineering professionals. 28 NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY 4.1.3.4 Malawi Investment Trade Centre The role of the Malawi Investment Trade Centre will be to: i. Facilitate sourcing of joint venture partners for irrigation investments ii. Provide wide range investment advice for irrigation investors iii. Create public awareness on irrigation investment incentives 4.1.4 Training and Professional Institutions The roles of the training and professional institutions shall be to i. Formulate programs that can build and maintain capacity in the irrigation sector at all levels; ii. Supplement all formal courses in irrigation with on-the-job training that shall take place at all levels; iii. Carry out irrigation research 29 NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY 4.1.5 Private Sector 4.1.5.1 Consultants The role of consultants shall be to: i. Conduct feasibility and design studies for irrigation development as well as construction supervision; ii. Conduct capacity building and empowerment of farmer organizations; 4.1.5.2 Contractors The role of contractors shall be to: i. Undertake construction and rehabilitation of irrigation infrastructure and related works in line with the Irrigation Code of Practice. ii. Undertake capacity building activities of irrigation technicians and professionals. 4.1.5.3 Financial Institutions The role of financial institutions shall be to provide banking services (including affordable credit) for irrigation development. 4.1.5.4 Commercial Large-Scale Farms The role of commercial large-scale farms shall be to: i. Act as anchor farms and off-takers for irrigated farm produce ii. Invest in irrigated agriculture 30 NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY 4.1.6 Irrigation Organizations The role of Irrigation Organizations shall be to: i. Participate in the planning, design and in the implementation of smallholder irrigation development programmes ii. Operate and maintain smallholder irrigation schemes; iii. Implement environmental and social management plans for their irrigation schemes iv. Produce for the market v. Ensure accountability and transparency in the management of irrigation investments 4.1.7 Civil Society The role of civil society shall be to: i. Advocate for sustainable irrigation development as one of the means for increased agricultural productivity ii. Facilitate establishment and empowerment of irrigation groups iii. Support the development of smallholder irrigation projects considering provisions in the ICoP; iv. Promote utilization of irrigation technologies and practices; v. Participate in the sector planning and share information regarding their interventions. 4.1.8 Development Partners The role of Development Partners shall be to provide, in a coordinated manner, irrigation development technical and financial support in line with national priorities. 31 NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY 4.2 Implementation Plan The Ministry responsible for Irrigation will coordinate and facilitate the implementation of the Policy with relevant stakeholders having varying responsibilities in the implementation plan as indicated in Annex 1. 4.3 Monitoring and Evaluation Plan The implementation of the Policy will be monitored and evaluated through a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) plan (Annex 2). The M&E plan stipulates objectives, outputs, performance indicators, baseline data, targets, sources of verification and some assumptions/risks. Joint Sector Review meetings will be used for information sharing and effective engagement of stakeholders in irrigation development. The lessons learnt in the projects will be incorporated in future project as part of evaluation. The Ministry responsible for irrigation will coordinate and lead the monitoring and evaluation process of the Policy and ensure timely reporting and dissemination of results. An Irrigation Monitoring and Evaluation Systems Report will be prepared annually. All agencies implementing programmes relating to this Policy will report periodically to their respective coordinating bodies. The Monitoring and Evaluation Systems results will be used to inform all irrigation stakeholders to influence programme planning and design processes as well as resource management. This Policy will be reviewed based on a five-year cycle as established in the policy formulation process. The review of the Policy will be coordinated by the Ministry responsible for irrigation. 32 NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY A n n e x 1 Im p le m e n ta ti o n P la n Ir ri ga ti on P ol ic y A nn ex 1 Po lic y Pr io ri ty A re a 1: S us ta in ab le Ir ri ga ti on D ev el op m en t Po lic y St at em en t 1: M ob ili se fi na nc ia l r es ou rc es fo r ir ri ga ti on d ev el op m en t O bj ec ti ve St ra te gy R es po ns ib ili ty Ti m e Fr am e To in cr ea se la nd un d er s us ta in ab le ir ri g at io n fa rm in g b y 6 ,0 0 0 h ec ta re s an nu al ly O p er at io na lis e th e Ir ri g at io n Tr us t F un d . D o I/ M IC o 20 25 E nh an ce P ub lic P ri va te P ar tn er sh ip ar ra ng em en ts D o I/ M IC o 20 29 Po lic y St at em en t 2 : F ac ili ta te im pl em en ta tio n of th e Irr ig at io n M as te r P la n an d In ve st m en t F ra m ew or k To in cr ea se in ve st m en t in su st ai na b le ir ri g at io n d ev el o p m en t b y 20 % a nn ua lly E nh an ce p ub lic a w ar en es s o n th e Ir ri g at io n M as te r P la n D o I/ M IC o 20 24 E nh an ce s ta ke ho ld er c o o rd in at io n o n d ev el o p m en t o f ne w a nd r eh ab ili ta ti o n o f ex is ti ng ir ri g at io n p ro je ct s D o I/ M IC o 20 29 F ac ili ta te a p p ro va ls o f ir ri g at io n d ev el o p m en t p la ns a nd d es ig ns D o I/ M IC o 20 29 F ac ili ta te a va ila b ili ty o f w at er f o r ir ri g at io n M in is tr y re sp o ns ib le f o r W at er , N W R A , D o I, M E PA 20 29 33 NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY Po lic y St at em en t 3: F ac ili ta te s us ta in ab le la nd t en ur e ar ra ng em en ts fo r ir ri ga ti on p ro je ct s To in cr ea se in ve st m en t in su st ai na b le ir ri g at io n d ev el o p m en t b y 20 % a nn ua lly E ng ag e st ak eh o ld er s o n te nu re s ec ur it y un d er ir ri g at io n M in is tr y re sp o ns ib le f o r La nd , D o I, D is tr ic t C o un ci ls 20 29 F ac ili ta te la nd t en ur e ar ra ng em en ts f o r Ir ri g at io n O rg an iz at io ns a nd p ri va te ir ri g at o rs M in is tr y re sp o ns ib le f o r La nd , D o I, D is tr ic t C o un ci ls 20 29 F ac ili ta te la nd c o ns o lid at io n an d r es et tl em en t M in is tr y re sp o ns ib le f o r La nd , D o I, D is tr ic t C o un ci ls 20 29 Po lic y St at em en t 4 : E nh an ce s ta ke ho ld er p ar ti ci pa ti on in ir ri ga ti on d ev el op m en t To in cr ea se la nd un d er s us ta in ab le ir ri g at io n fa rm in g b y 6 ,0 0 0 h ec ta re s an nu al ly C re at e p ub lic a w ar en es s o n ir ri g at io n d ev el o p m en t o p p o rt un it ie s D o I/ D A E S 20 25 C ap ac it at e sm al lh o ld er g ro up s fo r ir ri g at io n d ev el o p m en t D o I/ D A E S 20 29 C re at e en ab lin g b us in es s en vi ro nm en t fo r p ri va te s ec to r p ar ti ci p at io n in ir ri g at io n d ev el o p m en t M in is tr y re sp o ns ib le f o r Tr ad e; M in is tr y re sp o ns ib le f o r F in an ce 20 29 34 NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY Po lic y St at em en t 5: E nc ou ra ge d ev el op m en t of e nv iro nm en ta lly s ou nd a nd c lim at e re si lie nt ir ri ga ti on p ro je ct s To in cr ea se in ve st m en t in su st ai na b le ir ri g at io n d ev el o p m en t b y 20 % a nn ua lly F ac ili ta te e nv ir o nm en ta l a p p ro va ls f o r ne w ir ri g at io n p ro je ct s an d r eh ab ili ta ti o n w o rk s M in is tr y re sp o ns ib le f o r E nv ir o nm en t, D o I, M E PA 20 29 E nh an ce a d he re nc e to s af eg ua rd s d ur in g co ns tr uc ti o n an d r eh ab ili ta ti o n o f ir ri g at io n p ro je ct s M in is tr y re sp o ns ib le f o r E nv ir o nm en t, D o I, M E PA 20 29 Po lic y Pr io ri ty A re a 2: S us ta in ab le Ir ri ga ti on M an ag em en t Po lic y St at em en t 1: P ro m ot e en vi ro nm en ta l m an ag em en t pr ac ti ce s fo r ir ri ga ti ng a nd n on i rr ig at in g co m m un it ie s To in cr ea se su st ai na b le ut ili sa ti o n o f ar ea un d er ir ri g at io n to a t le as t 8 0 % a nn ua lly M o ni to r im p le m en ta ti o n o f E nv ir o nm en ta l an d S o ci al M an ag em en t P la ns d ur in g t he o p er at io na l p ha se o f ir ri g at io n p ro je ct s M in is tr y re sp o ns ib le f o r E nv ir o nm en t, M E PA , D o I 20 29 P ro m o te e ffi ci en t us e o f ir ri g at io n w at er a nd nu tr ie nt s D o I, D ep t o f F is he ri es , D A R S , D C D 20 29 P ro m o te p ra ct ic es t ha t m in im is e w at er b o rn e d is ea se s D o I, D is tr ic t C o un ci ls , M in . o f H ea lt h 20 29 En ha nc e ad he re nc e to c at ch m en t m an ag em en t gu id el in es fo r a ll i rr ig at io n sc he m es N W R A , M E PA , D o I, LR C D 20 29 35 NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY Po lic y St at em en t 2: D ev el op fa rm er o rg an is at io ns fo r pr od uc ti ve a nd c om m er ci al iz ed ir ri ga te d ag ri cu lt ur e To in cr ea se co m m er ci al ly o ri en te d ir ri g at io n g ro up s b y 10 % an nu al ly E st ab lis h an d e m p ow er W at er U se r A ss o ci at io ns ( W U A s) / W at er U se r G ro up s (W U G s) /I rr ig at io n O rg an is at io ns D o I 20 29 B ui ld f ar m er s te ch ni ca l c ap ac it y fo r eff ec ti ve m an ag em en t o f ir ri g at io n sc he m es D o I 20 29 P ro m o te a cc o un ta b ili ty a nd t ra ns p ar en cy in ir ri g at io n o rg an iz at io ns D o I, A ud it o r G en er al 20 29 P ro m o te s us ta in ab le u ti lis at io n o f ir ri g at io n sc he m es t o e ns ur e hi g h p ro d uc ti vi ty D o I, D A E S , D C D 20 29 Po lic y St at em en t 3: F ac ili ta te a cc es s to s ta bl e an d pr ofi ta bl e m ar ke ts fo r ir ri ga te d cr op s To in cr ea se v o lu m e o f hi g h va lu e ir ri g at ed e xp o rt cr o p s b y 20 % an nu al ly F ac ili ta te e st ab lis hm en t an d e m p ow er m en t o f co o p er at iv es f o r ir ri g at ed c ro p c o m m o d it ie s M in is tr y re sp o ns ib le f o r Tr ad e, D o I, D A E S 20 29 P ro m o te s ys te m at ic p ro d uc ti o n o f hi g h va lu e cr o p s in ir ri g at io n sc he m es D C D , D o I, D A E S 20 29 P ro m o te v al ue a d d it io n o f sc he m e p ro d uc e M in is tr y re sp o ns ib le f o r In d us tr y an d T ra d e, D o I 20 29 36 NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY Po lic y St at em en t 4 : S tr en gt he n ex te ns io n se rv ic es fo r ir ri ga te d ag ri cu lt ur e To in cr ea se a d o p ti o n o f st an d ar d s, p ra ct ic es a nd te ch no lo g ie s b y 20 % an nu al ly E ns ur e av ai la b ili ty o f G ov er nm en t ir ri g at io n st aff in m aj o r ir ri g at io n ar ea s D o I, D is tr ic t C o un ci ls , 20 26 P ro m o te p ar ti ci p at io n o f N o n S ta te A ct o rs in ir ri g at io n ex te ns io n se rv ic es D o I, D A E S 20 29 P ro m o te a cc es s to ir ri g at io n p lo ts f o r vu ln er ab le b en efi ci ar ie s D o I, D A E S , D is tr ic t C o un ci ls , M o L 20 29 P ro m o te A nc ho r F ar m in g in ir ri g at io n m an ag em en t D o I, D C D , D A E S , D is tr ic t C o un ci ls 20 29 Po lic y Pr io ri ty A re a 3: C ap ac it y D ev el op m en t Po lic y St at em en t 1: A dd re ss t ec hn ic al a nd a dm in is tr at iv e ca pa ci ty g ap s in cl ud in g ill it er ac y in ir ri ga ti on de ve lo pm en t an d m an ag em en t To in cr ea se n um b er o f ir ri g at io n p ra ct it io ne rs w it h te ch ni ca l c ap ac it y b y 10 % a nn ua lly F ac ili ta te d ev el o p m en t an d im p le m en ta ti o n o f tr ai ni ng p ro g ra m m es f o r th e p ub lic , p ri va te an d t ra in in g in st it ut io ns Tr ai ni ng In st it ut io ns , D o I 20 29 F ac ili ta te r eg is tr at io n o f ir ri g at io n p ro fe ss io na ls M E I, D o I 20 29 O p er at io na lis e th e M al aw i C o m m it te e o n Ir ri g at io n an d D ra in ag e D o I 20 25 F ac ili ta te r eg is tr at io n o f ir ri g at io n se rv ic e p ro vi d er s an d ir ri g at o rs D o I 20 29 37 NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY Po lic y St at em en t 2: E ns ur e ir ri ga ti on s ta ke ho ld er s ad he re nc e to t he Ir ri ga ti on C od e of P ra ct ic e To in cr ea se a d o p ti o n o f st an d ar d s b y 20 % an nu al ly C o nd uc t st ak eh o ld er a w ar en es s o f th e Ir ri g at io n C o d e o f P ra ct ic e D o I/ M A LC ID 20 24 M o ni to r ad he re nc e to IC o P d ur in g d es ig n, co ns tr uc ti o n an d o p er at io n p ha se s o f ir ri g at io n sc he m es M IC o, D o I 20 29 F ac ili ta te r eg ul at io n o f im p o rt at io n o f ir ri g at io n eq ui p m en t an d t ec hn o lo g ie s D o I, M o F, M R A 20 29 Po lic y St at em en t 3: E nc ou ra ge a do pt io n of ir ri ga ti on t ec hn ol og ie s an d be st p ra ct ic es To in cr ea se a d o p ti o n o f p ra ct ic es a nd te ch no lo g ie s b y 20 % an nu al ly S up p o rt t he g en er at io n o r ad ap ta ti o n an d d is se m in at io n o f ir ri g at io n te ch no lo g ie s an d b es t p ra ct ic es D o I, D A R S , D A E S 20 29 M o ni to r th e ut ili sa ti o n o f ir ri g at io n te ch no lo g ie s an d b es t p ra ct ic es D o I, D A E S , D A R S 20 29 38 NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY A n n e x 2 M o n it o ri n g a n d E v a lu a ti o n P la n Po lic y Pr io ri ty A re a 1: S us ta in ab le Ir ri ga ti on D ev el op m en t O ut co m e: In cr ea se d ir ri g at ed a g ri cu lt ur e p ro d uc ti o n an d p ro d uc ti vi ty f o r lo ca l a nd e xp o rt u se O bj ec ti ve O ut pu t Pe rf or m an ce In di ca to r Ta rg et B as el in e So ur ce o f Ve ri fic at io n A ss um pt io ns / R is ks To in cr ea se la nd u nd er su st ai na b le ir ri g at io n fa rm in g b y 6 0 ,0 0 0 he ct ar es Fi na nc ia l re so ur ce s fo r i rr ig at io n de ve lo pm en t m ob ilis ed B ud g et A llo ca ti o ns M K 1.8 36 tr ill io n M K 4 30 b ill io n N at io na l B ud g et Tr ea su ry , D P s, N SA s w ill in g to p ro vi d e fu nd in g S ta ke ho ld er p ar ti ci p at io n in ir ri g at io n d ev el o p m en t en ha nc ed N um b er o f P P P C o nt ra ct s 1 0 D o I A nn ua l R ep o rt s P ri va te s ec to r w ill in g t o ve nt ur e in to P P P s F ar m er O rg an iz at io ns d ev el o p ed a nd em p ow er ed 20 0 9 4 D o I A nn ua l R ep o rt s S ta ke ho ld er ca te g o ri es in vo lv ed 7 4 D o I A nn ua l R ep o rt s S ta ke ho ld er s w ill in g t o co o p er at e F ea si b ili ty a nd d es ig n st ud ie s fo r ir ri g at io n sc he m es p re p ar ed F ea si b ili ty a nd d es ig n re p o rt s 50 ,0 0 0 ha 50 ,0 0 0 ha A nn ua l R ep o rt s 39 NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY A n n e x 2 M o n it o ri n g a n d E v a lu a ti o n P la n Po lic y Pr io ri ty A re a 1: S us ta in ab le Ir ri ga ti on D ev el op m en t O ut co m e: In cr ea se d ir ri g at ed a g ri cu lt ur e p ro d uc ti o n an d p ro d uc ti vi ty f o r lo ca l a nd e xp o rt u se O bj ec ti ve O ut pu t Pe rf or m an ce In di ca to r Ta rg et B as el in e So ur ce o f Ve ri fic at io n A ss um pt io ns / R is ks To in cr ea se la nd u nd er su st ai na b le ir ri g at io n fa rm in g b y 6 0 ,0 0 0 he ct ar es Fi na nc ia l re so ur ce s fo r i rr ig at io n de ve lo pm en t m ob ilis ed B ud g et A llo ca ti o ns M K 1.8 36 tr ill io n M K 4 30 b ill io n N at io na l B ud g et Tr ea su ry , D P s, N SA s w ill in g to p ro vi d e fu nd in g S ta ke ho ld er p ar ti ci p at io n in ir ri g at io n d ev el o p m en t en ha nc ed N um b er o f P P P C o nt ra ct s 1 0 D o I A nn ua l R ep o rt s P ri va te s ec to r w ill in g t o ve nt ur e in to P P P s F ar m er O rg an iz at io ns d ev el o p ed a nd em p ow er ed 20 0 9 4 D o I A nn ua l R ep o rt s S ta ke ho ld er ca te g o ri es in vo lv ed 7 4 D o I A nn ua l R ep o rt s S ta ke ho ld er s w ill in g t o co o p er at e F ea si b ili ty a nd d es ig n st ud ie s fo r ir ri g at io n sc he m es p re p ar ed F ea si b ili ty a nd d es ig n re p o rt s 50 ,0 0 0 ha 50 ,0 0 0 ha A nn ua l R ep o rt s In fr as tr uc tu re fo r ir ri g at io n d ev el o p ed A d d it io na l a re a d ev el o p ed f o r ir ri g at io n 6 0 ,0 0 0 ha 14 8 ,0 0 0 ha A nn ua l R ep o rt s Ir ri g at io n In fr as tr uc tu re re ha b ili ta te d A re a re ha b ili ta te d 3, 0 0 0 h a 2, 9 0 0 h a A nn ua l re p o rt s To in cr ea se in ve st m en t in su st ai na b le ir ri g at io n d ev el o p m en t b y 20 % an nu al ly Im p le m en ta ti o n o f Ir ri g at io n M as te r P la n an d In ve st m en t F ra m ew o rk fa ci lit at ed S ta ke ho ld er ca te g o ri es r e en g ag ed 7 7 D o I A nn ua l R ep o rt s S ui ta b le la nd t en ur e ar ra ng em en ts fo r ir ri g at io n p ro je ct s fa ci lit at ed P ro p o rt io n o f la nd w it h se cu re d t en ur e un d er n ew p ro je ct s 10 0 % 0 D o I A nn ua l R ep o rt s C o o p er at iv e la nd o w ne rs D ev el o p m en t o f en vi ro nm en ta lly so un d a nd cl im at e re si lie nt ir ri g at io n p ro je ct s p ro m o te d P ro p o rt io n o f d ev el o p ed a re a w it h cl im at e re si lie nc e 10 0 % 50 % D o I A nn ua l R ep o rt s S ta ke ho ld er s co o p er at e 40 NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY O ut co m e: E m pl oy m en t op po rt un it ie s fo r th e yo ut h, w om en a nd p eo pl e of a ll ge nd er c at eg or ie s in cr ea se d To in cr ea se la nd u nd er su st ai na b le ir ri g at io n fa rm in g b y 6 ,0 0 0 he ct ar es an nu al ly S ta ke ho ld er p ar ti ci p at io n in ir ri g at io n d ev el o p m en t en ha nc ed A re a un d er su st ai na b le ir ri g at io n m an ag ed b y sm al lh o ld er g ro up s 9 8 ,0 0 0 ha 6 8 ,0 0 0 ha D o I A nn ua l R ep o rt s S ta ke ho ld er s co o p er at e A re a un de r su st ai na bl e irr ig at io n m an ag ed by p riv at e se ct or fir m s 9 0 ,0 0 0 ha 8 0 ,0 0 0 ha D o I A nn ua l R ep o rt s S ta ke ho ld er s co o p er at e Po lic y Pr io ri ty A re a 2: S us ta in ab le Ir ri ga ti on M an ag em en t O ut co m e: N at io na l c o m m er ci al iz at io n an d in d us tr ia liz at io n d ri ve s up p o rt ed t hr o ug h p ro d uc ti o n o f hi g h va lu e ir ri g at ed c ro p s To in cr ea se vo lu m e o f hi g h va lu e ir ri g at ed cr o p s b y 20 % a nn ua lly A cc es s to st ab le a nd p ro fit ab le m ar ke ts f o r ir ri g at ed c ro p s fa ci lit at ed P ro p o rt io n o f m ed iu m s ca le ir ri g at io n sc he m es lin ke d t o s ta b le m ar ke ts 70 % 10 % D o I A nn ua l R ep o rt s C o o p er at io n fr o m o ff t ak er s P ro po rt io n of la rg e sc al e irr ig at io n sc he m es lin ke d to s ta bl e m ar ke ts 70 % 10 % D o I A nn ua l R ep o rt s C o o p er at io n fr o m o ff t ak er s N um b er o f C o o p er at iv es em p ow er ed 15 10 D o I A nn ua l R ep o rt s C o o p er at io n fr o m st ak eh o ld er s 41 NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY To in cr ea se co m m er ci al ly o ri en te d ir ri g at io n g ro up s b y 10 % a nn ua lly F ar m er o rg an is at io ns fo r p ro d uc ti ve an d co m m er ci al is ed ir ri g at ed ag ri cu lt ur e d ev el o p ed N um b er o f W U A s/ W U G s/ IO s em p ow er ed 20 0 9 4 D o I A nn ua l R ep o rt s C o o p er at io n fr o m st ak eh o ld er s To in cr ea se ad o p ti o n o f st an d ar d s, p ra ct ic es a nd te ch no lo g ie s b y 20 % an nu al ly E xt en si o n se rv ic es f o r ir ri g at ed ag ri cu lt ur e st re ng th en ed V ac an cy r at e in p ub lic s er vi ce 20 50 D o I R ep o rt s R ec ru it m en t d ri ve f ro m C en tr al an d L o ca l G ov er nm en ts A re a se rv ed w it h ex te ns io n se rv ic es 12 0 ,0 0 0 6 0 ,0 0 0 D o I R ep o rt s O ut co m e: C lim at e ch an g e eff ec ts m it ig at ed /a d ap te d t hr o ug h en vi ro nm en ta l m an ag em en t p ra ct ic es To in cr ea se su st ai na b le ut ili sa ti o n o f ar ea u nd er ir ri g at io n to at le as t 8 0 % an nu al ly E nv ir o nm en ta l m an ag em en t p ra ct ic es f o r ir ri g at in g a nd no n ir ri g at in g co m m un it ie s p ro m o te d P ro p o rt io n o f d ev el o p ed a re a w it h ca tc hm en t m an ag em en t in te rv en ti o ns 30 % 10 % D o I A nn ua l R ep o rt s S ta ke ho ld er s’ co o p er at io n 42 NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY To in cr ea se su st ai na b le ut ili sa ti o n o f ar ea u nd er ir ri g at io n to at le as t 8 0 % an nu al ly E nv ir o nm en ta l m an ag em en t p ra ct ic es f o r ir ri g at in g a nd no n ir ri g at in g co m m un it ie s p ro m o te d P ro p or tio n of d ev el op ed ar ea w ith w at er m ea su rin g d ev ic es a nd t oo ls 25 % 5% D o I A nn ua l R ep o rt s S ta ke ho ld er s’ co o p er at io n P ro p o rt io n o f sc he m es ac ce ss ed b y vu ln er ab le b en efi ci ar ie s 50 % 20 % D o I A nn ua l R ep o rt s S ta ke ho ld er s’ co o p er at io n P re va le nc e o f w at er b o rn e d is ea se s in ir ri g at io n co m m un it ie s 5% 10 % D is ea se su rv ei lla nc e re p o rt s S ta ke ho ld er s’ co o p er at io n Po lic y Pr io ri ty A re a 3: C ap ac it y D ev el op m en t O ut co m e: T ec hn ic al a nd a d m in is tr at iv e ca p ac it y w it hi n th e p ub lic a nd p ri va te s ec to rs a nd f ar m er o rg an iz at io ns en ha nc ed To in cr ea se nu m b er o f ir ri g at io n p ra ct it io ne rs w it h te ch ni ca l ca p ac it y b y 10 % a nn ua lly Te ch ni ca l a nd ad m in is tr at iv e ca p ac it y g ap s, in cl ud in g ill it er ac y, in ir ri g at io n d ev el o p m en t an d m an ag em en t ad d re ss ed P ro p o rt io n o f p ra ct it io ne rs w it h re q ui si te ca p ac it ie s 10 0 % 70 % D o I A nn ua l R ep o rt s S ta ke ho ld er s’ co m m it m en t 43 NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY N um b er o f re g is te re d p ro fe ss io na ls 4 0 15 D o I A nn ua l R ep o rt s S ta ke ho ld er s’ co m m it m en t P ro p o rt io n o f te ch no lo g ie s an d eq ui p m en t in u se th at a re c le ar ed 4 0 % 20 % D o I A nn ua l R ep o rt s S ta ke ho ld er co o p er at io n S ta ke ho ld er s’ ad he re nc e to Ir ri g at io n C o d e o f p ra ct ic e en ha nc ed P ro p o rt io n o f st ak eh o ld er s ad he ri ng t o IC o P 10 0 % 6 0 % D o I A nn ua l R ep o rt s S ta ke ho ld er s’ co o p er at io n N um b er o f re g is te re d se rv ic e p ro vi d er s 50 0 D o I A nn ua l R ep o rt s S ta ke ho ld er s’ co o p er at io n M al aw i Ir ri g at io n C o m m it te e o p er at io na lis ed M IC o in p la ce 1 0 D o I A nn ua l R ep o rt s S ta ke ho ld er s’ co o p er at io n C o m m it te e m em b er s ap p o in te d 7 0 D o I A nn ua l R ep o rt s S ta ke ho ld er s’ co o p er at io n To in cr ea se ad o p ti o n o f st an d ar d s, p ra ct ic es a nd te ch no lo g ie s b y 20 % an nu al ly A d o p ti o n o f ir ri g at io n te ch no lo g ie s an d b es t p ra ct ic es p ro m o te d N um b er o f te ch no lo g ie s an d b es t p ra ct ic es d is se m in at ed 5 3 D o I A nn ua l R ep o rt s S ta ke ho ld er s’ co o p er at io n N um b er o f te ch no lo g ie s an d b es t p ra ct ic es ad o p te d 5 3 D o I A nn ua l R ep o rt s S ta ke ho ld er s’ co o p er at io n Design by Agriculture Communication Branch P.O. 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