About three hundred thousand households are expected to benefit from the one hundred and twenty-five million dollar Transforming Agriculture through Diversification and Entrepreneurship-TRADE project that has been launched in Nkhata Bay.
The project which is being funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Develop-IFAD seeks to improve agriculture value chain among farmers in rural areas and will be implemented in eleven districts across the country.
Speaking to MIJ Online, Ambrosio Barros IFAD’s country director for Malawi and Zambia said through the project, farmers will be empowered with skills with which to use for them to move from subsistence into commercial agriculture thus making them be among key drivers of the economy.
“What we want is to see improved livelihood of farmers through economic independence by supporting seven value chains of groundnuts, Soya beans, Irish potatoes and honey among others thereby making them contribute significantly towards economic growth” said Barros.
According to Barros the project is also designed to uplift small and medium enterprises in the rural areas thus creating an economically vibrant rural sector.
Meanwhile Halima Daudi deputy minister of local government has warned against mismanagement of the projects resources among council officials to ensure improved livelihood of rural farmers.
According to Daudi the coming in of donors to support local councils is an indication of trust they have in councils hence the need to guard the same by among others using the projects funds for its intended purpose.
“you see, now donors are willing to work with our councils and that should tell you that we are doing well in managing resources and we are currently working closely with the Anti-Corruption Bureau to ensure transparency and accountability in managing resources and those flouting the same will face the long arm of the law” said Daudi.
The six year project will be implemented in the eleven districts of Chitipa, Karonga, Rumphi, Nkhata Bay, Mchinji, Kasungu, Ntchisi Dedza Lilongwe Blantyre and Thyolo.