US pumpsK4.5bn in agriculture sector
The US government has announced a three-year aid package worth over $18 million (about K4.5 billion) to boost Malawi’s agriculture sector.
US Ambassador to Malawi Jeanine Jackson made the announcement when launching the Feed the Future Initiative in Lilongwe last week.
Jackson said the money will be used to support dairy farming, expansion and rehabilitation of irrigation schemes, value adding to agricultural products and development of markets.
“I am also pleased to announce that Usaid will make $3.3 million contribution to Malawi’s Agriculture Sector Wide Approach Multi-donor Trust Fund to expand agriculture diversification efforts by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security,” said Jackson.
Malawi President Joyce Banda welcomed the Feed the Future Initiative which is expected to benefit 270 000 households in the Southern and Central regions.
She said Malawi is not ready to wean itself from donors, arguing that countries such as India and South Africa despite being richer than Malawi still get donor aid.
“So, who are we to say no to aid and follow the idea of the zero-deficit budget… perhaps the fourth generation will be able to stand on their own,” she said.
President Banda reiterated the need for leaders not to be arrogant to neighbouring countries and donors because that makes a country suffer should the countries and donors decide to hit back.
