High on Norway's development agenda and an important sector in Malawian politics, the two governments cooperate with development partners and NGO's to increase agricultural production, food security and incomes within a context that ensures sound management of Malawi's natural resources. The aim is to promote economic growth and development in an environmentally sustainable manner. Conservation agriculture and agro-forestry are essential components of the work, as we strive towards a more integrated and holistic approach within the sector.
All agricultural programmes supported by Norway now integrate conservation agriculture in their activities. The result is doubled, and in some cases, quadrupled crops. This means improved food security and increased income for households. In some projects small irrigation systems have been established. This has contributed to a greater predictability for vulnerable farmers and has given opportunities for harvesting, even in the winter. The result is higher yields and less vulnerability in times of extreme weather. Many of the embassy's partners are now actively engaged in tree planting and energy conserving measures. National Smallholder Farmer's Association of Malawi (NASFAM) alone has planted over 10 million trees in Malawi since the work began.
The embassy has supported Malawi's participation at global climate negotiations in Bali, Poznan and Copenhagen. Adaption to climate change and the building of local resilience and national capacity to deal with the current challenges is a prerogative in the years to come.