The Government of Malawi is carrying out Project Preparation Activities for the Shire Valley Irrigation Project (SVIP) under the framework of the Green Belt Initiative. The SVIP and other related GBI projects are being implemented to attain objectives of the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy II (MGDS II). The MGDS II is the country’s overarching operational medium-term strategy to attain the nation’s Vision 2020. The MGDS II recognizes Irrigation as one of the key priority areas.

Smallholder Irrigation and Value Addition Project (SIVAP)

Project Description:

 Malawi has been experiencing persistent hunger whenever there is a shortfall of rains despite having lots of bodies of water(lakes, rivers, dams). This five year programme seeks to increase agricultural production and productivity through intensification of irrigation and  crop diversification. It also aims at increasing income from agricultural production through value addition.

 Main Goal/Objective:

To contribute to food security, increased income levels, and poverty reduction.

 The specific objective is to increase agricultural productivity through intensification of irrigation, crop diversification, value addition, and capacity building.

 Project Components:

Sustainable land and water management

Crop diversification and value chain

Institutional strengthening and capacity building coordination

Project Period/Duration

2013 to  2018 = 5 years

Project Implementation Areas:

Karonga District - rain fed and irrigation

Nkhotakota District - rain fed and irrigation

Salima District - rain fed and irrigation

Machinga District - rain fed and irrigation

Thyolo District (greenbelt zone) - agricultural investments

Chikwawa (greenbelt zone) - agricultural investments

Nsanje (greenbelt zone) - agricultural investments.