US pumps K63bn into Malawi food security programme

The US government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USaid), yesterday announced a $141 million (K63 billion) investment into food security and climate change.
Speaking at Liwonde Community Ground in Machinga where she launched the Five New Integrated Economic Growth Projects, US Ambassador Virginia Palmer said her government is committed to ensuring food security in this country through involvement of local communities in economic activities.
She said through this investment, the US aims to strengthen resilience to climate change, increase production and improve nutrition in targeted communities, in the process addressing health and food security needs of vulnerable people.
Said Palmer: “The projects will be implemented in close coordination with the Government of Malawi and various partners.
‘‘Our success rests entirely on the quality of our partnership. That is also true for our implementing partners.”

Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development Allan Chiyembekeza said 13 districts nationwide will benefit from the K63 billion investment.
Said Chiyembekeza: “This assistance has come at an opportune time when my ministry is focusing on sustainable crop production and food security in the face of persistent droughts and devastating floods.’’
The minister also thanked the US government for contributing K3.3 billion towards flood response.