Malawi will receive $39.6 million (about K9.9 billion) to promote irrigated rice, horticulture production and crop diversification, partners in the Global Agriculture and Food Security Programme (GAFSP) announced over the weekend
GAFSP supports country-led efforts to fight hunger and poverty, and Malawi is among six countries that will receive grants totalling $177 million (about K44.2 billion).
According to a statement released by the World Bank, other countries are Burundi, the Gambia, Kyrgyz Republic, Senegal and Tanzania.
The grants will help each country to increase food security, raise rural incomes and reduce poverty, according to the statement.
“The Global Agriculture and Food Security Programme has quickly proven to be one of the most innovative and effective development programmes the global community has created,” said Lael Brainard, under-secretary of the United States Treasury for International Affairs.
Launched in April 2010, GAFSP represents a global effort to aid vulnerable population affected by hunger and poverty. It takes up where emergency and recovery assistance leaves off, targeting transformative and lasting change in agriculture and food security within poor countries through financial support to existing aid effectiveness processes.
