Agriculture and food security is a political priority in Malawi where 85% of the population depends on subsistence farming for their livelihood and which previously has been plagued by food shortages. Malnourishment is still a major problem and 47% of children are stunted. Due to this challenge of food security, Malawi devotes special attention to agriculture, climate change and food security in its Growth and Development Strategy II (2011-2016).
The Agreement signed last week is referred to as FISP (Farm Inputs Subsidy Programme) and it is the 5th year that Norway supports this programme. This year it was decided to increase the grant from NOK 20 million (2010) to NOK 67 million (2011) in response to a situation where the Malawian government is in financial difficulties.
Since the Norwegian Embassy opened in Lilongwe in 1999, climate smart agriculture and food security have been important issues on Norway’s development agenda. Moreover, it should be noted that FISP is not the only programme targeting food security in Malawi which Norway supports. The other projects have more long-term features. The reason for supporting FISP is the acute emergency for food support in the country at the moment.
The programme’s emphasis on vulnerable groups, including women, is completely in line with principles of Norwegian aid. The subsidy programme also improves productivity and limits the harm caused by drought and floods. Securing food production in the face of climate change is a clearly identified priority in Norwegian development policy.
The Agreement partner in the subsidy programme is the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, whereas the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development is the implementing institution.