REPUBLIC OF MALAWI

Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security

Agricultural Sector Wide Approach – Support Project – Additional Financing

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK (ESMF)

DRAFT FINAL REPORT

Ministry of Agriculture and Food SecurityCapital HillP O Box 30134Capital CityLilongwe 3MALAWI

January 2012Updated November 2013

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS...........................................................................................................iiLIST OF ACRONYMS..............................................................................................................vEXECUTIVE SUMMARY.....................................................................................................viiCHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND............................................13

1.1 The National Context..............................................................................................131.2 The Agriculture Sector............................................................................................131.3 The Agricultural Sector Wide Approach Support Project (ASWAp-SP)..........14

1.3.1 Project Development Objectives.............................................................................151.3.2 Programme Components and additional activities.................................................161.3.3 Description of sub-components...............................................................................171.3.4 Project Implementing Agency.................................................................................261.3.5 Project Cost Estimates............................................................................................271.3.6 Proposed Project Administration and Management Strategy.................................271.3.7 Description of the Area of Influence.......................................................................29

1.4 Rationale for the Environmental and Social Management Framework............291.5 Objective of the ESMF............................................................................................301.6 Potential Users of the ESIA....................................................................................301.7 Methodology in Preparing the ESMF....................................................................311.8 Constraints and Limitation of the Study...............................................................321.9 Organization of the Report.....................................................................................32

CHAPTER TWO: THE BIOPHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT...............................................342.1 Introduction...............................................................................................................342.2 Chitipa.......................................................................................................................342.3 Salima........................................................................................................................362.4 Ntcheu........................................................................................................................382.5 Mwanza.....................................................................................................................392.6 Chikhwawa................................................................................................................41

CHAPTER THREE: AGRICULTURE AND THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT43

3.1 General Situation.....................................................................................................433.2 Agriculture...............................................................................................................43

3.2.1 Agriculture and the Farmer Input Subsidy Program (FISP)..................................433.2.2 Agriculture and Marketing......................................................................................453.2.3 Agriculture and Land Tenure..................................................................................453.2.4 Agriculture and Forest Resources...........................................................................463.2.5 Agriculture and Gender..........................................................................................473.2.6 Agriculture and Health, HIV and AIDS..................................................................523.2.7 Agriculture and Pest Management..........................................................................52

CHAPTER FOUR: RELEVANT LEGISLATION AND THE WORLD BANK POLICY.544.1 Malawi Legislation Relevant to the ASWAp-SP..................................................54

4.1.1 Policy Framework...................................................................................................544.1.2 Legal Framework....................................................................................................594.1.3 Administrative Framework......................................................................................614.1.4 International Conventions.......................................................................................614.1.5 Agricultural Policies...............................................................................................61

4.2 Relevant World Bank Policies................................................................................654.2.1 Environmental Assessment (Operational Policy 4.01)...........................................65

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4.2.2 Pest Management (Operational Policy 4.09)..........................................................664.2.3 Involuntary Resettlement (OP/BP 4.12)..................................................................67

CHAPTER FIVE: ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS OF THE PROJECT. .705.1 Project Activities and the Impacted Environmental Components.....................705.2 Determination of Impacts.......................................................................................705.3 Determination of Mitigation Measures..................................................................715.4 Evaluation of Negative Impacts.............................................................................715.5 Consultation with Relevant Stakeholders.............................................................715.6 Brief Summary of Key Impacts............................................................................114

5.6.1 Environmental Impacts.........................................................................................1145.6.2 Social and Economic Impacts...............................................................................1145.6.3 Gender and HIV and AIDS Impacts......................................................................1165.6.4 Pest Management Related Impacts.......................................................................117

CHAPTER SIX: SAMPLE ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING PLAN...........................................................................................................119

6.1 Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP)......................................1196.2 Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan.......................................................131

6.2.1 Monitoring.............................................................................................................1316.2.2 Monitoring Indicators and Monitoring Plan........................................................131

6.3 Implementation Arrangements for the ESMF....................................................1456.3.1 Definition of Roles and Responsibilities...............................................................145

CHAPTER SEVEN: CAPACITY BUILDING FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING..............................................................................147

7.1 Current Environmental Management Capacity.................................................1477.1.1 Environmental Capacity in the Agriculture Sector...............................................1477.1.2 Environmental and Social Management Capacity in other Sectors................148

7.2 Capacity Building and Training Requirements..................................................1537.2.1 Institutional Strengthening...............................................................................1537.2.2 Proposed Training and Awareness Programmes............................................1577.2.3 National Level Awareness Raising...................................................................1577.2.4 District Level Sensitisation...............................................................................1587.2.5 Community Level Training...............................................................................1587.2.6 Training Cost Estimates...................................................................................159

7.3 Justification for the Capacity Building and Training........................................1597.3.1 Environmental management training for the ASWAp-SP ESMF..........................159

7.4 Proposed Approach in Executing Training........................................................160CHAPTER EIGHT: THE SCREENING PROCESS FOR PROJECT SITES AND ACTIVITIES 161

8.1 Introduction to the Screening Process.................................................................1618.2 Step 1: Screening of Project Activities and Sites................................................161

8.2.1 Screening of Project Activities and sites within the District Councils..................1628.2.2 Screening of Project Activities and sites within Town Councils...........................162

8.3 Step 2: Assigning the Appropriate Environmental Categories.........................1628.4 Step 3: Carrying out Environmental Work..............................................................1638.5 Step 4: Subproject Review and Approval..........................................................164

8.5.1 Review..............................................................................................................1648.5.2 Recommendation for Approval/Modification/Disapproval..............................1648.5.3 Endorsement.....................................................................................................1658.5.4 Training for the Screening Process..................................................................165

8.6 Public Consultation and Disclosure.........................................................................165

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CHAPTER NINE: PARTICIPATORY MONITORING AND EVALUATION...............1679.1 Compliance Monitoring........................................................................................1679.2 Outcome of Monitoring and Evaluation..................................................................167

CHAPTER TEN: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.................................169REFERENCES.......................................................................................................................173APPENDICES........................................................................................................................175

APPENDIX 1.1: ASWAp-SP COMPONENT 2 (REORGANIZED FOLLOWING DISCUSSIONS OF 16/11)................................................................................................175APPENDIX 1.2 LIST OF INDIVIDUALS/INSTITUTIONS CONSULTED AND TO BE CONSULTED

………………………………………………………………………...176APPENDIX 1.3: ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL SCREENING FORM..............178APPENDIX 1.4: GENERAL EIA PROCESS IN MALAWI (FROM EIA GUIDELINES 1997, EAD)........................................................................................................................183APPENDIX 1.5: ENVIRONMENTAL RULES FOR CONTRACTORS......................184APPENDIX 1.6 PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLISTS FOR ASWAP-SP...187APPENDIX 1.7 SUMMARY OF WORLD BANK SAFEGUARDS POLICIES..........189

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LIST OF ACRONYMS

ADD Agricultural Development DivisionADMARC Agriculture Development and Marketing CorporationAEDC Agriculture Extension Development Coordinator AEDO Agriculture Extension Development Officer AEZ Agricultural Ecological ZonesAF1 First Additional Financing AF2 Second Additional FinancingAGRES Agriculture Gender Roles and Extension Support ServicesAISP Agriculture Input Subsidy Program ASWAp Agricultural Sector Wide ApproachASWAp-SP Agricultural Sector Wide Approach Support ProjectATCC Agricultural Technology Clearing CommitteeAVO Agriculture Veterinary Officer CAADP Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development ProgramCFA Core Function Analysis CLRCO Chief Lands Resources Conservation Officer, CSA Common Services Assessment DAHLD Department of Animal Health and Livestock Development DHS Demographic and Health SurveyDEC District Executive Committee DAES Department of Agricultural Extension Services DADO District Agriculture Development OfficerDEA Director of Environmental Affairs EA Extension Area EAD Environmental Affairs DepartmentEIA Environmental Impact Assessment EMC Executive Management Committee EMP Environmental management plan EPA Extension Planning AreaESIA Environmental and Social Impact AssessmentESMF Environmental and Social Management FrameworkEU European UnionFAO Food Agriculture OrganisationGDP Gross domestic ProductGoM Government of MalawiIGA Income Generating ActivitiesIHS2 Integrated Household Survey 2IMF International Monitory Fund IPM Integrated Pest Management ISCRAL Scheme for the Conservation and Rehabilitation of African Lands ISP Input Subsidy ProgramLHTC Land Husbandry Training CentreLRCO Land Resources and Conservation OfficerMAWTCO Malawi Agricultural Warehousing and Trading Company MBS Malawi Bureau of StandardsMDTF Multi-Donor Trust FundMEGS Malawi Economic and Growth Strategy

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MGDS Malawi Growth and Development StrategyMIWD Ministry of Irrigation and Water DevelopmentMLGRD Ministry of Local Government and Rural DevelopmentMoAFS Ministry of Agriculture and Food SecurityMIT Ministry of Industry and Trade MTPW Ministry of Transport and Public WorksMPRS Malawi Poverty and Reduction StrategyNAC National AIDS Commission NHBG National Herbarium and Botanic Gardens NRCM National Research Council of MalawiNCE National Council for the EnvironmentNEAP National Environmental Action Plan OPC Office of the President and Cabinet PDO Project Development ObjectivePLRCO Principal Land Resources Conservation Officer PMP Pest Management PlanRA Roads AuthoritySADC Southern African Development committeeSALRCO Senior Assistant Land Resources and Conservation Officer SAFEX South African Commodity Exchange SLRCO Senior Land Resources Conservation Officer SPGI Sustainable Productivity Growth InitiativeSWAp Sector Wide ApproachTCE Technical Committee on the Environment WB World Bank

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARYIntroductionAgriculture is the single most important sector of the Malawi economy, contributing about 38% of value-added to GDP, employing 85% of the workforce, and contributing 80% of foreign exchange earnings in 2006. Agriculture continues to be the primary source of livelihood for the estimated 80% of the country’s poor who are based in rural areas. Sustained improvements in agricultural productivity and stable food supplies remain essential for reducing high rates of malnutrition and poverty in Malawi.

Maize constitutes the main staple food and accounts for 92% of total cereal grains area. Approximately 85% of the total area planted to smallholder crops is taken up by maize. Small-scale irrigation schemes support the production of green maize, rice and horticultural crops (especially tomato and onion). However, over 95% of smallholder maize production is rain fed.

Over the last decades, Malawi has regularly suffered from climatic shocks, resulting in severe food gaps and malnutrition, especially among rural people. Agricultural productivity is threatened by the declining soil fertility associated with physical, chemical and biological degradation, smaller land holdings and increasingly frequent droughts and floods, as a result of climatic change.

During recent years, the Government’s central policy has been to promote maize production, primarily by a large-scale input subsidy programme for fertilizers and improved maize seeds. In this regard, more than 60% of the current investment budget of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MoAFS) is allocated to the input subsidy programme, targeted at small-scale farmers. This programme, coupled with an above average rainfall, resulted in significant maize production increases during the 2005/06 and 2006/07 agricultural seasons.

Project descriptionThe development objective of the ASWAp - Support Project (ASWAp-SP) is to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of investments in the agricultural sector, aimed at food security and agriculture-led economic growth. The project will strengthen (i) institutional capabilities necessary to develop and implement a harmonized and aligned investment framework leading towards a full-fledged SWAp in the agricultural sector; (ii) land, water and nutrient use efficiency of maize based rain-fed cropping systems; and (iii) resilience of the maize supply system to cope with climate and market induced risks and shocks.

The project is already financed by an IDA credit, a GEF Grant and a Kingdom of Norway Grant. A first additional financing (AF1) was approved in March 2012 to respond to the request from the Government of Malawi (GoM). A second additional financing (AF2) is proposed based on a Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) established to pool contributions from various donors as a joint effort to improve harmonization, alignment and donor coordination in the agricultural sector in Malawi. The Bank is the administrator of the MDTF. The core concept is to reduce the number of agricultural projects with similar objectives by jointly support the existing ASWAp-SP which is implemented using country systems by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MoAFS). The breakdown of contributions from the donors to the MDTF is as follows: European Union (28,890,000 Euros); Royal Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (220,000,000 Norwegian Kroners); United

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Kingdom’s Department for International Development (14,175,000 British Pounds); Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Ireland (14,000,000 Euros); Flanders International Cooperation Agency (5,300,000 Euros); and United States Agency for International Development (US$2.5 million).

The ASWAp-SP has four components: Component 1: Institutional Development, will strengthen the capacity of the MoAFS to develop and implement systems for management of the sector and to establish a Sector Wide Approach (SWAp); Component 2: Sustainable Smallholder Productivity Growth, is aimed at sustainable increase of land, water and nutrient use efficiency, in maize based smallholder production systems; Component 3: Project Coordination is aimed at ensuring efficient use of resources, in accordance with the project’s objectives and procedures and, Component 4 Improvement and maintenance of unpaved rural roads.

The objective of AF2 is to scale up on-going activities with particular attention to: (a) Strengthening MoAFS administrative systems, particularly at the district level with a stronger focus on monitoring and evaluation systems; and strengthening MoAFS's capacity to imple-ment the ASWAp; (b) Enhancing FISP organization and implementation, monitoring and evaluation, with a stronger focus on maize and legumes seeds availability; (c) Increasing the nationwide coverage of research and extension activities to reach out to more farmers and to increase FISP payoffs and sustainable impact on smallholders; and (d) Improving the effi-ciency of agricultural research and extension services while promoting a more pluralistic ap-proach to delivering these services.

In addition, the AF2 will also help develop the following additional activities: (a) Diversifica-tion of the maize-based production systems by: (i) extending the current research and exten-sion approach to increase the adoption rate of selected technologies, diversified crops (cere-als, roots and tubers, pulses and leguminous, agro-forestry products, etc.) and livestock pro-duction by farmers; and (ii) improving crop production and marketing, and ensuring avail-ability of sufficient certified seeds to meet increasing demand both within and outside of FISP; (b) Improve the agricultural business environment and promote agribusiness partner-ships in support of agricultural diversification with a more market oriented agriculture and in-tegration into agricultural value chains and regional markets; and (c) Improve market access to the most productive agricultural areas through the improvement and sustainable mainte-nance of feeder roads.

The ASWAp-SP, which is targeted at subsistence farmers throughout Malawi, has an estimated total cost of US$215.7 million, US$58.2 million from the original project, US$30.0 million from AF1 and US$127.5 million from AF2. The project is expected to be implemented until June 30, 2017.

ESMF Rationale and Objective The Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) has been prepared as a guide to the screening of the proposed ASWAp-SP activities for negative environmental and social impacts, which would require attention prior to project implementation. The ESMF outlines a number of strategies, which include:

A systematic procedure for participatory screening for project sites and project activities for environmental and social considerations;

A step by step procedure for forecasting the main potential environmental and social impacts of the planned project activities;

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A typical environmental management plan for addressing negative externalities in the course of project implementation and operations within environs;

A step by step monitoring and evaluation system for implementation of mitigation measures and;

An outline of recommended capacity building measures for environmental planning and monitoring of the project activities.

In addition, a Pest Management Plan has been prepared and disclosed to guide and mitigate pesticide utilization and to promote integrated pest management.

Strategy for the Environmental and Social Management Framework The environmental and social impact assessment involved the: i. Review of existing national biophysical and social conditions through field investigations

and literature review;ii. Review of the implementation approach and processes for the proposed ASWAp-SP

which involved the review of the project description, project concept note, project appraisal documents and other related literature.

iii. Determination of the ASWAp-SP project stages and activities which are likely to have environmental and social impacts on the various environmental components;

iv. Identification and analysis of potential environmental and social impacts of the ASWAp–SP; based on the field investigations and public consultations, project documents, other similar documents and professional knowledge;

v. Determination of the environmental and social components to be impacted by the project activities;

vi. Identification of appropriate mitigation measures for the potential environmental and social impacts;

vii. Preparation of an environmental management plan (EMP) for addressing the impacts during the different project stages and activities and;

viii. Preparation of a monitoring plan for effective implementation of the EMP

Environmental and social impactsOut of the four project components, project component 2 and 4 will generate most of the negative environmental and social impacts while fewer negative environmental and social impacts will be generated from components 1 and 3.

Positive ImpactsFrom the assessment, the identified positive impacts of the ASWAp-SP include:

increased food security, increased household income for the smallholder farmers, due to high agricultural

productivity and consequent sales; increased productivity may result in freeing up some resources e.g. land and labour improved nutritional status of the farmers due to increased agricultural production; improved farmer skills from trainings in technologies, seed breeding, fertilizer use

and land conservation; increased opportunity for engagement in other income generating activities or small

scale businesses by smallholder farmers due to increased food security for the households;

improved post-harvest storage techniques; targeted interventions (taking into account gender disparities) which will result in

increased adoption rate of improved technologies, increased access and control of

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resources particularly for women who are usually disadvantaged and improved agricultural production;

increased ability to cope with climatic shocks and changes; improved access to health, educating and marketing services; and a coordinated approach to agricultural investment, which may result in efficient use of

resources due to reduction in duplication, overlaps and gaps in agriculture efforts.

Negative ImpactsThe ESMF identified a number of potential negative impacts that may result from implementation of the program. These negative impacts include the following:

increased use of agrochemicals resulting in pollution of both ground and surface waters;

increased use of fertilisers which may lead to eutrophication of water bodies; threats to human health and the environment due to poor pesticides and herbicides

storage, handling and application by agro dealers and smallholder farmers; contamination of water due to poor management of pesticides; increased siltation of water bodies due to increased cultivation on marginal lands; loss of vegetation from land clearing to pave way for increased agricultural

production and feeder roads; Increased soil erosion due to topsoil removal and excavations; Soil pollution due to spillage of rehabilitation materials; Land degradation due to quarrying, burrow pits and gravel winning; Deteriorating water quality due to spillage of oil, lubricants and hazardous substance Air pollution from dust generated by rehabilitation works; Increased road traffic accidents; Generation solid and liquid waste; Compulsory land acquisition; and Workers camps can lead to increased incidence of sexually transmitted diseases

(STDs) including HIV/AIDS which can result in increased load on local health facilities.

Proposed Mitigation/Enhancement MeasuresThe following measures are proposed to enhance the positive impacts and to mitigate the adverse ones:

training the farmers on proper application of fertilisers; training the farmers and agro-dealers on best practices for pesticide storage, handling,

application and disposal; equipping the farmers with skills in improved water catchment management; increasing and intensifying extension services for imparting knowledge to farmers; training the farmers in good soil and water conservation and land management

techniques; Minimize stripping of vegetation so that surface soil is less susceptible to erosion; Control flow of water to reduce erosion and siltation through engineering solutions such as check dams and gutters; Rehabilitate all quarry sites and burrow pits after civil works; Haul roads should be regularly maintained; Conduct road safety awareness campaign meetings with local communities; Dispose all waste in designated and approved dump sites; Employ locals to reduce migrant workers and their related problems; and

Conduct awareness campaign meetings to sensitize workers on HIV/AIDS prevention.

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To facilitate implementation of the environmental and social management measures for the ASWAp-SP, an environmental and social management plan has been prepared along with a Pest Management Plan. The plan provides an outline for environmental and social management measures to be undertaken, a schedule for implementation and responsible institutions to implement the measures. In addition, a monitoring plan has been prepared to facilitate monitoring implementation of the EMP activities. The monitoring plan gives the parameters to be monitored and the frequency of monitoring..

Capacity Building and TrainingIn order to achieve the objectives of the program and to successfully implement the environmental mitigation measures and recommendations in the ESMF, it is important to ensure that target groups and stakeholders who have a key role in the implementation of the EMP are provided with the appropriate awareness, skills and training. Training of key stakeholders is proposed at the three levels of national, district and community. The general objectives of the training are to:

sensitise the various stakeholders on the linkages between the environmental and social impacts on one hand and agricultural productivity on the other. The stakeholders will also be sensitized on their roles in the implementation and monitoring of the EMP;

sensitise representatives and leaders of community groups and associations (who will in turn relay the message to their communities) to manage the environmental and social impacts of ASWAp-SP;

ensure that district level staff are able to supervise the implementation of their components in the EMP and;

strengthen the capacity of local NGOs and extension teams to provide technical support.

In addition to the training, there is need to strengthen the capacity of various key institutions to effectively manage the environmental and social impacts of the program. Capacity strengthening includes increasing the number of staff in the Agricultural Extension Services, Pesticides Control Board and others. The project districts consulted recommended that institutions such as the Agricultural Training Centres be rehabilitated and made operational; computers and communication facilities be provided to improve information flow and reporting; and that transport (in form of motor cycles and bicycles) be provided for the extension workers to reach out to the farmers. It is recommended that the programme design includes these elements which are essential for satisfactory implementation of the ASWAp-SP and the ESMF.

Recommendations and ConclusionFrom this ESMF, conducted for the ASWAp-SP, it is clear that the project will have both positive and negative impacts. The assessment generally indicates that the positive impacts outweigh the negative impacts. Furthermore, the negative impacts identified are mostly of low magnitude and can easily be mitigated. Some of the mitigation measures such as sustainable increase of the land, water and nutrient use efficiency are actually components of the ASWAp itself. Hence the ESMF has environmental and social management and monitoring plans which if well implemented, will result in the overall sustainability of agricultural productivity and contribute towards sustainable development. It is recommended therefore that the environmental management and mitigation measures proposed in this report are adhered to.

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The ESMF recommends that the proposals made herein be implemented adequately to mitigate the consequential environmental impacts of the project activities. It is also recommended that the Environmental Affairs Department and other relevant line ministries should ensure that agricultural activities that lead to environmental problems are properly managed and monitored.

The ESMF also advances that for its implementation to be successful, involvement and participation of local communities is paramount. Specifically it recommends:

Use this Framework prior to any applicable project activity of the ASWAp-SP; Environmental and social awareness education for the key stakeholders and affected

communities; Training the project implementation personnel in the target districts to implement the

ESMF and the screening process; Updating the ESMF when needed to respond to changing local conditions and to

adjustments in project implementation plans; and Building capacities of the Town and District Councils to support the environmental

and social management process.

As a reference material, ESMF will be useful to several stakeholders who will be involved in planning, implementation and monitoring of the proposed project activities. Some of the key users of this ESMF are:

Funding agencies/donors for the proposed ASWAp-SP; District Executive Committee members in the targeted cities, towns and districts; Participating sectors in the implementation of the ASWAp-SP; Politicians and local Traditional Leaders; Senior Central Government officials responsible for policymaking and project

planning; Central Government officials responsible for environmental planning and

management and; Engineers and contractors to be involved in implementation of the project activities.

Finally it is recommended that the following key sections of this ESMF should be included in the Project Implementation Manual (PIM): the Screening Process (Sections 5.1-5.6); the Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan (Sections 6.1-6.2); and Capacity Building and Training Requirements (Sections 8.1 to 8.3). The Environmental Rules for Contractors (Annex 5) should also be a part of every bidding document and contract involving Project-supported civil works. The PIM will also incorporate recommendations and mitigation measures provided in the Pest Management Plan.

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CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

1.1 The National Context

Malawi has a population of about 13 million and is one of the poorest countries in the world; with average per capita income of only US$170. 52 percent of the population lives below the poverty line (Integrated Household Survey2004/2005); and poverty rates have only marginally improved since the 1997/98 household survey. GDP per capita incomes increased at only one percent annual rate between 1996 and 2005.

One of the consequences of the prevailing poverty situation is persistently high malnutrition. Approximately 43% of the children are stunted, and 22% are underweight.

1.2 The Agriculture Sector

Agriculture remains the main source of growth and exports in Malawi. With 85 percent of the population residing in the rural areas, the sector accounts for over 80 percent of the country’s employment, over one-third of GDP, and about 80 percent of merchandise exports. The primary staple for most of these households is maize. Over 70 percent of all farmers in the country cultivate less than one ha and a significant number of these farmers still struggle to produce enough food to meet their annual consumption requirements. The country continues to experience dry spells, especially in the southern region, rendering a significant number of households in these regions perpetually food insecure. In areas where production has been good, poor roads have often prevented the marketing of surpluses.

With the current low prices in the tobacco market, Malawi is facing a dramatic decrease in export revenues leading to severe foreign exchange constraints, while leaving many tobacco farmers in need of alternative sources of cash income. There is thus an urgent need to help the country to diversify the maize and tobacco-based production systems, and to encourage traditional (often subsistence) smallholder farmers to engage in more market oriented agriculture through better market access and integration into agricultural value chains.

High population density and poverty have led to significant human pressure on the environment and degradation of Malawi’s natural resource base, notably land and forests. The growing population increases the land area under cultivation and exploits forests and woodlands for firewood and charcoal production. Deforestation, soil erosion and sedimentation are serious threats to the environment and natural resource base, resulting in the increased incidence of erosion, run-off and flash floods. These problems are a direct result of unsustainable land use and management practices, and increased use of chemical fertilizers without complementary soil conservation measures.

Malawi’s agricultural development strategy is laid out in detail in the ASWAp investment plan drafted by the GoM together with its Development Partners. The largest and most costly investment program in the sector is the Farm Input Subsidy Programme (FISP) to attain food security and targeted towards the poorer households. Notwithstanding the success of FISP, rates of malnutrition and especially stunting levels among children, remain high.

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1.3 The Agricultural Sector Wide Approach Support Project (ASWAp-SP)

The main development goal of the Government is food security. This goal is described in the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS) in terms of two medium term outcomes:

i. food is available in sufficient quantities and qualities through domestic production or imports and;

ii. all Malawians have, at all times, physical and economic access to sufficient nutritious food required to lead a healthy and active life.

Both these objectives have been prioritized in the newly defined Agricultural Sector Wide Approach (ASWAp) recently prepared and adopted under the CAADP process. The ASWAp is now the well-recognised overall framework for investments across the agriculture sector. Co-financed by the World Bank, the GEF and the Kingdom of Norway, Agricultural Development Programme – Support Project (ADP-SP) has played a crucial role in supporting the preparation of the ASWAp and now its effective implementation. As such, the project has been renamed Agricultural Sector Wide Approach Support Project (ASWAp-SP).

The ASWAp-SP has four components: (i) Institutional development and capacity building in preparation for a SWAp in agriculture; (ii) Sustainable food security, to increase the land, water and nutrient use efficiency of maize based cropping systems and improve payoffs to the FISP, and to increase the resilience of the maize supply system to climate induced risks and shocks; (iii) Project coordination; and (iv) Improvement and maintenance of unpaved rural roads. The original ASWAp-SP was financed by an IDA credit of SDR 19.5 million (US$32 million equivalent), and an additional IDA credit (AF1) of SDR 19.4 million (US$30 million equivalent). The original project was co-financed by a grant from the Global Environment Fund (GEF) of US$5.8 million (fully blended), and a grant from the Kingdom of Norway of

Box 1 – The Farm Input Subsidy Program in brief Smallholder family farms (1.4 million down from 1.6 million in 2010/11) receive 100

kg of fertilizer, 5 to 7.5 kg of maize seed, and 2 kg of legume seeds with a 90% subsidy. Last year 90,000 tons of fertilizer, and 17,000 tons of maize seed, were distributed through vouchers at a total cost of approximately K25 billion ($175 million). This year, 140,000 tons of Urea and NPK are distributed, including 90,000 tons by private suppliers.

Fertilizer subsidy vouchers have to be redeemed at parastatal fertilizer depots owned by the Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (ADMARC) and the Smallholder Farmers’ Fertilizer Revolving Fund of Malawi (SFFRFM). The seed vouchers can be redeemed at any retail agro-dealer shop.

Delivery of fertilizers commissioned for this 2011/12 cropping season has been very slow due to difficulty for suppliers to access letters of credit that are required to deal with international suppliers and due to fuel shortage that has hampered fertilizer uplift to rural markets. Thanks to extra-support from bilateral donors, the GoM has now managed to deliver 85% of the fertilizer to rural distribution points.

For seeds, 12,730 tons have been distributed for maize and 2,830 for legumes. The DCAFS members helped the Government to finalize a medium term plan to

improve the design, implementation and monitoring of the program. The proposed additional financing and MTDF to the on-going ASWAp-SP will support the implementation of this plan.

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NKr 50 million (approximately US$10 million equivalent). The original Project was approved by the Board on June 24, 2008 and declared effective on December 9, 2009. The AF1 was approved on March 22, 2012, became effective on December 14, 2009, and is due to close on June 30, 2015.

AF2 will be financed by a Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) established to pool contributions from various donors as a joint effort to improve harmonization, alignment and donor coordination in the agricultural sector in Malawi. The Bank is the administrator of the MDTF. The core concept is to reduce the number of agricultural projects with similar objectives by jointly support the existing ASWAp-SP which is implemented using country systems by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MoAFS). The breakdown of contributions from the donors to the MDTF is as follows: European Union (28,890,000 Euros); Royal Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (220,000,000 Norwegian Kroners); United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (14,175,000 British Pounds); Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Ireland (14,000,000 Euros); Flanders International Cooperation Agency (5,300,000 Euros); and United States Agency for International Development (US$2.5 million).

The objective of AF2 is to scale up on-going activities with particular attention to: (a) Strengthening MoAFS administrative systems, particularly at the district level with a stronger focus on monitoring and evaluation systems; and strengthening MoAFS's capacity to imple-ment the ASWAp; (b) Enhancing FISP organization and implementation, monitoring and evaluation, with a stronger focus on maize and legumes seeds availability; (c) Increasing the nationwide coverage of research and extension activities to reach out to more farmers and to increase FISP payoffs and sustainable impact on smallholders; and (d) Improving the effi-ciency of agricultural research and extension services while promoting a more pluralistic ap-proach to delivering these services.

In addition, the AF2 will also help develop the following additional activities: (a) Diversifica-tion of the maize-based production systems by: (i) extending the current research and exten-sion approach to increase the adoption rate of selected technologies, diversified crops (cere-als, roots and tubers, pulses and leguminous, agro-forestry products, etc.) and livestock pro-duction by farmers; and (ii) improving crop production and marketing, and ensuring avail-ability of sufficient certified seeds to meet increasing demand both within and outside of FISP; (b) Improve the agricultural business environment and promote agribusiness partner-ships in support of agricultural diversification with a more market oriented agriculture and in-tegration into agricultural value chains and regional markets; and (c) Improve market access to the most productive agricultural areas through the improvement and sustainable mainte-nance of feeder roads.

1.3.1 Project Development Objectives

The development objective of the Agricultural Sector Wide Approach – Support Project Development Programme Support Project (ASWAp-SP) is to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of investments in the agricultural sector aimed at food security and the agriculture led economic growth. The ASWAp-SP will:

(a) strengthen institutional capabilities necessary to further develop and implement a harmonized and aligned investment framework, leading to a full-fledged SWAp in the agricultural sector;

(b) improve land, water and nutrient use efficiency of maize based rain fed cropping systems, supported by the Government’s Input Subsidy Program and;

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(c) improve the resilience of the maize supply system to cope with climate and market induced risks and shocks.

Success in achieving the objectives will be measured by, among other things, increased sustainable productivity of maize based cropping systems, resulting from improved management of land, rainwater and nutrients.

1.3.2 Programme Components and additional activities

The programme has four components and the proposed changes consist of scaling up existing activities and adding new ones to increase the impact of the Project as described thereafter:

(a) Component 1: Institutional Development, will strengthen the capacity of the MoAFS to develop and implement systems for management of the sector, and establishment of a Sector Wide Approach (SWAp);

AF2 will continue improving the capacity of MoAFS’s staff in planning and budgeting, in internal communication and coordination, in policy making, in sector coordination, and in monitoring and evaluation of public investments in the agricultural sector. The leadership of the Ministry on the overall sector investment coordination should be further strengthened to improve the efficiency of public investments in agriculture. New studies will be carried out to strengthen the knowledge base and monitoring of the agricultural sector and to ensure the production of reliable and timely published agricultural statistics (using a range of methodologies based on a combination of satellite imagery and field surveys to improve the existing Ministry’s APES1). Under the land administration subcomponent, the Project will further support the policy decision making process by providing up-to-date information and analyses on land management and land use planning. This will include the development of a land information system to help the Ministry of Lands and Housing ensure and secure a proper recording of deeds, with a specific objective of monitoring the evolution of land use under Estates management.

(b) Component 2: Sustainable Smallholder Productivity Growth (Appendix 1.1) is aimed at sustainable increase of land, water and nutrient use efficiency, in maize based smallholder production systems and;

Under AF2, the objective will be to look beyond food security by not only supporting the existing and generalized maize-based farming system, but also encouraging diversification and marketing. This will translate in developing expanded and new research and extension activities to increase the adoption rate of selected technologies, diversified crops and livestock productions by farmers. The component will expand the coverage and improve the quality of extension activities to reach out to more farmers by promoting innovative and more pluralistic extension methodologies. As a result of the scaled-up agricultural extension program, it is expected that smallholder farmers will increase their agricultural productivity and outputs, while diversifying from their maize-based subsistence farming practices.

Further support will be provided to the design, programming and implementation of the Farm Input Subsidy Program (FISP), including support to improving the efficiency of the FISP in terms of procurement, tracking of fertilizer and seeds distribution and implementation time line. The Project will support the MoAFS in revisiting the overall design, objectives and implementation modalities of the FISP, to strengthen its impact

1 Agricultural Production Estimates Survey

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on the ground. The approach will be based on analysing various options for modernizing the FISP and to better articulate its content and targeting with complementary social protection programs.

(c) Component 3: Project Coordination is aimed at ensuring efficient use of resource, in accordance with the project’s objectives and procedures.

AF2 will provide further support to the ASWAp secretariat within the Ministry of Agriculture which has a critical role in coordinating the different Departments in charge of the execution of ASWAp-SP activities. Additional support will consist of technical studies, consultancies and technical assistance, the details of which will be determined in the course of project implementation. As per the recommendations of the last implementation support mission, the additional support will also be provided through technical assistance to speed up implementation of activities, financial management and procurement processes, as well reporting of activities.

(d) Component 4: Improvement and maintenance of unpaved rural roads to improve market access of the most productive agricultural areas through the improvement and sustainable maintenance of feeder roads.

The scope of the road improvement and maintenance will be expanded from five to ten Districts, and 780 kilometers of roads will be improved. In addition, the Project will strengthen the capacity of the implementing bodies including Local Authorities and lo-cal contractors in the target districts. Rural roads maintenance systems will be estab-lished by rolling out the existing “maintenance clubs” methodology which employs groups from the community to carry out the work (a 40% participation of women will be encouraged). Resettlement costs will arise when the need for compensation for any land, crops or buildings that are identified for appropriation through the social and environ-mental screening process. Compensation will be defined in the Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs) that will be prepared for roads where the need for resettlement is trig-gered. GoM will finance the maintenance of the rehabilitated rural roads and compensa-tion payments under RAPs.

1.3.3 Description of sub-components

The four programme components have sub-components as follows:

1.3.3.1 Component 1: Institutional Development and Capacity Building in Preparation of a SWAp in AgricultureThe objective of this component is to strengthen capacities of MoAFS to prepare for and implement the Agricultural Development Programme and its main objectives of food security and agriculture led economic growth.

Activities under this component will build upon the initiatives already underway, to reassess the capacities of the MoAFS. These include a Common Services Assessment (CSA) under the leadership of the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) and the MoAFS Core Function Analysis (CFA). The project will provide resources for MoAFS institutional development and capacity building.

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To support a SWAp, capacities need to be strengthened to:

a. evaluate trade-offs in investment priorities and define a credible investment program; b. translate broad ASWAp-SP objectives and results into annual work plans; c. coordinate a wide range of necessary investments and encourage more actors to align

their efforts; d. consolidate annual work plans and budgets for the sector e. track a range of different funding sources/budgets, initially along separate but

complementary reporting systems; f. implement procurement in an efficient and timely manner; g. monitor outputs and outcomes in an effective and timely manner, based on the

ASWAp-SP targets and the MGDS and ; h. plan and manage human and financial resources.

Sub-component 1.1: ASWAp-SP Management and Coordination Support to strengthen the MoAFS leadership and management of the SWAp:

This sub-component will support the functioning and operation of the ASWAp-Secretariat; and support the reform of MoAFS to improve coordination and joint programming in the sector:

A Secretariat would be set up as an interim office for three years, until systems are sufficiently established to be absorbed within MoAFS permanent structures.

A Change Management Team from within the Government, managed by the Secretariat and reporting to the PS will facilitate the transformation process to improve efficiency and effectiveness in the MoAFS to implement the ASWAp-SP.

Leadership and management skills training will be conducted for key senior staff, to strengthen ownership, build effective teams and strengthen synergies across departments and;

ASWAp-SP orientation for key stakeholders from both the GoM and Non State Actors will be conducted to outline the principles and procedures under the ASWAp-SP.

Sub-component 1.2: Planning, monitoring and evaluationThis sub-component will strengthen the capacities of the Department of Planning, Agricultural Development Divisions (ADDs) and districts agricultural offices to engage in more effective:

Agricultural sector planning options to maximize the returns on public investment; Strategic medium-term investment planning to assess different investment choices; Annual work and budget planning at sector, district, ADD and central levels; focusing

more on sector planning and less on project preparation; Coordinated district-level agricultural sector planning; Development of a monitoring and evaluation system for ASWAp-SP and; Agricultural data collection and analysis to help guide investments and monitor the

outputs and outcomes of the ASWAp-SP.

Sub-component 1.3: Technical systems and skills development. Based on the outcomes of the CFA and the ASWAp-SP investment priorities, the project will provide financial resources for MoAFS to address institutional development and capacity building of its technical departments by:

Institutional development and technical systems strengthening, for higher performance and sustainability of the research and technical support systems. The

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technical assistance will also support the national coordination team for strengthening the implementation of Component 2; and

Selective diploma and degree training to resolve key gaps in technical expertise.

Sub-component 1.4: Administrative systems development.

The project will support MoAFS in addressing priority professional and administrative skill gaps through training, equipment and technical assistance in:

Financial management to build accounting functions to streamline Government and donor procedures, and reporting mechanisms; develop a strategic financial management plan including comprehensive use of government systems such as Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS), and relevant capacity building;

Human resources management, development of human resources plan, annual performance management plans, and assessment tools;

Building standardized procurement systems, following the GoM law. Developing comprehensive timely procurement plans, a user friendly handbook and procurement monitoring system, and training for procurement professionals and;

Administration, coordinated transport, improved inventory and asset management systems, maintenance etc.

Sub-component 1.5: Land administration capacity strengthening

The AF will support the strengthening of existing land administration structures at district, regional and national level of the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development (MoLHUD). The project will provide training to technical staff in surveying, physical planning and valuations and registration. It will procure the required equipment (GPSs, mapping and GIS software, etc.) for field staff, as well as satellite imagery to undertake a comprehensive study of land availability in the country.

1.3.3.2 Component 2: Sustainable Food Security

The objective of this component is sustainable improvement of national and household food security. The component is to support the implementation of three priority agendas outlined in the ASWAp-SP investment framework for enhancement of national food security. These are:

maize productivity growth; sustainable land management and; the application of new tools in market based risk management.

This effort will strengthen the development of the SWAp by assuring achievement of early gains from the coordinated investment plan. These initiatives also illustrate the value of multi-partner collaboration in the implementation of ASWAp-SP work plans.

The maize productivity growth agenda is designed to increase the payoffs underlying the Agricultural Input Supply Programme (AISP). Current investments provide subsidized fertilizer to approximately 1.5 million maize producing smallholder farmers. The project will help these farmers attain higher rates of fertilizer use efficiency (grain produced per unit of

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nutrient applied). The project will also encourage these farmers to try new maize (and complementary crop) varieties.

The farmers will be encouraged to test and adopt conservation farming practices to increase levels of organic matter in the soil, minimize soil disturbance and encourage crop rotations. The productivity gains achieved will be strengthened by improving strategies to reduce post-harvest losses and control the greater grain borer. Multiple strategies will be tested for improving the efficiency of technology transfer.

The project will support national efforts to stabilize food supplies through the application of four market based risk management initiatives including micro weather insurance, macro weather insurance, price hedging and warehouse receipts. This effort will largely seek to institutionalize pilot initiatives supported with small amounts of Bank funding during the past two years.

Each of these sustainable production and market based risk management initiatives will contribute to Malawi’s adaptation to climate change.

Sub-component 2.1: Sustainable productivity growth initiative (SPGI).

The objective of this sub-component is a sustainable increase of the land, water and nutrient use efficiency in maize based smallholder production systems. This contributes to the achievement of two major ASWAp-SP outcomes of the doubling of maize productivity and the doubling of area under sustainable land management. The main strategy is to speed up the transfer of technologies that are already in existence or simply need to be modified in small ways to fit the demands and resource constraints of smallholder cropping systems. This includes technologies known regionally and internationally. Speeding the use of improved technologies in smallholder maize based cropping systems requires:

increased exposure of smallholders to the available technology options; assistance in experimenting with these options in their own fields; an incentive in the establishment of sustainable land management technologies and; farmers’ feedback to prioritize future research activities.

The sub-component will: (i) promote the uptake of technologies for sustainable productivity growth in rain-fed maize-based systems; and (ii) strengthen the capacity of the agricultural research, extension and technical services.

To improve resource use efficiency in maize based cropping systems, the project will support the promotion of:

(a) Use of improved technology options which will include:

encouraging 100,000 farmers to adopt and test new maize varieties and complementary crops. Preferences and technical performances will be fed back to national crop breeding programs, seed companies and retailers to adjust seed market offer;

providing advice to farmers on improved crop nutrient and fertilizer management to achieve productivity gains from the fertilizer being distributed through the AISP. 100,000 smallholder farmers receiving AISP fertilizer coupons will be encouraged to test and help refine fertilizer use recommendations in different agro-ecological zones and soil types;

encouraging improved post-harvest pest control technologies, to minimize post-harvest crop damage by pests.

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(b) adoption of a range of conservation farming practices to improve soil organic matter levels and water infiltration and reduce soil erosion.

Approximately 55,000 farmers will be encouraged to experiment with their preferred practices and adopt sustainable land and water management practices. Participating farmers would be given a supplementary “sustainable land management” voucher, for fertilizer and intercropping leguminous seeds to boost the initial two seasons’ organic matter build-up.

This sub-component will also strengthen agricultural research, technical and extension services, emphasizing participatory approaches and stronger partnerships among actors. The project will test and evaluate alternative strategies for achieving synergies in:

leadership and strengthened coordination of technical service providers at national and district level;

farmer groups and associations empowerment to strengthen their organizations and select 7,500 lead farmers;

strengthening information flows, including various types of ICT material, researcher-led and farmer-led experimentation, farmer to farmer dissemination supported by lead farmers, and strengthened agricultural ‘Information Resource Centres’ at district (28) and EPA (187) level;

improving the mobility of technical services and related investments required for improved communication systems;

upgrading research and technical facilities, essential for increasing rates of technology transfer and adoption (including facilities for breeder and foundation seed production seed certification, soil and plant analysis – laboratory, maize post-harvest loss and food safety assessment, and inter-departmental teamwork on crop modelling and response farming, linked to weather conditions)

supporting continuous in-service training programs in alternative/participative extension methodologies and selected priority technical subjects reflected in the annual work plans will be supported. Extension, research and technical services will be supported at national district and EPA levels.

Sub-component 2.2: Strengthening market based agricultural risk management strategies. Pilot initiatives have been launched relating to use of weather derivatives and crop insurance linked with rainfall indices (weather insurance), price hedging and warehouse receipts. The project will institutionalize the use of these tools as a key component of national risk management systems and:

develop rainfall-index based early warning models, upgrade the national network of rainfall stations and associated data feed and analysis capabilities and integrate the data into national early warning systems;

provide training in the mechanics of weather derivatives and analytical procedures for evaluating investment in macro-weather insurance. The World Bank is expected to intermediate the purchase of the derivatives contract and DFID and the EU have expressed willingness to pay this premium;

provide funding to enhance rainfall based crop models (for crops included in the pilot activities over the 2005/06, 2006/07 and 2007/08 seasons) to provided insurance backed agricultural credit to more than 1700 groundnut farmers and for a limited set of crops that may be added over the next five years;

strengthen the capacity of the government to evaluate and implement supply/price hedging agreements similar to the South African Commodity Exchange (SAFEX)

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agreement for the supply and price of maize supported by the World Bank in 2005; and

strengthen training on commodity risk management to increase awareness of these tools and improve the sustainability of these investments.

Subcomponent 2.3: Improve legume crop production and marketing

The project will introduce a clear objective of diversification by focusing primarily on legumes production, mainly groundnut, pigeon pea and soya bean. First of all, the project will help expand the existing legume seeds multiplication scheme in association with research, producer organizations and private seed growing companies. But the objective is also to look beyond FISP requirements and the food security/ nutrition approach adopted so far, to start addressing key issues and bottlenecks of the whole supply chain, from production, to storage and processing, and to marketing on domestic and neighboring markets.

Subcomponent 2.4: Improve the agricultural business environment and promote agribusiness partnerships.The project will contribute to improving the agricultural business environment and promote agribusiness partnerships to encourage private investments in agriculture and support of agricultural diversification, a more market oriented agriculture and integration into agricultural value chains and regional markets. Under the leadership of the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), the project will finance studies and training required to facilitate legal and regulatory reforms to the business environment and to foster public private dialogue and interagency coordination with respect to private investments in agriculture and agribusiness development. Using a matching grant mechanism, the project will help identify and prepare public-private investments for agricultural growth and diversification, especially in new subsectors like horticulture, livestock and fisheries. Finally, this subcomponent will develop a pilot experience of providing agri-business oriented extension services to farmer groups, with a focus on the farm households that have been relocated under the CBRLDP.

1.3.3.3 Component 3: Project Coordination

The objective of this component is to manage and use resources in accordance with the project’s objectives and procedures. The project will follow government procedures for planning, reporting, and monitoring of activities, and will use existing institutions and working groups for its management and supervision as follows:

The Project’s Steering Committee will be the ASWAp-SP Executive Management Committee (EMC) (chaired by the Principal Secretary of MoAFS) which will provide overall guidance regarding ASWAp-SP implementation. The EMC will endorse the project’s annual work plans and budgets. Each of the two components of the ASWAp-SP will have separate Implementation Committees, which will have decision making responsibility regarding project management:

The ASWAp-SP Management Working Group will oversee Component 1 (Institution development and capacity building in preparation of a SWAp). Membership of this group includes directors of MoAFS, and representatives of other Ministries involved in the ASWAp-SP, as well as donor representatives. This group is chaired by the ASWAp-Secretariat Coordinator, who will provide leadership for this component.

Component 2 (sustainable food security) will be managed by a team formed by the CAETS, the Director of Planning, the Directors of Research, Extension, Crops, Land

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Resources Use, and Planning, and the ASWAp-Secretariat Coordinator. The CAETS will chair this group, and will provide leadership for this component.

The Coordinator of the ASWAp-Secretariat will be the overall manager of the project. An experienced nationally recruited ASWAp-SP Project Management Adviser will ensure that project work plans, financial management and procurement operations are done in line with World Bank requirements. This Adviser will work closely with the various departments at central level in order to prepare the project annual work plan and budget and subsequent technical, financial and procurement reports. The duration of this post will be limited to the first three years of the project, while the Ministry reporting systems are strengthened in order to prepare technical and financial reports as per WB requirements on a routine basis.

The specialist advisers (who will be attached to line departments as required under Component 1 and 2) will fulfil a dual role. Initially they will provide short term support to their line departments in order to prepare ASWAp-SP documents and reports (work-plans, financial, and procurement reports). They will also provide longer term capacity building of the departments in order to plan for and implement the ASWAp-SP, and later a fully-fledged SWAp. Each adviser will report to his/her line manager. This will ensure that the advisers are integrated in the staff structure of the relevant Ministry’s departments so as to allow for on-the-job training of colleagues and strengthening of government systems, procedures and processes. The ASWAp-Secretariat Coordinator will be responsible for the achievement of project objectives and results, and will rely on the various department directors to provide their plans and reports on a timely basis. The budget for Component 3 will include the salary of the Project Management adviser, provision for short term consultancies as well as operating expenses, including one vehicle.

1.3.3.4 Component 4 - Improvement and maintenance of unpaved rural roads: The inclusion of a rural roads component within the ASWAp Support Project was strongly supported by the MoAFS. The importance of access to bring in agricultural inputs and export harvests was recognized and provided the logic behind the introduction of the component. There are two sub-component areas to be financed by the IDA AF and, subject to the approval of DFID, also by the MDTF, and are in two categories: (i) improvement and maintenance of unpaved rural roads, and (ii) implementation support.Sub-component 4.1 Improvement and maintenance works on rural roads The sub-component will be concentrated in areas with proven agricultural potential with the aim of providing networks of roads that will allow the transport of inputs and produce between farmers’ fields and main roads throughout the entire year. The improvement works will include rehabilitation of unpaved roads, spot-improvements, and surfacing using low-volume sealed road techniques, selected to provide the requisite levels of access. It is anticipated that with the funding available from IDA, at total of 550 km of road will be improved. Maintenance systems will be established by rolling out the existing ‘maintenance clubs’ methodology which employs groups from the community to carry out the work.

Identification of Roads to be ImprovedThe precise locations and types of the ASWAp-SP road component activities are not yet known as the roads that will benefit from improvement will be identified during project implementation. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has identified Chikwawa, Chitipa, Salima, Mwanza and Ntcheu as the districts under AF1. The AF2 will add five new Districts: Karonga, Kasungu, Machinga, Nsanje and Phalombe. Selection criteria for these districts include: i) potential to produce at least one cash crop as an alternative to tobacco, ii)

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reasonable proximity to major towns or agro-processing facilities, and iii) favourable environment for agricultural production, and iv) accessibility to inputs.

Areas that are important for agricultural production within these districts will be identified by the MoAFS, and the selection of individual roads will then take place. Secondary, tertiary and district roads will be prioritised by the Roads Authority and their Regional Engineers using an existing methodology based on a multi-criteria process. Interventions on Community Roads will be identified using the current district planning process. The Roads Authority will work with the local assemblies to ensure that the results of these two processes are compatible and together contribute to improving access to areas of agricultural production.

The programme is designed so that the improvements carried out on individual roads are chosen to match the access needs of the area that is served by the road. Where the levels of motorized traffic justify it, roads will be rehabilitated to gravel standard for their entire length. In some cases, where traffic is particularly high or there are steep inclines, the provision of a bituminous sealed surface may be appropriate. On many roads the majority of expected traffic will be non-motorized: bicycles or ox carts with low levels of vehicles. In order to maximize the numbers of project beneficiaries, a spot-improvement approach designed to provide year round access will be adopted on roads where traffic volumes are low.

Improvement and Maintenance Works on Unpaved Rural RoadsThe improvement works will include rehabilitation and the spot-improvement of unpaved roads, and surfacing using low-volume sealed road techniques, the balance between the activities being selected to provide the requisite levels of access for the target area. Maintenance systems will be established by rolling out the existing ‘maintenance clubs’ methodology which employs groups from the community to carry out the work and the establishment of maintenance camps on a pilot basis.

a) RehabilitationSelected unpaved roads in the targeted districts will be rehabilitated to gravel standard. Roads that have many closely-spaced critical sections along their length or that pass through mountainous terrain would also be considered for rehabilitation provided that there was a prospect of an increase in traffic.

b) Spot Improvement Spot-improvement works will be carried out to make critical sections of unpaved rural road in the targeted districts accessible for normal vehicles. Activities will focus on ensuring that the road is passable for its entire length throughout the year rather than being in good condition throughout. Works will include the construction of small bridges, culverts and earth drains and raising the level of the road, as appropriate, at the critical sections.

c) Upgrading to Paved StandardAs sources of naturally-occurring gravel become scarcer and the cost of maintaining unpaved roads rises, it is becoming increasingly attractive to provide a bituminous seal to protect the road surface. Whilst the cost of bituminous pavements constructed using conventional design methods and specifications is difficult to justify economically for roads that carry low levels of traffic, there is a growing volume of successful experience in the use of less costly standards - low-volume sealing. It has been found that pavements constructed in Malawi over the last 20 years using these methods have performed well, and are appropriate for roads that

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carry relatively low volumes of traffic. Low volume sealing will be applied to selected sections of road where there are significant levels of traffic, or steep gradients.

d) Maintenance of Rehabilitated RoadsThis will involve the maintenance of the rehabilitated roads after completion of the works to keep them in good condition using appropriate systems. Government will be expected to make available resources for maintenance through the Roads Fund Administration. The maintenance activities will involve the communities to the maximum extent possible through usage of the following systems:

i. Maintenance Clubs will undertake performance-based contracts for the maintenance of the previously rehabilitated unpaved roads. This system has been developed and used under the Income Generating Public Works Programme (IGPWP) and has proved to be effective. The establishment of this maintenance system begins with the sensitisation by the Village Development Committee, RA’s Engineer or Road Supervisor and technical staff from the District Council of the villagers located along previously rehabilitated roads. Community members identified by the local leader are grouped into clubs with each member being responsible for maintaining one kilometre of road. Preference is given to those who participated in the rehabilitation of the road, and it is a requirement that they must live alongside the road. A Contract Agreement between the club and the District Council is drawn up and signed by the club management. The management is elected by the club members and consists of a chairperson, secretary and treasurer.

ii. Maintenance Camps: The use of maintenance camps will be explored on a pilot basis. This methodology has been used in Zimbabwe and Mozambique. A contractor is procured on a Term Contract basis and is assigned to a specific network which he is required to keep in a maintainable condition.

Employment is a key factor in promoting development as it provides community members with an additional source of income. Rehabilitation and maintenance works will be implemented using labour-based methods wherever practicable. These methods have been well tried in Malawi and have been found to be appropriate for the construction of rural roads. The proportion of funds for road investment that is spent on purchasing and operating large construction equipment is reduced, and spent instead on the payment of labour. Although these techniques do require some equipment such as tractors, trailers and tipper trucks, these are items that are commonly available and their maintenance in-country is relatively straightforward.

Other related activities in the roads component will include consulting services for detailed design and preparation of bidding documents, consulting services for supervision of construction works, consulting services for the preparation of EIAs and RAPs, where applicable, and capacity building for the parties involved in the execution of the component.

Proposed project administration and management strategy for the improvement of unpaved rural roads

a) Ministry of Transport and Public Works (MTPW)The implementation of the roads component will be the responsibility of the Ministry of Transport and Public Works. The MTPW will be responsible for the provision of policy

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direction, overall project coordination and liaison with the MoAFS related to the road component and oversight of the executing agencies. In accordance with the institutional framework for the sector, the MTPW delegates its powers for the management of the road network to the Roads Authority (RA) and the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development through the Local Assemblies.

b) The Roads Authority (RA) The Roads Authority will be responsible for implementing the roads component of the project. The Procurement Section of the RA will co-ordinate the procurement activities for the project that will be carried out by the Maintenance Department and Local Assemblies. Environmental and social management work will be done in coordination with the Ministry of Mines, Natural Resources and Environment; the Ministry of Lands, Physical Planning and Surveys, and Local Assemblies to ensure that all land and environment related concerns are incorporated. The RFA Finance Department, through the Senior Accountant, will be responsible for the financial management and reporting for the road component of the project, in line with the new Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).

c) Ministry of Local Government and Rural DevelopmentThis Ministry will be responsible (through the Local Assemblies) for ensuring co-ordination of project activities at the district level. The Local Assemblies will be involved in identifying priority areas for development within the districts, in particular in the case of Community Roads. They will be responsible for maintaining rural roads. The Local Assemblies will ensure that adverse environmental and social impacts are managed and /or mitigated through the active participation in the ISP implementation. The District Environmental Officers and District Environmental Sub-committees including other district personnel will spearhead environmental screening and environmental management functions of the ASWAp-SP as appropriate.

Sub-component 4.2 Implementation support Activities identified are the strengthening of the capacity of the implementing bodies including Local Authorities and local contractors in five target districts, consultancies for design and supervision, project management and compensation for resettlement. It is expected that the costs of maintenance activities and compensation will be met by government.

1.3.4 Project Implementing AgencyThe project implementing agency is the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security(MoAFS) - formerly the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) - which is developing this prioritised sectoral programme, the Malawi Agricultural Sector Wide Approach. The Ministry’s contact address is:

The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water DevelopmentCapital Hill Government OfficesP O Box 30134Lilongwe 3Malawi

1.3.5 Project Cost Estimates

The project financing plan is as follows:

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Components by Financiers (US$ Million) GoM

IDA MDTFTotal

Credit AF1 AF21- Institutional Development and Capacity Building 15.0 3.0 22.0 40.0

- -- -

2- Sustainable food security, agricultural growth and diversification 3.4 37.6 2.0 65.0 108.0

3- Project Coordination - 0.7 - 10.3 11.0

4- Improvement and maintenance of unpaved rural roads 1.5 - 25.0 22.7 49.2

Total Costs for Recipient executed activities 4.9 53.3 30.0 120.0 208.2

Bank Executed Trust Fund for enhanced supervision - - - 4.0 4.0

Customized Cost Recovery Arrangements - - - 3.5 3.5

Total Project Costs 4.9 53.3 30.0 127.5 215.7

1.3.6 Proposed Project Administration and Management Strategy

Consistent with the original project design and approach, the ASWAp-SP will remain fully executed through existing organizational structures of the public administration in Malawi. It will be integrated into the now approved official ASWAp management structure as shown in the diagram below. The executive management committee (EMC) will act as the steering committee for the ASWAp-SP. While the Ministry of Industry and Trade is already part of the committee, the Ministry of Transport and Public Infrastructure and Ministry of Lands Housing and Urban Development are incorporated as new members. The EMC will have overall managerial decision making responsibility for the ASWAp-SP, including approval of work plans and budget and review of quarterly and annual reports. The ASWAp sector working group will serve as a forum for dialogue and consultation with private sector, farmers’ associations and civil society organizations. Technical working groups are established as instances to address specific technical and implementation issues.

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Diagram 1: ASWAp Institutional Framework:

Agribusiness environment and

PPP for diversification

ASWAp Secretariat

Rural roads and agricultural

infrastructure

4- Monitoring and evaluation

3- Sustainable agriculture land and water management

2- Commercial agriculture, agro-processing and market development

1- Food security and risk ManagementTechnical

Working Groups

Technical issues and methodologies for imple-mentation of activities

Sector Working Group

Policy Dialogue with CSOs, private sector and development partners

ASWAp Executive Management Committee

MoAFS + Min. of Local Government and Rural Development+ Min of Finance and Development Planning + Min of Trade and Industry+ Min of Lands, Housing and Urban Development+ Ministry of Transport and Public Works

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The Executive Management Committee is supported by the ASWAp Secretariat located in the MoAFS. The ASWAp Secretariat will, inter alia, consolidate work plans, liaise with development partners; convene meetings of the relevant Working Groups and Management Committee; ensure timely reporting; coordinate the annual progress review.

At district level, formal responsibility for delivery of outputs will rest with the District Commissioner who will be assisted by the Directorates for Agriculture, Natural Resources and Irrigation and, within these directorates by, the District Agricultural Development Officers (DADO) and District Irrigation Officers (DIO):

Planning and monitoring & evaluation will be done by the districts, working in conjunction with the MoAFS (through the Agricultural Development Divisions) and the participating ministries;

Implementation will be principally by the districts, with support from the Agricultural Development Divisions; and

Consultation with stakeholders (including farmers, the private sector, the development partners, civil society, non-government organizations and other non-state actors) will be organized by the MoAFS and the districts.

1.3.7 Description of the Area of Influence

The Agricultural Development Programme is targeted at subsistence farmers throughout Malawi. The programme will improve food security through prioritized development of the agriculture led economic growth and poverty alleviation. This is in line with the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy which prioritises development of agriculture for income growth and poverty alleviation whose first medium term goals are to (a) increase agricultural productivity and (b) prevent food shortages, even in times of disaster.

1.4 Rationale for the Environmental and Social Management Framework

The rationale for preparing this ESMF is that the exact location and design of the proposed activities are not known at this time, though the types of potential subprojects may be fairly well-defined. As a result, potential environmental and social impacts of the project activities cannot be identified through traditional safeguards instruments (e.g. an environmental and social impact assessment or resettlement action plan). In these situations, the appropriate safeguard document at this time is an Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) which aims to establish a unified process for addressing all environmental and social safeguards issues on subprojects from preparation, through review and approval, to implementation.

For development project activities whose design details and locations are known, the Malawi Environment Management Act (1996) and the Malawi EIA Guidelines (1997) prescribe the conduct for Environmental Impact Assessment. However, these instruments do not have guidelines for the screening process for the identification, assessment and mitigation of potential localized impacts, where the project details and specific project sites are not yet known.

The ESMF provides mechanisms for ensuring that potential environmental and social impacts of the ASWAp-SP are identified, assessed and mitigated as appropriate, through an environmental and social screening process. The ESMF therefore complements the Malawi EIA procedures for meeting the environmental and social management requirements, as outlined in Appendix C of the EIA Guidelines. The ESMF also complies with the World

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Bank Operational Policies for environmental management of projects where specific details are not yet known.

1.5 Objective of the ESMF

The objective of this ESMF is to ensure that the ASWAp-SP is implemented in an environmentally and socially sustainable manner. The ESMF will provide the project implementers with an environmental and social screening process that will enable them to identify, assess and mitigate potential environmental and social impacts of the ASWAp-SP components.

The screening results would indicate whether additional environmental and/or social work will be required or not. Thus, the ESMF is designed to determine the appropriate level of environmental management, which could range from (i) the application of simple mitigation measures (assessed through the environmental checklists); (ii) to the preparation of a comprehensive EIA Report (according Malawi’s EIA Guidelines), or, (iii) no additional environmental work. The ESMF will outline the:

a) steps of the screening process from identification to approval of infrastructure investment;

b) environmental and social mitigation measures that can be applied and adopted;

c) draft generic terms of reference for an ESIA if required and;

d) summary of the Bank’s safeguard policies to ensure they are observed during project implementation

e) review and approval of the screening results and separate ESIA reports; and

f) environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP)

The screening process has been developed because the locations and types of activities to be funded under the ASWAp-SP are not yet known at this time; and therefore potential impacts cannot be precisely identified.

The screening process will assist the project implementers to identify, assess and mitigate potential negative environmental and social impacts; and to ensure proper mitigation of these impacts. It will assist in determining whether preparation of a comprehensive ESIA and/or RAP is appropriate for the project components. The screening process, the environmental management and monitoring plans, the ESMF implementation arrangements and the proposed capacity building and training requirements will be included in the Project Implementation Manual (PIM).

1.6 Potential Users of the ESIA

The ESMF is prepared to be used as a reference manual by key stakeholders involved in the planning, implementation, management and operation of the ASWAp-SP activities. Implementation of this ESMF will also support and assist with the achievement of compliance with applicable laws and regulations and with relevant Bank policies on environment and social development issues. As a reference manual, the framework would be useful to the following:

(a) Funding and donors agencies for the ASWAp-SP activities;

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(b) District Executive Committee members implementing the ASWAp-SP throughout Malawi;

(c) Politicians and local traditional leaders involved in ASWAp-SP activities;(d) Senior government officials responsible for development planning of ASWAp-SP;(e) Government extension workers in the ASWAp-SP project areas;(f) Non-governmental organizations involved in the activities of the ASWAp-SP;(g) Planners of the ASWAp-SP project activities;(h) Engineers, Environmental Consultants, Contractors to be involved in the implementation

of the project activities.

1.7 Methodology in Preparing the ESMFThe focus of the ESMF is to provide a screening process for potential environmental and social impacts for planned future project activities of the ASWAp-SP, and to recommend a generic management plan for addressing the potential negative impacts. In the development of the ESMF, consultations with key stakeholders were employed and are still ongoing. The rationale of these extensive consultations is to solicit views of a cross section of people, at the local, district, and Central Government level. The Final ESMF will include an Annex indicating the consultation events that took place (including dates and venues), the organizations and interest groups which participated, and the main issues discussed during the consultations.

Key stakeholders consulted included:

(a) staff at all levels of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security(the Ministry, Districts and Area levels)

(b) staff of other relevant Ministries and Departments including the Environmental Affairs Department, Chitedze Agricultural Research Station, Land Resources Department and Pesticides Control Board;

(c) Members of various district committees including the District Development and the Area Executive Committees;

(d) Agricultural Extension Staff;(e) Local leaders and Chiefs and (f) Farmers in various selected districts throughout Malawi.

These extensive consultations were carried out to share the views of key stakeholders and to obtain their input in the identification of environmental and social impacts of the ASWAp-SP. A list of individuals and institutions consulted so far is included in Appendix 1.2

The strategies used and activities performed in the preparation of the ESMF included:

a. Review of existing national biophysical and social conditions. Some of the sources of information included Socio-economic Profiles and Environmental Reports;

b. Review of typical implementation approach and processes for the proposed ASWAp-SP. This information was obtained from the project description, project concept note, project appraisal documents and other related literature.

c. Determination of the ASWAp-SP project stages and activities which are likely to have environmental and social impacts on the various environmental components;

d. Identification and analysis of potential environmental and social impacts of the ASWAp –SP; based on the field investigations and public consultations, project description, other similar documents and professional knowledge;

e. Determination of the environmental and social components to be impacted by the project activities;

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f. Development of the appropriate screening process for the proposed project sites and project activities.

g. Identification of appropriate mitigation measures for the likely potential environmental and social impacts and;

h. Compilation of a generic management and monitoring plan for addressing the impacts during implementation, operation and maintenance of the project activities.

1.8 Constraints and Limitation of the Study

A number of constraints and limitations were experienced during preparation of the ESIA. As a result of these constraints and limitations, all the planned activities could not be accomplished in the manner that they were planned. However, in spite of these constraints and limitations, field investigations and public consultations were conducted in the majority of the districts that were targeted. Some of the constraints and limitations that were faced include the following:

The ASWAp-SP will cover the whole country. However, for the purpose of preparing this ESMF not all the districts of Malawi could be visited for the field investigations and public consultations. Hence the views captured during the public consultations, although considered as a very good representation of the country, could not be solicited from each and every part of the country.

The majority of the stakeholders did not have any knowledge of the proposed ASWAp-SP project. Hence, elaborate description of the ASWAp-SP project was required to ensure that the stakeholders understood the project concept before they participated fully and meaningfully in the discussions;

The majority of proposed ASWAp-SP activities are conceptual in nature. Therefore the rural people could not easily understand the project concept;

The public consultation and field investigations were conducted during rainy season when people are very busy with weeding and fertilizer application. This meant that the attendance at the consultation meetings was somehow affected.

Last, but not least, some information in the report was processed from secondary sources of data and such data includes maps, land resources information, atmospheric resources data, water resources data, biological resources data, socio-economic data and data on the agricultural services. This information has to be interpreted and understood within the limitations associated with such data.

1.9 Organization of the Report

This report is organized into seven chapters as follows:Chapter One provides background information on the ASWAp-SP and describes its project components, development objectives, estimated costs, implementation arrangements and area of influence. It further introduces the Environmental and Social Management Framework ESMF, its rationale and objectives, methodology used in undertaking the ESMF and constraints and limitation of the study. This chapter also defines the target audience for the ESMF.

Chapter Two provides an overview of the environmental and social setting of the project by describing the biophysical environment including its topography, hydrology, biodiversity and agro-ecological zones.

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Chapter Three gives the socioeconomic environment mainly in relation to agriculture. Key issues such as the agricultural input subsidy, marketing, land tenure, gender, HIV and AID, and pest management are discussed as the relate to agriculture. Chapter Four outlines relevant Malawi policies and legislation applicable to the ASWAp-SP. The chapter also gives relevant World Bank Safeguard Policies that are triggered by the ASWAp-SP.

Chapter Five describes the environmental and social impacts that are likely to be generated from the proposed project activities during the planning and design, construction, operation and maintenance and the decommissioning phases. The environmental and social impacts include those that are perceived by the various key stakeholders that were consulted. The environmental and social impacts are linked to the environmental components they are likely to impact upon and the sources of the impacts are also described. These sources include the civil works for the construction new and rehabilitation of existing structures; and the various human activities that create strains on the natural resources and social services. The environmental and social impacts are the basis for the development of environmental and social management and monitoring plans in Chapter Five.

Chapter Six outlines the Environmental and Social Management Plans for addressing the program’s environmental and social impacts. The Management Plans include information on the environmental component likely to be affected; the activity that may cause the impact and the mitigation measures to be put in place. The Chapter also provides environmental and social monitoring plans for project impacts; provides information on the monitoring activities, monitoring indicators, frequency of monitoring and the institutions to carry out the monitoring.

Chapter Seven gives an overview of the existing environmental management capacities in the Ministry of Agriculture and key line agencies in terms of the ESMF. It further proposes capacity building and training requirements that need to be undertaken for successful implementation of the EMP.

Chapter Eight gives a step-by-step presentation of the screening process for sites for future projects. The screening process for the main environmental and social impacts of the ASWAp-SP is presented in four distinct steps of (i) desk appraisal of the project activities and field assessments; (ii) the assigning of appropriate environmental categories; (iii) carrying out of the environmental work; and (iv) review and approval of the screening results and recommendations. This chapter introduces procedures including checklists for screening future project activities whose locations and designs are not precisely known. The chapter also provides a description of the public consultation and disclosure process.

Chapter Nine provide a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation system for the ASWAp-SP from village level to national level. This chapter recommends that meaningful monitoring system should largely depend on local structures with assistance from Town and District Councils.

Chapter Ten makes recommendations for effective and successful implementation of the Environmental and Social Management Framework that contribute towards environmentally sustainable attainment of the ASWAp-SP goals and objectives.

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CHAPTER TWO: THE BIOPHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT 2.1 Introduction

Development projects of the nature of the ASWAp-SP bring about various changes (positive or negative) to the different components of the environment. These components include the physical (geology, topography, soils, water resources etc), biological (flora and fauna), cultural and socioeconomic (settlements, land use, livelihoods etc) components.

The ASWAp-SP activities will focus on improving is to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of investments in the agricultural sector, aimed at food security and agriculture-led economic growth.

The precise locations and types of the ASWAp-SP component activities are not yet known as the roads that will benefit from improvement will be identified during project implementation. AF1 identified Chikwawa, Chitipa, Salima, Mwanza and Ntcheu as the districts as the district where implementation of the project activities will take place. The AF2 will target five additional Districts (Karonga, Kasungu, Machinga, Nsanje and Phalombe) that have similar agro-ecological characteristics than those of AF1 Districts. Therefore, the same principles, prerogatives and mitigations measures developed for AF1 apply systematically to AF2

Selection criteria for these districts include: i) potential to produce at least one cash crop as an alternative to tobacco, ii) reasonable proximity to major towns or agro-processing facilities, and iii) favourable environment for agricultural production, and iv) accessibility to inputs.

The EIA process for Malawi (EMA, 1997) requires that the baseline situation of the existing environment be established, before any project that might significantly impact on the environment is implemented. The sections outlined below briefly outline the existing environmental situation in the project impact areas of AF1.

2.2 Chitipa

Location and SizeChitipa District is located to the Northeast of the Northern Region of Malawi. It is bordered by Tanzania (Ileje District) to the North, Zambia (Isoka District) to the East, Karonga to the West and Rumphi to the South. The district has a total area of 4,288 square Kilometres. Chitipa is almost 400km away from Mzuzu, a Regional Headquarters of the North and also about 700km from Lilongwe, the Capitol of Malawi.

Topography and GeologyA considerable large part of the Chitipa is mountainous. There are two major physical features in the district which include the Nyika Plateau in the Southern part and Misuku Hills in the eastern part of the district. The altitude for the district is generally high ranging from 500 metres to 2,600 metres above the sea level. The highest point in the Chitipa is the Nandanga Hill on the foothills of the Nyika Plateau with an altitude of 2,600metres above sea level.

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Generally Chitipa is covered with two major types of soils namely sandy and clay loam soils. Shallow sandy soils are found in Nthalire, Nyika Mountains and Misuku Hills while Rich clay-loam soils are found on a large fertile plain also known as the breadbasket of the district lying to the western side of Misuku Hills, covering an approximately 8,700 hectares of good quality arable land. The rich clay-loam soils suitable for agricultural production.

Vegetation Chitipa District has seven types of vegetation accounting to 56.8 % of total land. The district is largely covered with brachystegia plateau woodland, covering about 35.5 per cent of the total land covered with vegetation. The district is predominantly covered by Brachystegia Julbernardia and Paniculata, especially in Nthalire area and Misusku Hills. There are patches of brachystegia taxifolio amd Glaucesens at the Misuku and Wenya Hills. Montane grassland is found on Nyika plateau and escarpments, Misuku Hills and Mwenewenya. Evergreen forests are found on Wenya and Misuku Hills whilst Plantation Forest are found in Namamatanda and Mbanje Forest Reserves. Seasonal wet grasslands are found at the boma, Ulambia, Kameme while Savannah woodlands are found on Wenya Hills.

The forest reserves in Chitipa include Mughese, Wilindi, Matipa, Chisitu, Nyika Game Reserve, Mahowe, Jembiya, Misisi, Mafinga, Chipala and Namatandala. The forest reserves are protected under the Forestry Act (1997). It is a requirement under the Act that any development proposed in forest reserves must be subjected to an EIA study.

Human activities such as charcoal burning, firewood fetching, hunting, bush-fire and encroachments have significantly reduced the extent of forest cover in the area resulting in deforestation and increased soil erosion. The forest cover for brachystegia on hill areas has been reduced from 290,00 ha in 1972/73 to 140,000 ha in 1990/91 representing a percentage reduction of 52% while Brachystegia on flat areas has been reduced by 80% from 100,000 ha in 1972/73 to 20,000 ha in 1990/91. Forest encroachment increased by 56.3 % from 1991 to 2001 (SEP, 2002).

PopulationAccording to 2008 population census, Chitipa District has a population of about 178,904 comprising 6.2% of the country’s population. Between 1998 and 2008, the population of the District increased by 41.1% representing an inter-censal growth rate of 3.5% per annum (NSO, 2008). The population density of the district is one of the lowest in Malawi. In 2008 it was 30 people per square kilometre. This makes the district second least populated district, in terms of density, in Malawi. Its population growth rate increased by 3.5% in the inter-censal period (1998-2008), owing to inward migration from rural areas to the Boma.

EconomyAgriculture is the main economic activity of Chitipa District with tobacco being the main cash crop grown in many parts of the district. Coffee is the second major cash crop grown in Chitipa especially around Misusku Hills. These two cash crops occupy 4% of the total cultivated area. Paprika, groundnuts, beans and sesame are some of the cash crops grown in the area.

Maize, Cassava and Millet are the main food crops grown in the district. The food crops occupy about 90% of the total cultivated land area. Other crops grown in the district include

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soya beans, pigeon peas, sorghum and rice. The fertile soils in the district provide suitable conditions for agricultural production.

The immediate problems faced by agricultural sector in Chitipa include the following: Inadequate extension services-there is a critical shortage of qualified to provide the

technical know-how to the farmers. The average extension worker/farmer ratio is 1:808;

Poor farming methods such as slush and burn, cultivation on steep slopes and resistant to use of improved varieties has resulted in low agricultural productivity;

Lack of agricultural markets; Poor road accessibility-most of the roads in the district are in poor shape and during

rainy season most of the roads are impassable hence affecting transportation of farm inputs by the farmers; and

Low crop diversification.

Road infrastructureChitipa has a road network that totals 539km and these include main, secondary, tertiary (feeder) and some undesignated roads. All these roads are earth and are in poor state excerpt the Karonga-Chitipa road which is currently under construction and will be upgraded to bitumen standard. Most of the feeder roads in the district require improvement to gravel standard and this will increase accessibility of agricultural markets by most farmers. The poor state of the road infrastructure greatly affects mobility of people and commodities in the district.

Environmental SituationThe environmental situation in Chitipa is fast deteriorating due to the rapid loss of forest cover. The critical environmental problems include deforestation, soil erosion, decline in soil fertility, water scarcity and overgrazing. These environmental problems are exacerbated by shifting cultivation in form of slush and burn, cultivation on steep slopes, bushfires, brick burning, encroachments, timber sawing, mining and predation The rate of forest destruction is further aggravated by infrastructure development, such as the construction of Chitipa-Karonga Road.

2.3 Salima

Location and sizeSalima District is one of the nine districts in the Central Region of Malawi Salima shares its boundaries with four other districts; Dedza to the south, Dowa to the southwest, Lilongwe to the west and Nkhotakota to the north. Lake Malawi lies on the east side. The district head quarter is approximately 103km from Lilongwe City. The district has a total land area of 2,196 square kilometres which is 2.35 of Malawi’s total land.

Topography and SoilsSalima lies between 200-1000 metres above sea level. The district lies in the rift valley floor which has an altitude of 200-500m above the sea level and the upland area which has an altitude ranging from 500-1000 meter above the sea level. Its landform includes the Kirk Range to the west of the district and Lake Malawi to the east of the district.

The dominant soil types are the alluvial soils owing to the seasonal deposition of upland soils during rainy season. These soils are very suitable for arable farming especially for crops like

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maize, cotton and rice. The red loamy soils are mainly found in the upland areas are good mainly for tobacco farming and other arable crops such as maize and groundnuts.

VegetationSalima has savanna woodland punctuated with tall grass. The most common trees include the Accacia species and Brachystegia. Salima has three gazetted forest reserves, namely the Dedza-Salima Escarpment, the Thuma Forest Reserve and Senga Hills. These forests are experiencing resource depletion due to illegal activities such as tree cutting for charcoal, timber and firewood and opening of land to agriculture and settlement. Marginal lands have been invaded through encroachment. The government of Malawi, through its Forestry Policy and Act, is reinforcing protection of such resources through afforestation programmes.

PopulationAccording to 2008 population census, Salima District has a population of about 337,895. Between 1998 and 2008, the population of the district increased by 36.1% representing an inter-censal growth rate of 3.2% per annum (NSO, 2008). The population density of the district is 154 which is one of the highest amongst lakeshore areas. According to the 2005 Demographic and Household Health Survey, the total fertility rate for Salima is 6.8 which is slightly higher than the country’s 5.2. Employment, fishing and farming activities have attracted many people to settle in Salima.

EconomyAgriculture is the main economic activity in the district. About 93,397 farm families form the farming community and cultivate 107,377 hectares of arable land in the district. 93% of the farm families depend on agriculture as their only source of livelihood. Maize is the major food crop grown, followed by sweet potatoes, cassava, rice, millet and sorghum. Cassava is grown as a food security crop in the district because at times the district does experience erratic rains which affect maize production. Area under tobacco cultivation has been decreasing for the past five years. This is attributed to high input costs as a result most of the farmers have resorted to grow cotton. Erratic rains experienced in the district have affected production of most of arable crops in the district. Apart from erratic rains, poor agricultural practices such as mono cropping and shifting cultivation have negatively affected crop production.

Fishing is the second main economic activity in the district. The fisheries sector provides employment to over 3, 555 registered fishermen and fishing crew. However, there has been a decrease in the number of fish catches in the district as a result most of the fishermen are abandoning fishing.

Banking, commerce, government, and utility services are all available within Salima. Commerce services are offered in 24 trading centers across the district through 4 wholesale and 202 retail outlets. Banking services are available at the following institutions: Malawi Savings Bank, National Bank of Malawi, and Standard Bank. In addition, small scale macro-enterprises have access to microfinance support from Malawi Rural Finance Company (MRFC), Foundation for International Community Assistance (FINCA), Development of Malawian Enterprise Trust (DEMAT), Malawi Rural Development Fund (MDRAF).

RoadsSalima has a road network that totals 800km and these include main, secondary, tertiary (feeder) and some undesignated roads. The main roads include M005 and M014 which are

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bitumen and in good condition though some bridges on M005 are frequently washed away during rainy season. The state of most of the feeder roads in the district is poor and requires improvement in most sections of the roads. During rain season, most of the feeder roads are impassable and many bridges get washed away. The situation aggravated by presence of slippery dambo flat soils which become water logged during rainy season. The feeder roads in the Salima are all earth roads and they do pose a great challenge during rainy season. The poor state of the road infrastructure greatly affects mobility of people and commodities in the district.

Environmental SituationThe environmental in Salima is under serious assault from human activities such as opening up of new agricultural fields, settlement, fuelwood demands, timber sawing and infrastructure development. The critical environmental problems include deforestation, depletion of fish resources, low soil fertility, uncontrolled artisan mining, inadequate sanitation, depletion of water resources, problematic animals and invasion of alien species in water bodies. These environmental problems are exacerbated by poor farming methods and unplanned human settlements.

2.4 Ntcheu

Ntcheu District is located to the southern end of Central Region of Malawi. It borders with Mozambique to the west, Dedza district to the north, Neno to the south, Balaka to the southeast and Mangochi to the northeast The area of the district is 3,424 square kilometres, representing 3.63% of the total land area of the country, in terms of size; Ntcheu District is the 3rd largest in the Central Region. Ntcheu is approximately 153 kilometres to Blantyre and 167 kilometres to Lilongwe the Capital City.

Topography, Geology and SoilsThe district has two distinct terrain patterns namely Bwanje valley which is located to the eastern part of the district. The valley is characterised by fertile alluvial soils. The second is the Kirk Range. This is an upland area that lies along the Malawi Mozambique border. It extends from Tsangano to Lizulu.

The district has soils that vary with altitude. The Plateaus have either furruginous soils with lithosols or ferallitic soils with moderate structures and acidity. The escarpment on the other hand has either sandy soils with lithosols or stony ferruginous soils. In general, the soils have varying fertility levels with Bwanje valley being the only area good for agricultural production. However, the potential of this valley is constrained by inadequate rainfall.

Vegetation Ntcheu has four forest reserves in the district which occupy 138 square kilometers of the district. These include Dzonzi Forest Reserve covering an area of 40 square kilometres, Mvai Forest Reserve with a total of 43 square kilometres, Bangwe Forest Reserve and Chilobwe Forest Reserve with a total area of 14 square kilometres. Main types of vegetation in these forest reserves include Brachystegia species (Miombo) woodland, Khaya anthotheca (mbawa) being dominant species, and patches of scrubby of montane evergreen.

PopulationNtcheu district has a population of 471,589 according to the 2008 Census. This is 3.6% of the total population of Malawi. The population has increased by 27.2 % between 1998 and 2008

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implying an intercensal annual growth of 2.5 %. Population in the district has been growing at annual rate of 2.5% percent. This rate is lower than the 2.8% for Malawi. T.As Chakhumbira, Njolomole, Mpando and Masasa have been experiencing negative annual growth rates. These negative growth rates are mainly due to the repatriation of Mozambican refugees. Boma has the 3.1 annual highest growth rates due to the rapid urbanisation in the district. The highest population distribution in the district is in TA Goodson Ganya (20.8%) where it also has the highest proportion land area 855 Km in the district.

Economy Agriculture is the main economic activity for most of the households in the district. Major crops for the district are, maize, beans, groundnuts, potato, millet, cotton, soya beans, cassava and sweet potato. Maize is widely grown through out the district despite weather conditions in some areas not favouring the production of the crop like at Tsangano. About 90% of the cultivable taken up by maize production. Minor crops include vegetables, fruits, peas, sorghum, ground beans, wheat, just to mention a few.

Production of crops is affected hectorage planted by a particular crop and its yield for that specific year. For the few years production of some crops kept on increasing for both summer and winter due to increase in hectarage or yield. These include maize, beans, millet and groundnuts (Chalimbana). The district conducts campaigns to promote production of some varieties such as hybrids and composites through on farm demonstrations and field day. Campaigns for winter crops are also conducted.

RoadsNtcheu has a road network that totals 680km and these include main, secondary, tertiary (feeder) and some undesignated roads. All the roads in the district are maintained by the National Roads Authority excerpt for feeder roads which stretches about 233 km. The state of most of the feeder roads in the district is poor as is the case with most of the feeder roads in the country. Mobility in these rfeeder roads becomes problematic especially during rainy season, most of the feeder roads are impassable and many bridges get washed away. All feeder roads in Ntcheu are earth roads and requires regular maintenance throughout the year.

Environmental SituationNtcheu District faces a lot of environmental problems as is the case with other districts in Malawi There is decreasing forest cover in the district due to energy demand (firewood and charcoal), opening of new gardens and settlement, brick making drying of rivers, cultivation along river banks, grazing and cutting down of trees along river sources. There has also been loss of biodiversity, for instance, disappearance of certain fish, wildlife and tree species due to destruction of habitat, poaching and careless tree cutting.

2.5 Mwanza

Location and sizeMwanza District is located in the Southern Region of Malawi. The district is bordered by Neno to the North-East, Chikhwawa to the South, and Mozambique to the West. Mwanza is approximately 100 km North of Blantyre City, Malawi’s main commercial city and about 320 kilometres south of Lilongwe, the Capital of Malawi. The total land area for Mwanza is 826 square kilometres.

Topography and Geology

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The topography of Mwanza is predominantly mountainous and hilly with several areas having slopes of more than 12 degrees and no larger areas of flat land. The district is divided into three major agro-ecological zones:

(a) The Mwanza area which is a flat alluvial plain characterized by dissected and steep terrain on a moderate altitude (600-1000m);

(b) The Mkulumadzi Valley characterized by fragmented and a highly dissected escarpment; and

(c) The Kirk Range to the West located on a relatively high altitude exceeding 1200m above sea level with dissected and slopes between 12 to 25 degrees.

The geology comprises basement complex paragneisses and chamockitic and quartzo-feldspathic granulites. The most predominant soils in district include lithosols. These soils are generally shallow and stony occurring mainly in the rift valley scarp.

VegetationMwanza has a type of vegetation characterized by Miombo woodlands. Most of the vegetation is dry decidous and semi-decidous dominated by Brachystegia julhernadia and Brachystegia Isoberlinia. Common tree species include boekmi, Burkea Africa, Pterocarpus angolensis, Adarsonia digitata and Zyzphus mauritiana. The woodland also comprises of Diospyros mespililiformis and Khaya anthotheka. In some areas, the vegetation is interspersed with montane grassland which provides habitat for diverse fauna likefalcons, hares, guinea fowl, snakes and a wide range of bird species. The district has two forest reseves covering an area of 12, 178 hectares which 14.7% of the total district land. The forest reserves include Thambani Forest Reserve which is the biggest and covering approximately 10,670 hectares while Michiru Forest Reserve covers 1,508 hectares. Main tree species in the forest reserves include Brachystegia species. The district has seven plantations of which two are owned by Department of Forestry and five are privately owned. The main tree species in these plantations include Eucalyptus camaidulensis and tereticornis.

PopulationAccording to the 2008 Population and Housing Census, Mwanza District has a total population of 92,947 which is about 0.7 % of the national population. The average annual population growth rate is estimated at 4.1%, higher than the population growth rate in the country of 2.8 %. While NSO, 2008 projections shows that there are 92,947 people in the district of which 44,679 (representing 48.1 percent) is female population while male population is 48,268 (51.9%).

EconomyAgriculture is the main economic activity of Mwanza District with maize as the major food crop grown in the district. 90% of maize is grown on small land holdings while 10% is grown on large land holdings. Maize cultivation is intercropped with pigeon peas, cowpeas, beans and groundnuts. Other crops grown in the district include tobacco, cotton paprika, cassava, sweet potatoes, sorghum, millet, wheat, fruits and vegetables. Tangerines is one of the key fruit grown in the district. There are about 614,741 fruit trees of tangerines producing about 47,335,057 metric tonnes every year. The main agricultural markets in the district are located at Mwanza Boma, Kunenekude and Thambani.

RoadsMwanza has an extensive road network dominated by earth roads. About 90% of the roads arein the district are earth roads. Most of the roads become impassable during wet season. The problem of mobility on these roads is exacerbated by poor road maintenance and lack funding to upgrade the roads. There are 14 feeder roads with a combined length of 120.4 km

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Environmental situationDeforestation, soil erosion siltation, land degradation, and sedimentation continue to be serious threats to the environment and natural resource base in the Mwanza District.

2.6 Chikhwawa

Location and SizeChikhwawa District is located in the Southern Region of the Republic of Malawi. It is bordered with four districts, namely, Mwanza to the North, Blantyre to the North East, Thyolo to the East, Nsanje to the South and it also shares an international border with Mozambique to the West. The District Headquarter is approximately 54 km away from Blantyre, the Commercial City of Malawi. The total area of the district is 4,755 sq. km, which is about 15 % and 5.04% of the area of Southern Region and national respectively.

Topography and GeologyThe district lies along the lower flat basin of Shire River, which is along the Great African Rift Valley characterised by meanders. Thyolo-Chikwawa Escarpment lies in the eastern side of the district and forms the major source of most rivers including important rivers like Maperera, Mwamphanzi, Nkudzi, Livunzu, Nkhate, Limphangwi, Likhubula and Chidzimbi. Inaddition, there are also other notable rivers in the district that includes Mwanza from Chapananga Catchment area, Phwadzi, Mkombedzi and Nyamikalango, Chidyamanga, Nyakamba and Lalanje originating from western side of Chikwawa and Shire River is the major outlet .

Basement complex rocks of pre-cambrian age, consisting greisses and granulite underlie most of the hills and uplands of Chikwawa. Sedimentary rocks of the Karoo system (grits, sandstones, shales and mudstones) and Mesozoic basalts are found in the Shire Valley Uplands in the West.

SoilsThe soils in Chikhwawa are deep, medium to fine textured, brown to very dark-grey in colour. The soils have a drainage, which varies from good to very poor. Soils in the uplands and hills are predominantly moderately deep, medium textured, well-drained and yellowish brown. Alkaline and slightly saline soils occur, at the edge of swamps, otherwise soils have a slightly acidic to neutral reaction.

VegetationChikhwawa is one of the districts in Malawi that enjoys both terrestrial and aquatic vegetation types. The terrestrial ecosystem of the district could be classified into two; acacia thicket clump savanna that is predominantly within Lengwe national Park. It comprises tree species like Acacia hygrescens, Acacia ataxacantha, Albizia harveyi, Dalbergia melanoxylon and pterocarpus lucens, and open/closed mixed woodland which comprise tree species such as Brachystegia spp, Julbernadic spp, Diplorynchus spp, Combretum spp, terminalia, sericea and scelerocary caffra.

The marsh grassland and reed vegetation predominate the aquatic ecosystem and is dominated by plants like Pistia straitoites, Pycrens mundtii, Cynodon dacitylon, Echnocloa colona, Vossia cuspidata, Euphorbia prostata, Ageratum conyzoides, Nymphea petersiana and Phragmites Mauritania.

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Population According to the 2008 Population and Housing Census, Chikhwawa District has a total population of 434,648 which is about 3.4 % of the national population. The average annual population growth rate is estimated at 1.1%, lower than the population growth rate in the country of 2.0 %. While NSO, 2008 projections shows that there are 450,609 people in the district of which 225,440 (representing 50.03 percent) is female population while male population is 225,169 (49.97%).

EconomyAgriculture provides the major source of livelihood for the for Chikhwawa district. Agriculture is the single most important sector of the economy as it employs about 80% of the workforce, and contributes over 80% of the foreign exchange earnings and also contributes to the national and household food security (MGDS, 2006-2011).

The major food crops being grown in the district include maize, rice, sorghum, and other horticultural crops, while rice, sweet potatoes are also grown at small scale. Maize is the main food crop seconded by sorghum which is a drought resistant crop suitable for the district which faces erratic rains in some rainy seasons. Cotton provides an economic outlet besides other activities like trading, handicrafts and transport businesses. The total land area is 471, 957 hectares of which 20, 118 hectares is dry arable land and 29,962 hectares is wet arable land. Estates occupy 19,000 hectares while public land covers 211,788 hectares.

Livestock rearing is one of the key agricultural activities in the district. The district has also common livestock like chicken, goats, cattle, pigs, sheep, rabbits, doves, and ducks which is a source of protein along with fish.

RoadsChikhwawa District has a road network comprising of 68 roads categorised into main roads, secondary roads, district roads, and feeder roads. There are two are main roads, and secondary roads, 10 district roads, and 54 feeder roads. Consultations with the District Council indicated that most of the feeder roads are in bad condition and need improvement in order to promote accessibility of social services and agricultural markets in the district. The road network in Chikhwawa is poor because most of the roads have black-cotton soil surface. People have limited access to various parts in the district especially during the wet season as the roads become slippery, eroded, and many roads have either a washed away bridge or a broken bridge.

EnvironmentChikhwawa District faces a lot of environmental problems. There are several factors contributing to the worsening environmental situation in the district. This has largely been attributed to lack of environmental awareness, weak environmental information system, inadequate institutional support to environmental management, and weak environmental legislation. There is decreasing forest cover due to energy demand (firewood and charcoal), opening of new gardens and settlement, brick making drying of rivers, a direct result of human actions, cultivation along river banks, grazing and cutting down of trees along river sources, hence, most rivers dry up in the dry season. There has also been loss of biodiversity, for instance, disappearance of certain fish, wildlife and tree species due to destruction of habitat, poaching and careless tree cutting.

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CHAPTER THREE:AGRICULTURE AND THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT

3.1 General SituationLandlocked Malawi ranks among the world's least development countries. The economy is predominantly agricultural, with about 85% of the population living in rural areas. Agriculture accounts for almost 40% of GDP and 85% of export revenues.

Malawi's economic reliance on the export of agricultural commodities renders it particularly vulnerable to external shocks such as declining terms of trade and drought. High transport costs, which can comprise over 30% of its total import bill, constitute a serious impediment to economic development and trade. Malawi imports most of the important products including fuel products and most of the fertilizers, making agricultural production expensive especially for smallholder agriculture.

The socio-economic environment is characterized by high interest rates, moderate inflation rate, high rates of HIV/AIDS, poor education and health facilities. The economy depends on substantial inflows of economic assistance from the IMF, the World Bank, and individual donor nations.

3.2 AgricultureMalawi has a dualistic agricultural economy, comprising an estate and a smallholder sector. Until recently, the estate sector had monopoly with respect to the production of certain export crops, e.g. tea and burley tobacco. Various shifts in policy including increased price incentives, extension of credit to the smallholder sector and deregulation of agricultural marketing, have led to a large increase in marketed output of certain crops, particularly maize and tobacco, from the smallholder sector. It is important to note that total land under smallholder production is high compared to total land under estate production. For instance in Lilongwe district, total smallholder land is 429 453 ha against 350 663 farm families while total estate land is 11525 ha against 25 estates (Lilongwe District Socio-Economic Profile, 12:2006).

Traditionally Malawi has been self-sufficient in its staple food, maize, mostly grown by smallholder farmers who mostly engage in subsistence farming. It is estimated that nearly 90% of the population engages in subsistence farming. Apart from maize, smallholder farmers produce a variety of other crops, beans, rice, cassava, tobacco, sorghum, millet and groundnuts (peanuts). The smallholder sector is itself increasingly differentiated, with a growing number of smallholders, including a disproportionate number of female headed households, cultivating less than 0.5 hectare, and unable to meet their subsistence needs. Apart from rain fed production, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is also promoting winter and/or irrigation production.

3.2.1 Agriculture and the Farmer Input Subsidy Program (FISP)The Government of Malawi reintroduced agricultural input subsidies in the 2005/2006 season with a view to increasing agricultural productivity and to improve food security at both household and national levels. Prior to that, subsidies were minimal especially after the introduction of Structural Adjustment Programs in the 1980s1. The declining production of

1 The World Bank and IMF recommended removal of subsidy programs in the 1980s, during the Structural Adjustment Programs. However in the mid 1990s the government introduced a starter pack program which was in form of subsidy, on a small scale and only for two years.

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the country’s main staple food maize, due to bad weather and low input uptake, among other reasons led to massive importation of maize for a number of years prior to 2005/06 and especially in 2002 and 2005. Government therefore, implemented the Input Subsidy Programme (ISP) of 140,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer for maize and tobacco in the 2005/2006 season.

Based on the successful season in 2005/2006 which led to the country attaining a surplus of 400, 000MT, the Farmer Input Subsidy Programme (FISP) was introduced in 2005/06 to promote access to inputs, in both maize and tobacco production, to increase agricultural productivity and food security. Subsidies are targeted to government selected beneficiaries, using (‘smart’) vouchers to provide access to specific inputs distributed through the (para)public and private input distribution system. A standard maize subsidy pack consisted of one voucher for a 50kg bag of 23:21:0+4S, one voucher for a 50kg bag of urea and one voucher for improved maize seed. The fertiliser vouchers were redeemable for MKw 950 and the seed voucher required no top-up. A total of 2.5 million beneficiaries were targeted at programme cost of MKw 12,415 million. In spite of critics, the programme was a success in terms of increased maize production (1.23 in 2005 to 2.61 million tons in 2006 - FAOStat). Due to its success, several donors (DFID, Norway, Irish Aid) joined in programme funding and evaluation in 2006. In the consecutive years, Malawi experienced a surplus against expected consumption of about 0.4 and 1.3 million metric tonnes of maize, in 07/08 and 08/09 respectively.

Figure 3.1 shows the yearly maize production during the past seven years. Generally, Malawi needs about 2.1 million MT of maize to fully satisfy Malawians in a year. From 2000 to 2005, only the production in 2003 came close to the national requirement. Most of the years have produced much less, to the point of massive maize importation in order to avert starvation. However during the past two years, since the introduction of the input subsidy program, maize production has considerably exceeded the minimal production, to the point of exporting the grain to Zimbabwe in 2006/2007.

2000/01

2001/02

2002/03

2003/04

2004/05

2005/06

2006/07

01000000200000030000004000000

Estimate of Maize ProductionAt National Level

Maize Pro...

Figure 3.1 National maize production

During the extensive consultations conducted with the farm families and both men and women farmers, in all the areas that were visited, it was noted that the farmers were using or were conversant with the use of hybrid maize seed varieties. They were also familiar with some conservation farming techniques which are promoted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security through the Agricultural Extension staff. In this respect, The ASWAp-SP, which is building upon some of the experiences of the present Agricultural Input Subsidy

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Programme, was not perceived to introduce significant different farming styles and needs for the farmers (including the women).

Currently the women and the majority of the farmers in the villages are aware of hybrid maize seed and its benefits. Some of the seed is supplied through the input subsidy programme and the rest is bought directly by the farmers from the commercial seed suppliers. Farmers who cannot afford hybrid maize seed use seed from previous harvest. This type of seed usually gives low yields and therefore the farmers prefer the hybrid seed varieties. In general, the farmers cannot afford good maize seed throughout the country and the seed to be supplied through the ASWAp-SP may be the only better seed supply option for the farmers. The main purpose of the ASWAp-SP is to improve the yield of the small scale farmers by providing them with appropriate targeted farm inputs, training and technology; thereby improving the farmers’ food security and nutrition. However, for those farmers who may harvest a few bags more than their food requirements, selling the surplus will provide them with some cash for their domestic needs and for additional agricultural inputs. Nevertheless the key objective of the project is not to turn the subsistence farmers into commercial farmers but rather to improve their access to adequate food. Therefore, the farmers will not require any commercial farming or marketing experience, although they will benefit from easy access to markets. In addition, the ASWAp-SP will target the existing subsistence farmers by providing them with better access to inputs and technology. Hence there is no opening up of new agricultural fields and expansion into virgin agricultural land. Consequently impacts of deforestation are not envisaged as a result of this programme.

3.2.2 Agriculture and MarketingFor smallholder farmers to sustain their production there is need for proper coordination between marketing and production. Since the majority of the smallholder farmers rely on agriculture as their main source of income, good output markets (in terms of prices and location) are important.

In Malawi, smallholder farmer’s access to markets is through ADMARC, Town Assembly Markets, District Markets and private traders. With the liberalisation of the market system, ADMARC and other government markets have moved out of the remote and rural areas leaving a window of opportunity to the private traders. This has created a gap as the window of opportunity has not been exploited by private traders due to the challenges of infrastructure (roads and warehouse). The gap has resulted in no competitive rural markets where farmers are faced with the low output markets for their produce (laws of supply and demand).

With the poor road network in rural areas, individual and corporative farmers are faced with the problems of transportation of their produce to urban markets to fetch good prices. Hence they are forced to sell to private traders at household level and at lower prices not competitive enough to break-even their cost.

3.2.3 Agriculture and Land TenureThe title to land in Malawi, recognised by the Land Act consists of three tenure categories of (a) Customary; (b) Private and; (c) Public.

(a) Customary land:Customary land refers to land that is held, occupied or used under customary laws, but does not include public land. Customary land constitutes about 65% of land in Malawi. According to the Customary Land (Development) Act Cap 59:01, “family land” is customary land which is held, occupied or used by members of the family on

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the allocation of the head of that family. In principle, family land is passed on to the members of the family and where there are disputes, these are resolved at the family level.

Partitioning of family land may be referred to the Local Land Board which will first ascertain the names of the members of the family entitled to a share of the land and the sizes of each such share. The Board, which is established in accordance with the provisions of the Local Land Boards act Cap 59:02 shall then effect the partition of the land with the agreement of the members with due regard to the rules of customary law affecting the land.

According to the different cultural practices in Malawi, land ownership varies depending on the marriage systems and customs. For example, people from the Northern Region and parts of the Southern Region such as Nsanje and Chikwawa practice a marriage system known as “lobola” or patrileneal. This is a system where the man pays dowry to the family of the woman as part of the marriage requirements. The man upon paying the dowry shoulders all the responsibility for the woman and his family. In this case, the woman ceases to own land which she may have possessed through her maiden family. In the Central Region, the man becomes part of the wife’s family (matrilineal), and he moves to stay at the woman’s place where he may have access to farmland belonging to the wife’s family. However, the land still remains the to the wife’s family.

Most of the proposed ASWAp-SP smallholder farming activities will take place on customary land and people’s rights to land, especially women and the disadvantaged persons rights will be protected by their customary rights and/or the Local Lands Boards Act.

(b) Public land:Public land is land that is occupied, used or acquired by the Government, and any other land including land which reverts to the Government on termination, surrender or falling-in of freeholds or leaseholds. It is allocated to a family or lineage and the family have a right of using the land almost to posterity. It constitutes about 21% of land in Malawi. The ASWAp-SP will also utilise some of this land.

(c) Private land:Private land is land which is owned, held or occupied under a freehold title, or leasehold title, or a certificate of claim or which is registered as private land under the Land Act. It constitutes about 14% of the land area in Malawi. Not many activities of the ASWAp-SP will take place on this type of land

3.2.4 Agriculture and Forest ResourcesAccording to the Malawi National Land Policy 2002, there are growing conflicts between agriculture and other land uses as both human and animal populations increase. The decline in soil fertility because of overuse or improper agricultural techniques has encouraged encroachment in forestland, conservation areas, watershed, wildlife and national parks. In 2000, 28% of the total land area was estimated by the Department of Forestry to be actual forests, of which 21% was under forest reserves, national parks and wildlife reserves and 7% under customary land. In 2004, forestry resources were estimated at 26% of the country’s total land area. The rate of deforestation is estimated to be at 2.8% per annum and is one of the highest in the Sub-Saharan region. About 52, 000 hectares of forest is cleared every year.

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The need for more land for cultivation, as cultivable land becomes scarce pushes farmers into marginal areas. The level of environmental damage from bush fires, poor farming practices and overgrazing calls for among other things, better and more efficient farming practices such as agro-forestry. The ASWAp-SP aims at improving the smallholder farming practices and productivity, thereby ensuring improved crop production per unit area of land. These efforts will contribute to the reduction of exploitation of marginal and forest areas.

The Government and Non-Governmental Organizations such as Total Land Care, Land Resource Centre and the European Union through Public works programme are involved in agro-forestry projects countrywide. For example, for the past three years, the Land Resource Centre sold 25 metric tons of tree seeds such as Tephrosia vogelli, tephrosia albida to Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Forestry Department, NGOs, CBOs and other donor funded projects. These seeds were specifically for agro-forestry through the Malawi Agro-forestry Extension Project (MAFE). The primary objectives are to control runoff and soil erosion, produce fuel wood for domestic use, improve soil fertility and crop yields, suppress weeds to reduce loss of soil moisture and nutrients, and reduce crop damage from pests. Approximately 50 metric tons of general tree seeds were also sold to the same institutions for purposes such as river bank protection. The Malawi Government, through the Departments of Forestry and Land Resources and Conservation have initiated a number of agro-forestry relate programmes to improve soil quality and maintain land cover across the country. Some of the important programmes initiated by government include the Malawi Agro-forestry Extension Programme, the Malawi National Tree Planting Month, the Promotion of Soil Conservation and Rural Conservation Project (PROSCARP) and others. Agro-forestry activities are mainly being promoted under the general National Rural Development Programme across the country.

Different services such as extension are also offered to farmers and front line extension staff to facilitate adoption of various agro-forestry technologies. The extension services are complemented by the provision of training materials in the form of posters, leaflets, booklets, manuals and training kits. The extension materials produced are in English and Chichewa languages depending on the targeted audience such as extension staff and farmers. The ASWAp-SP will support these already existing programs by the Government, through the Departments of Forestry and Land Resources and Conservation. 3.2.5 Agriculture and GenderWomen comprise 70% of full-time farmers. Major shifts in the agricultural economy over the 1980s have had considerable impact on the smallholder sector, which was previously neglected in favour of estate production of export crops. However, an increasing proportion of smallholders are functionally landless, including a high proportion of FHHs. The formal sector offers limited employment opportunities, especially for women, and is shrinking under fiscal pressures and liberalisation; the informal sector is correspondingly gaining in importance.

A growing number of micro-level studies have been undertaken on gender divisions of labour and, more specifically, on women’s allocation of time between different activities in rural areas in Malawi. It has been found that a substantial amount of agricultural labour, within the subsistence smallholder sector, is generally under the control of women. According to the Demographic and Health Survey, 2004, seven in ten women work in agriculture. Men’s labour input into subsistence production was more seasonal than that of women, however, being mainly concentrated in the post-harvest period (GOM/UNICEF, 1987). Thus, men

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make greater inputs into tobacco production than food production (whether marketed or not). Other potential cash crops (e.g. groundnuts) may be considered ‘women’s’ crops and thus their cultivation and marketing may be more under the control of female farmers. Table 3.1 shows the gender distribution in the agricultural occupation and Table 3.2 shows the level of women participation in other selected sectors.

Table 3.1 Gender Distribution in the Agricultural OccupationFEMALE AGE CATEGORY

PERCENT DISTRIBUTION IN AGRICULTURE (%)

MALE AGE CATEGORY

PERCENT DISTRIBUTION IN AGRICULTURE (%)

15-19 77.8 15-19 62.520-24 73.7 20-24 54.825-29 66.4 25-29 55.130-34 67.6 30-34 48.735-39 64.7 35-39 53.840-44 65.3 40-44 62.645-49 75.4 45-49 62.7

50-54 80.6Source: Demographic and Health Survey, 2004; National Statistical Office

Table 3.2 Women Participation in Selected SectorsCATEGORY STATISTICS BY YEAR (%)

1991 2000Ratio of boys to girls in Primary and Secondary School

79.7 91.8

1990 2006Ration of young Literate women to men (age 15 – 24)

67.6 86.1

1990 2000 2006Women in national parliament 10 8 13.6

1990 2000 2004Share of women employed in the non-agricultural sector

10.5 11.8 12.4

Source: Africa Development Indicators, 2007 (MDGs, Goal 3)

During the public consultations and field investigations for this study, it was quite clear that women continue to dominate in some roles in subsistence agriculture. There was a similar trend to the one clarified in the above paragraph, with most women involved in basic work while the work that has some cash implications tends to be for men. Table 3.3 gives results of the survey on gender roles in agriculture according to the districts, regions and national levels.

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Table 3.3 Gender Allocation Activities in the Districts VisitedACTIVITY

DISTRICT

Central Region Southern Region Northern Region TOTAL

Mch

inji

Salim

a

Lilo

ngw

e

Ntc

heu

Tot

als i

n C

entr

al

Reg

ion

Chi

kwaw

a

Bla

ntyr

e

Mul

anje

Mac

hing

a

Tot

als i

n So

uthe

rn R

egio

n

Nkh

atab

ay

Kar

onga

Mzi

mba Tot

als i

n N

orth

ern

Reg

ion

TO

TA

LS

(NA

TIO

NA

L)

Preparation of gardens

M 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 4F 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 9C 0 0 0 0A 0 0 1 1 2 2

Registration for inputs

M 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 1 3 11F 1 1 0 1 1 1 3 4C 0 0 0 0A 0 0 0 0

Collection and transportation of inputs

M 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 1 3 10F 1 1 2 1 1 2 0 4C 0 0 0 0A 0 0 0 0

Storage and care of inputs

M 1 1 2 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 3 7F 1 1 2 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 3 7C 0 0 0 0A 0 0 0 0

Application of inputs

M 0 0 0 0F 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 3 0 6C 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 3 0 6A 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 5

Crop harvesting

M 0 0 0 0F 1 1 1 3 1 1 0 4C 1 1 3 1 1 0 3A 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 3 7

Crop transportation

M 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 4 0 7F 1 1 1 1 2 0 3C 0 0 0 0A 0 0 1 1 1 3 3

Crop storage structures (construction)

M 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 4 0 8F 0 0 0 0C 0 0 0 0A 0 0 1 1 1 3 3

Maintenance of stock

M 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 1 3 11F 0 1 1 0 1C 0 0 0 0A 0 0 0 0

Crop fumigation

M 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 3 6F 1 1 1 3 1 1 2 1 1 1 3 5C 1 1 1 3 1 1 0 4A 0 0 0 0

Crop use and sale

M 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 1 3 11F 1 1 1 3 1 1 2 1 1 1 3 8C 0 0 0 0A 0 0 0 0

Key: 1 – stands for the groups that dominate in the activity

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The table shows distribution of farm activities among smallholder farmers in terms of dominance in different activities. From the table, based on the total region and national results, the figures indicate activities dominated by females, males and children even though all family members may be involved in all these activities. For instance, preparation of gardens in the central and southern regions is dominated by females (4 against 1 in the Central and 4 against 2 in the Southern Regions). Contrary in the Northern Region both females and males are active in preparation of gardens. On the other hand, the overall national picture shows females being more active in preparation of gardens. The registration and acquiring of inputs is dominated by males in all the three regions (total of 11 males involvement against 4 females).

From the table it can be concluded that females dominate in farm labour activities, i.e. preparation of gardens and application of inputs while men are more involved in acquiring of inputs and construction of storage facilities. Family decisions on storage and sale of crops is dominated by males in all the three regions although joint family decisions are common. It is important to note that this pattern is most common in a household setting. However, although decision on sales is dominated by males, it is common for the proceeds of sale to equally be enjoyed by all members of the family.

According to the Agriculture HIV and AIDS policy (2003-2008), the agriculture sector has strived for gender empowerment in all aspects of participation to ensure access to and control over production assets, information, technologies, land, credit, inputs and resource persons.

The MoAFS has a task force that vets all programs at concept stage, to ensure that cross cutting issues such as gender are mainstreamed. The Agriculture Gender Roles and Extension Support Services (AGRESS), in the Department of Extension Services (DAES) of the MoAFS takes the leading role in gender mainstreaming. DAES is the focal point for the Ministry of Women and Child Development. This collaboration ensures proper coordination and incorporation of gender issues into all development programs of the MoAFS. One of the strategies to ensure enforcement or promotion of the gender policy for the MoAFS is the formation of a parallel structure on gender at all levels of the Ministry.

According to the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the minimum participation of women in farmer clubs and committees is estimated at 30%, although most of the forestry committees have an average of 40% women participation. This level of participation is achieved through different awareness and leadership training programs that are organised in coordination with the Malawi Gender Trainers Team; a team of experts from different public and private sector organizations (Civil Society Gender Network), which provide capacity building services to all sectors, depending on specific requirements and needs.

The Ministry of Women and Child Development notes that women participation has improved from the time Malawi changed her political system to democracy. It is reported that in 1994, women participation in politics was at 5.6%, while in 1999, the participation improved to 8.8%. Currently, women participation is estimated at 14.6% although in key decision making positions such as that for Principal Secretaries of different Ministries, women participation is now at 20%. Parastatals have 22.2% women participation in different leadership positions. The Government is striving to ensure that women participation in all sectors reaches a minimum of 30%, in line with the Millennium Development Goals (MGDs).

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For the ASWAp-SP, gender mainstreaming is important as it will facilitate equal or optimal distribution of roles and responsibilities; equal and fair access and control of inputs and credit; and division of labour. AGRESS will, among other strategies, use Gender Analysis to develop appropriate gender guidelines for the ASWAp-SP. Sensitisation and encouragement of women will be done to ensure that they confidently participate more in the different agricultural activities. In this regard the monitoring indicators (Table 6.2) include key indicators for monitoring women empowerment and participation.

The ASWAp draft project document and process has mainstreamed gender, HIV and AIDS by ensuring that the related actions are planned, funded and advocated for. The mainstreaming process will also ascertain that the monitoring and evaluation systems have gender disaggregated indicators to ensure that gender and HIV and AIDS issues are continuously monitored and actions taken to address issues emerging during implementation.

Gender and HIV and AIDS related actions planned by the ASWAp include the following: Implement the maize input (seed and fertilizer) subsidy programme in an equitable

and gender sensitive way; Promote improved on-farm processing and storage technologies (food and seed),

especially amongst women farmers to reduce their storage related workload; Create a conducive environment and mobilise women farmers to actively participate

in the export market; Promote contract farming and farmers’ organizations (cooperatives), women’s and

youth agricultural clubs for specific commodities or value chains for e.g. tobacco, cotton, sugar and tea; and

Develop gender, HIV and AIDS analysis and mainstreaming skills at all levels, beginning with focal points.

The above actions will be monitored using the following indicators:

1. Gender disparities 2. Enhanced capacity of girls, women, boys and men3. The level of decision making by women 4. The status and roles of girls, women, boys and men in agricultural development.

The ASWAp plans to employ gender sensitive research methods that disaggregate data by sex, location and age of farmers. The information obtained will be used to generate research data that is relevant for gender-sensitive policy and programme formulation to enable the ASWAp to:

4 Revise the agriculture sector policies to be gender, HIV and AIDS responsive, including revision of the gender, HIV and AIDS and formation of a plan of action and budget;

5 Revise agricultural monitoring and evaluation systems to ensure that indicators are gender disaggregated and where data is missing, collect the data;

6 Design and implement a sector-wide capacity building programme targeting all members of staff including senior management on the gender, HIV and AIDS;

7 Establish and train focal point staff on gender, HIV and AIDS mainstreaming;8 Conduct regular operations research on gender, HIV and AIDS and documentation of

best practices for scaling up;9 Develop a visibility strategy for the promotion of gender, HIV and AIDS in the

ASWAp at village and work place levels-combined with advocacy strategy;

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10 Review agricultural delivery and operational structures to support gender, HIV and AIDS responsive programmes

Indicators for successful implementation of gender mainstreaming will include: % of farmers by gender categories using fertilizer; % of farmers by gender categories adopting an improved technology (to be

specified); % of farmers by gender categories being member of a farmer organization; % of farmers by gender categories having access to credit; % of farmers engaging in income generating activities.

This information is currently missing and is vital item in monitoring changes at sector level and as feedback for policy discussions and for management decisions in the Ministry of Agriculture.

3.2.6 Agriculture and Health, HIV and AIDS

Agriculture being labour demanding, one’s health is crucial in production. Health care is provided at health centres spread across the districts, district hospitals and central hospitals. Government initiative is supplemented with churches and private sector support. Issues of HIV and AIDS and malnutrition are the main health challenges facing the agriculture sector.

Recent estimates made by the National AIDS Commission indicate infection rates in women attending antenatal clinics varying from 10% in rural areas to nearly 30% in urban areas. The high infection rate of HIV in women of childbearing age suggests that many children are born HIV infected. The HIV infection in people aged 15-49 is concentrated in younger age groups (15-24 years), particularly women. Most of these HIV infected individuals do not yet know their status (Agriculture HIV and AIDS Policy and Strategy document, February 2007). According to the Policy Document, HIV and AIDS and its related diseases have affected the agriculture activities in several ways which include:

(a) Eroding of agriculture staff at all levels due to HIV and AIDS infection(b) Loss of income by employees in commercial agriculture. Income is diverted to

support infected and affected households(c) Loss of workers in commercial agriculture which result in reduction of labour(d) Shift in crop production from labour intensive cash crops to low labour demanding

crops mainly food crops only. The infection of HIV and AIDS has left women with more community work (caring for the sick and orphans and funeral services) hence they no longer have the extra time to devote themselves to farm labour production.

(e) Loss of physical assets such as land and livestock - these are sold for the households to earn cash to care for the sick or additional members of the house (orphans)

The ASWAp will assess HIV prevention and AIDS impact mitigation based on the following and other factors:

1. HIV related morbidity and mortality attrition 2. Resilience and household coping mechanisms3. HIV infection risks and vulnerabilities

3.2.7 Agriculture and Pest Management

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Due to drawbacks of reliance on pesticides, a crop protection approach (IPM) that is centred on local farmer needs and is sustainable, appropriate, environmentally safe and economic to use is prepared as a separate Pest Management Plan for the ASWAp-SP. The requirement for adoption of IPM in farming systems is emphasized in the World Bank operational policy, OP 4.09, which supports safe, effective, and environmentally sound pest management aspects, such as the use of biological and environmental friendly control methods.

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CHAPTER FOUR: RELEVANT LEGISLATION AND THE WORLD BANK POLICY

4.1 Malawi Legislation Relevant to the ASWAp-SP

Malawi has, over the past ten years, developed a number of new policies and legislation to guide environmentally sustainable development in the various sectors of the economy. Outlined below are the policies and legislation that have a bearing on agriculture and the ASWAp-SP in particular.

4.1.1 Policy Framework

4.1.1.1 The Constitution of the Republic of Malawi (1995)

The Constitution of Malawi provides a foundation for environmental management in Malawi. Sections 13 (d) and (e) define the role of the State in environmental management as follows:

(a) To manage the environment responsibly in order to:i. Prevent degradation of the environment;ii. Provide healthy living and working environment for the people of Malawi;iii. Accord full recognition to the rights of future generations by means of

environmental protection and sustainable development of natural resources;iv. Conserve and enhance the biodiversity of Malawi.

(b) To enhance the quality of life in rural communities and to recognize rural standards of living as a key indicator in the success of Government policies.

With respect to gender equality, the Constitution under Section 13 (e) gives the State the responsibility to achieve gender equality for women through:

i. Full participation of women in all spheres of Malawian society on the basis of equality with men;

ii. The implementation of principles of non-discrimination and such other measures as may be required;

iii. The implementation of policies to address social issues such as domestic violence, security of the person, lack of maternity benefits, economic exploitation and rights to property.

The implication of this is that Government has a responsibility of ensuring that development programmes and projects (including those in agriculture) are undertaken in an environmentally responsible manner with the ultimate aim of attaining sustainable development and to the benefit of all including women and future generations.

4.1.1.2 National Environmental Action Plan (1994)

The National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP) developed in 1994 and updated in 2004 provides a framework for integrating the environment into all socio-economic development activities of the country. The objectives of the NEAP are to: document and analyse all major environmental issues and measures to alleviate them; promote sustainable use of natural resources in Malawi; and develop an environmental protection and management plan. The NEAP identifies the following as key environmental issues to be addressed: soil erosion, deforestation, water resources degradation and depletion, threat to fish resources, threat to biodiversity, human habitat degradation, high population growth, air pollution and climatic change. Most of the issues identified are linked to agriculture and therefore any efforts to address the issues will involve and benefit the agriculture sector.

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In order to protect the environment from further degradation; the NEAP outlines actions that need to be undertaken and to ensure adequate environmental protection. The actions relevant to the ASWAp-SP include to:

Discourage cultivation on marginal lands (steep slopes and river banks) Promote of agro-forestry; Construct permanent physical conservation structures such as storm water drains,

terraces and bunds; Promote crop rotation; Promote mixed and intercropping by smallholder farmers; Improve land productivity through sustainable land saving technologies; Intensify training of farmers in improved farming practices; Improve management of forest resources on customary land; Promote proper handling and use of agrochemicals.

The ASWAp-SP has elements of these actions as strategies to increase the agricultural productivity of the smallholder farmer.

4.1.1.3 National Environmental Policy, 2004

Malawi's National Environmental Policy is aimed at promotion of sustainable social and economic development through sound management of the environment and natural resources. The policy seeks, among other things, to: secure for all persons now and in the future an environment suitable for their health and well being; promote efficient utilization and management of the country’s natural resources and encourage, where appropriate long- term self-sufficiency in food, fuelwood and other energy requirements; facilitate the restoration, maintenance and enhancement of the ecosystems and ecological processes essential for the functioning of the biosphere and prudent use of renewable resources; integrate sustainable environment and natural resources management into the decentralized governance systems and ensure that the institutional framework for the management of the environment and natural resources supports environmental governance in local government authorities; enhance public education and awareness of various environmental issues and public participation in addressing them; and promote local community, NGO and private sector participation in environment and natural resource management.

The key principles that apply to the proposed project are that:

a) Every person has a right to a clean and healthy environment;

b) Every person has a duty to promote sustainable utilisation and management of the environment and natural resources, including taking legal action against any person whose activities or omissions have or are likely to have adverse effects on the environment;

c) Women should effectively participate in policy, program and project design and implementation to enhance their role in natural resource use and management activities;

d) There is need to use natural resources sustainably to support long-term food security and sustainable economic growth;

e) Rational and secure tenure over land and resources is a fundamental requirement for sustainable natural resource management; and

f) Tradeoffs between economic development and environmental degradation can be minimised through use of EIA and environmental monitoring.

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For the proposed ASWAp-SP, it is important to recognize the linkage between environment and development. It is also important to realize that the two are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary. More important for the ASWAp-SP whose key objective is food security, the programme should integrate gender, children and other vulnerable groups’ concerns in environmental planning at all levels, to ensure sustainable social and economic development.

4.1.1.4 National Land Policy, 2002

The National Land Policy focuses on land as a basic resource common to all people of Malawi. It provides the institutional framework for democratizing the management of land and outlines the procedures for protecting land tenure rights, land-based investments and management of development at all levels. It ultimately seeks to promote optimum utilization of Malawi’s land resources for development.

The policy recognizes agriculture development as the major benefactor land use sector and highlights a number of approaches for addressing problems facing land resources. Some of provisions relevant to the ASWAp-SP are that:

The policy guarantees full legal protection of the customary land tenure to the people of Malawi, to enable the ordinary Malawians adequately participate in agricultural activities and other rural livelihoods;

The policy recognizes several sectoral policies and strategies in physical planning, fisheries, environment, forestry, irrigation and wildlife and for this reason; it encourages multi-sectoral approach in land use and management at local and districts level;

The policy recognises social actions that influence and control people’s use of land and realises that the rights of women, children and the disabled are usually denied on the basis of customs and traditions; or disregarded due to prejudice and lack of effective presentation. In view of this and of the increasing land pressure due to population growth, the policy calls for clear consideration of gender and the rights of children and the disabled (including those affected by the HIV and AIDS pandemic) in planning and implementation strategies of land based investments.

The policy requires that environmental impact assessment be undertaken for all big land development projects, and those planned in fragile ecosystems in order to protect biodiversity and water resources.

The policy recognises the damaging effects of poor agricultural methods and land use practices. Chief among these is high smallholder population concentrations, primitive agriculture technologies and soil erosion. The ASWAp-SP as defined in its objectives intends to address these impacts.

Two main statutes which regulate land use are the Land Act and the Town and Country Planning Act, Number 26, 1988. These statutes deal with land tenure and land use quite comprehensively. The issues of land tenure and land use are recognized as critical in sustainable environmental management in Malawi. The Land Act and The Town and Country Planning Act highlight the sustainable use of land resources by strengthening and clearly defining security of tenure. This is essential, as people are more inclined to manage well, land that belongs to them.

In terms of the ASWAp this implies that land protection and management principles should be adhered to in order to preserve land resources for the benefit of current and future generations. It also implies that the ASWAp will adopt a multi-sectoral approach in protection and conservation of the land resources in question.

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Chapter 10 of the Land Policy, 2002 deals with inter-sectoral coordination and relations. The chapter highlights the need for collective responsibility for monitoring of the land resources, forging strong inter-ministerial commitments to land stewardship in Malawi, feedback from land sector agencies and their regulatory processes to inform land use decision-making, recognition of the importance of maize production and food self-sufficiency in a dualistic agricultural sector, and consideration for land use proposed in other sectors. The ASWAp-SP will not only integrate these policy requirements but also adopt a multi-sectoral approach in monitoring the effects of the programme on land resources.

4.1.1.5 National Water Policy, 2004

The National Water Policy 2004 addresses all aspects of water including resource management, development, and service delivery conforming to the current global and regional trends and the requirements as reflected under the Millennium Development Goals. The overall policy goal is sustainable management and utilisation of water resources in order to

provide water of acceptable quality and of sufficient quantities, ensure availability of efficient and effective water and sanitation services that satisfy the

basic requirements of every Malawian and; enhance the country’s natural ecosystems.

One of its objectives is promoting public and private sector participation in water resources management, development, supply and conservation. The principles that will guide the implementation of this project include the following:

Management, protection and conservation of water resources to be undertaken in an integrated manner;

All people to have access to potable water and sanitation services to reduce incidences of water related diseases;

Water resources shall be optimally, equitable and rationally allocated and regulated to ensure sustainable optimal economic returns and social enhancement;

Water resources management will be based on the concept of decentralisation and will promote local participation with the catchment as the unit of water management;

Promote the empowerment of user communities to own, manage and invest in water resources development;

Pollution of water resources shall follow the “Polluter Pays” principle to ensure water user responsibility.

4.1.1.6 The National Forest Policy of Malawi (1996) and the Forestry Act (1997)

This policy aims at promoting sustainable contribution of national forests, woodlands and trees towards improvement of the quality of life in the country by conserving the resources for the benefit of the nation and to the satisfaction of diverse and changing needs of Malawi population, particularly rural smallholders. The Policy prevents changes in land-use, which promote deforestation, constrain farm forestry or endanger the protection of forests with cultural or biodiversity or water catchment conservation values, and it also discourages excisions in gazetted forest, except in cases of environment friendly public utility, for which suitable inter-sectoral and local consultations will be established.

The Policy further recognizes environmental impact assessment as an important tool for new projects as one way of promoting sustainable management of forest resources.

The Forestry Act under Part V provides for the protection of customary land forests through village forest areas and management agreements. It is not expected that these resources will

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be under pressure as a result of the ASWAp-SP. However it is essential that the ASWAp-SP should recognise the presence of the existing local institutions including the village natural resources management committees, formed under this Act. The Act also emphasizes the right of individuals to natural trees which should also be recognised under the ASWAp-SP.

Part IV of the Act deals with forest reserves and protected forest areas. It highlights the need for preparing management plans and participatory management of forest reserves. In this regard the Director of Forestry may enter into agreement with local communities for implementation of the management plan that is mutually acceptable to both parties. The ASWAp-SP will consider the importance of such existing agreements as one way of protecting forest reserves and other protected forestry areas, should the need arise.

The ASWAp-SP is undertaking an environmental and social impact of the program to ensure that adverse impacts arising from the program are avoided, minimized and mitigated. However it should be noted that the ASWAp-SP is targeting improved access to agricultural inputs and technologies on existing small holder farm land. In this regard, there should be very little or no significant impacts on forest areas.

4.1.1.7 Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (2006-2011)

The Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MDGS) is the overarching operational medium-term strategy for Malawi designed to attain the nation’s vision 2020. The MDGS builds on the Malawi Economic and Growth Strategy (MEGS) that emphasises the need to create a conducive environment for private sector investment to stimulate economic growth. It also incorporates lessons from the implementation of the Malawi Poverty and Reduction Strategy (MPRS). The main aim of the MDGS is to create wealth through sustainable economic growth and infrastructure development as a means of achieving poverty reduction.

The MDGS has identified six priority areas of agriculture and food security; irrigation and water development; transport infrastructure development; energy generation and supply; integrated rural development; and prevention and management of nutrition disorders and highlights the main development strategies identified for the key priority areas and thematic focus areas. The strategies relevant to the ASWAp are as follows:

Agriculture and Food Security: Key strategies include contract farming, strengthening linkages of farmers to markets, provision of effective extension services, increased livestock production to meet domestic demand, orienting smallholders to greater commercialisation and international competitiveness and improving agricultural productivity.

Irrigation and Water Development: The long term goal is ensure that water resources are well protected and managed to meet agricultural, domestic and industrial demands. The strategies for achieving this goal include catchment management.

Prevention and Management of Nutrition Disorders, HIV and AIDS: The long term goal is to prevent further spread of HIV and AIDS and to mitigate its impact on the socio-economic and psychosocial status of the general population and high risk groups and reducing levels of malnutrition among all Malawians. Strategies include increase the number of people accessing voluntary counselling and testing and ARVs, increase nutrition therapy for people living with HIV, increase HIV/AIDS awareness among the people.

The MDGS recognises the need to invest in social development through education, health, good governance, gender mainstreaming in national development and the need to protect the most vulnerable.

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Hence the ASWAp should integrate the strategies of the MDGS into the programme to ensure that it is line with government policy and contributes towards sustainable economic growth and consequent poverty reduction.

4.1.2 Legal Framework

4.1.2.1 Environment Management Act, 1996

The Environment Management Act provides the legal basis for the protection and management of the environment and the conservation and sustainable utilization of the natural resources.

The Act under Section 24 specifies the types and sizes of activities in Malawi that require an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before they can be implemented. A prescribed list of projects to which (EIA) applies is provided in the Guidelines for EIA, 1997.

The Act further outlines the EIA process to be followed in Malawi; and requires that all project developers in both the public and private sectors comply with the process. The Act under section 26 (3) further requires that no licensing authority issue any license for a project for which an EIA is required unless the Director of Environmental Affairs (DEA) has given consent to proceed; on the basis of a satisfactory EIA or non-requirement of an EIA. Non-compliance with the EIA requirements is an offence and attracts penalties.

4.1.2.2 Land Act (1965)

The Land Act (Cap 59.01) is the principle legal framework in land administration and management. Under this Act Land is classified as follows: -

(a) Public Land

This land includes all land, which is occupied by the government and any other land, not being customary land or private land. By implication it also includes:-

1. Any land which was public land within the meaning of Nyasaland or Malawi African Trust Land) Orders (Now repealed).

2. Any land held by the Government consequent or upon a reversion thereof from any freehold or leasehold estate.

(b) Private Land

This includes all land, which is owned, held or occupied under freehold title, or a leasehold title or a certificate of claim or which is registered as private under the Registered Land Act (Cap 58.01).

(c) Customary Land Tenure

Customary land includes all land which is held, used or occupied under customary law but does not include public or private land. All Customary land is vested in the President of the country. The president delegates his stewardship roles to traditional authorities. Customary land is governed by customary law which is a complex mixture of community rules of conduct, leadership roles and principles relating to land control and access. Customary tenure implies that the land is not owned as such but held in trust by a chief on behalf of the people. Customary tenure rules vary from area to area but core principles on management, access and control are similar.

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The total customary land area in Malawi is estimated at 6.1 Million hectares (CLUS, 1998). The majority of this land is in the Central Region (39.0%) followed by the Southern Region (33% and the Northern Region 28%. The distribution of total customary land by ADD indicates that Mzuzu A.D.D has 19.4% of the total customary land, followed by Kasungu ADD (16.4%), Machinga 15.7% and Lilongwe ADD (14.5%). The Shire valley is the smallest ADD in terms of customary land area.

The ASWAp-SP will mostly relate to the customary land tenure described above. This implies that major decisions concerning land will basically be made by traditional authorities under the framework of the local Government Act 1998. This means that technical and financial decisions under the ASWAp-SP will have to be made in liaison with local authorities.

4.1.2.3 Water Resources Act (1969)

The Water Resources Act provides for the control, conservation, apportionment and use of water resources of Malawi. The Act vests ownership of all public water in the President while the control of all public water is vested in the Minister responsible for water affairs. The Act prohibits any person to divert, dam, store, abstract or use public water or for any such purpose construct or maintain any works except in accordance with a water right. The Act further prohibits any person to interfere, alter the flow of or pollute or foul any public water and non-compliance is an offence.

The ASWAp-SP should be guided by the provisions of the Act to avoid discharge of agrochemicals into water courses by training the farmers in proper use and management of agrochemicals.

4.1.2.4 Pesticides Act (2000)

The Act provides for the control and management of import, export, manufacture, distribution, storage, disposal and use of pesticides.

The Act provides for the establishment of a Pesticides Control Board which is responsible for the control and management of all pesticides in Malawi. The Board is responsible for: registration, control and management of all pesticides in Malawi; issuing guidelines on the environmentally sound handling or use of pesticides; conducting public educational campaigns on the safe handling and use of pesticides.

A Pest Management Plan has been prepared for the ASWAp-SP to comply with the requirements of the Pesticides Act and also OP 4.09 on Pest Management.

4.1.2.5 Forestry Act (1997)

The Forestry Act provides for participatory forestry, forest management, forestry research, forestry education, forest industries, protection and rehabilitation of environmentally fragile areas. The act among other things seeks to: augment, protect and manage trees and forests on customary land in order to meet basic fuelwood and forest produce needs of local communities and for the conservation of soil and water; promote community involvement in the conservation of trees and forests in forest reserves and protected forest areas; prevent resources degradation and to increase socio-economic benefits; promote community involvement in conservation of trees and forests; promote optimal land use practices through

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agroforestry in small holders farming systems; protect fragile areas such as steep slopes, river banks, water catchment and to conserve and enhance biodiversity.

The Act under Section 28 highlights an environmental impact assessment as an important tool for making an informed decision for granting permission for developments in protected forest reserves. This provision is consistent with the provisions of Guidelines for Environmental Impact Assessment.

4.1.3 Administrative Framework

The Environment Management Act sets out the powers, functions and duties of the Director of Environmental Affairs in administering the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process. The Act further provides for the establishment of the National Council for the Environment (NCE) and the Technical Committee on the Environment (TCE) under Sections 10 and 16 respectively. The NCE is a policy making body which advises EAD and the Government in general, on environmental matters including making recommendations to the Minister on decisions to be undertaken on EIA submissions. The TCE provides technical advice to the Department on environmental matters including EIA. This ESIA will have to be reviewed by the TCE and recommended to the NCE for approval.

In 1998, the Government approved the Decentralisation Policy which devolves administration and political authority to the district level and integrates governmental agencies at the district and local levels into single administrative units. The Decentralization Policy assigns certain responsibilities to District Assemblies. One of the responsibilities is to assist the government in the management and preservation of the environment and natural resources. In this regard, the Government has established the position of Environmental District Officers who have a vital role to play in the integration of environmental concerns into district development planning and development in the District Assemblies. Implementation of the ESIA will therefore be the responsibility of the District Assemblies in the project impact areas.

4.1.4 International Conventions

Malawi endorses and adheres to a number of internationally acceptable policies, conventions, treaties and protocols. Those of relevance to the ASWAp-SP are:

(a) Convention of Biological Diversity(b) Convention to Combat Desertification(c) Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants(d) Convention on International Plant Protection(e) Convention on Wetlands of International Importance(f) Convention concerning the protection of world and natural heritage(g) African Convention on Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources(h) United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change(i) FAO International Undertaking on Plant Genetic Resources

4.1.5 Agricultural Policies

4.1.5.1 HIV/AIDS in the Agriculture Sector Policy and Strategy, 2003-2008; 2003

The HIV and AIDS policy and strategy for the agriculture sector was developed in 2003 with an overall objective of mainstreaming HIV/AIDS and gender issues into all agricultural programmes and projects. The Department of Agricultural extension is the focus in the implementation of the HIV and AIDS policy. The Policy specifically aims at the following objectives:

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Promotion of gender based participation of the agriculture sector as part of the national HIV and AIDS response;

Addressing the HIV and AIDS epidemic both in the workplace and at community level in the agriculture sector;

Mobilizing resources for the implementation of HIV and AIDS agriculture sector response;

Provision of administrative support for the implementation of the sectoral HIV and AIDS strategic framework; and

Advocating legislative support for the HIV and AIDS Policy in the agriculture sector.The proposed Agricultural Development programme (A.D.P-SP) will benefit from this policy especially by incorporating HIV and AIDS strategies highlighted in the policy. The strategies include:

1. Gender mainstreaming such as development of guidelines for mainstreaming HIV and AIDS prevention, care, support and treatment to reduce the effects of service disparities;

2. Economic empowerment, which include initiation of diversified agribusiness and non-agro based small-scale enterprises; improvement of the economic status of disadvantaged groups especially women through enhanced access to credit, skills training and employment; and strengthening the existing community-based women’s organizations in the sector to improve and expand the provision of services;

3. Food and Nutrition Security strategy through building community based capacity in food processing and nutrition education, and developing food-processing technologies to expand on agro-based industry and household food availability;

4. Expanded HIV and AIDS Communication through provision of support to the development of Behaviour Change Interventions (BCI) and Information Education and Communication (IEC) materials;

5. Community Based Support Strategy e.g. Mobilizing communities in HIV/AIDS prevention and mitigation;

6. Human Resource Protection such as implementation of HIV and AIDS workplace programmes and implementation of capacity building programme in the agriculture sector for the purpose of immediate filling of vacancies;

7. Workplace HIV and AIDS Strategy by increasing access to relevant information to match with the pace of HIV and AIDS epidemic; and

8. HIV and AIDS Action Research Development. This is in form of instituting a variety of Agriculture based HIV and AIDS research at community level and work place in all Agriculture Programs, conducting research in labour saving technologies, and compiling appropriate data on crop diversification, food processing and labour saving technologies relating to HIV/AIDS and agriculture.

4.1.5.2 Food Security Policy, 2006

The food security policy was developed with along term goal of significantly improving the food security of the Malawi population. The policy further incorporates mainstreaming of cross-cutting issues in the operation process as guided by respective national policies and strategies. The cross-cutting issues include HIV and AIDS, Environment, Gender equity and empowerment, and Science and Technology. The need for this policy during ASWAp-SP implementation can not be overemphasized since component 2 is mainly aiming at ensuring Sustainable Food Security. The strategies outlined in the Food Security Policy will be of paramount importance to the proposed Agricultural Development Programme.

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4.1.5.3 New Era Agricultural Policy: A Strategic Agenda for Addressing Economic Development and Food Security in Malawi, 2005

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Securitydeveloped the new Era Agricultural Policy in 2005 to outline the actions to be implemented by the Government and other stakeholders in the agriculture sector in an effort to create ‘a nation with sustainable food security and increased agro-based incomes’. The Proposed programme is one of the actions, which should entirely utilize the short term, medium term and long term strategies of the policy such as production of commodities in areas with comparative advantages, rehabilitation of all farmer training centres and development of appropriate technologies such as high yielding, drought and disease tolerant crop varieties and livestock breeds respectively.

4.1.5.4 Contract Farming Strategy, 2007

The strategy seeks to achieve economic growth and development in the agriculture sector. Firstly, the strategy seeks to cushion farmers’ weaknesses in the production, processing and marketing of various agricultural commodities. Secondly, this strategy aims at enhancing forward and backward market linkages as advocated in the country’s referral policy framework, the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS). Lastly the strategy provides the need for the interested parties to transfer new technologies to the farmers and hence enable them access lucrative markets with minimal risks. The ASWAp-SP may benefit from efforts made under this strategy for farmers to market excess produce.

The proposed ASWAp-SP will benefit quite a lot from this strategy since the strategy will also promote increased productivity through the active participation of small-scale farmers in the agribusiness demand and supply chains. In addition, the farmers will have increased access to technical support in extension services, farm inputs, managerial support, improved average prices, value adding, guaranteed market and good bargaining power.

4.1.5.5 Agriculture Extension in the New Millennium Policy, 2000

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security developed the Agriculture Extension in the New Millennium Policy in the year 2000. The policy mainly aims at accommodating different changes such as market liberalization and de-linking of agricultural credit from extension services. Furthermore, the policy addresses challenges faced by farmers such as dwindling land holding sizes, declining soil fertility and HIV and AIDS crisis. Since the Agricultural Extension department is one of the Key departments within the Ministry of Agriculture and also in ASWAp-SP implementation, the strategies outlined in this policy will play an important role in ensuring the success of the programme.

4.1.5.6 Strategic Plan to Improve Livestock Production 2003-2008, 2003

This strategic plan was developed by the Department of Animal Health and Livestock Development (DAHLD) to improve the livestock sub-sector in Malawi. The strategic plan outlines and details the specific issues, actions, strategies and activity targets that the department envisages undertaking and achieving. It further focuses on contributing to poverty reduction and enhancement of the availability of livestock and livestock products to markets. The proposed ASWAp-SP may have to align itself with the DAHLD, in order to identify synergies for income generating activities for the maize small holder farmers, in efforts to further reduce poverty.

4.1.5.7 National Land Resources Management Policy and Strategy, 2000

The national Land Resources Management Policy and Strategy was a first attempt at documenting a set of policy on land use and management in the history of Malawi. The policy was developed under the International Scheme for the Conservation and Rehabilitation

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of African Lands (ISCRAL) to which Malawi is a signatory. In addition, it is consistent with the recommendations made in the National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP), 1994.

The policy addresses issues such as land capability, land degradation, land suitability, land tenure, land conservation, soil erosion, water course systems and sustainable land use. Its overall policy goal is to promote the efficient, diversified and sustainable use of land based resources both for agriculture and other uses in order to avoid sectoral land use conflicts and ensure sustainable socio-economic development. This is important to the implementation process of the propose A.D.P to ensure that the envisaged increase in agricultural production and productivity promotes land resources conservation in accordance with the strategy.

4.1.5.8 Land Resources Conservation Strategic Plan 2007-2011, 2006

The strategic plan provides an overview of the operations of Land resources Conservation Department’s strategy aimed at optimally contributing to the national strategic objective of achieving sustainable food security and poverty reduction. It provides guidance in the implementation of land resources conservation programmes, which are part of the proposed programme. It further ensures that different programmes are in line with the national Land Resources Management Policy, National Environmental Policy, Nutrition and Food security Policy, Land Policy, Malawi Strategy for Sustainable Development and Malawi growth and Development Strategy (MGDS).

The Land Resources Conservation Strategic Plan also aims to respond to Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan of the SADC, the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development and the Millennium Development Goal of ensuring environmental sustainability.

4.1.5.9 Malawi Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Master Plan, 1995

The Agriculture Research Master Plan’s main purpose is to provide an appropriate framework or strategy to make future research work more effective in achieving the national goal of increasing agricultural production. It reflects the opinion of the Malawi scientists, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and members of the Agricultural Research Council. This will be useful to ensure that research findings are tailored towards the different programmes within the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in order to develop appropriate technologies.

4.1.5.10 Seed Policy, 2003

The National Seed Policy, 2003 was developed with the overall objective of increasing agricultural production and diversification. It specifically focuses on establishing, through appropriate policies and programmes, an environment conducive to the development of a sustainable seed industry. Different strategies outlined in this policy document are of paramount importance especially in ASWAp-SP’s implementation. These include:

establishing small holder seed enterprises to assist to assist to develop the traditional seed sector and organized seed production;

encouraging extension programmes at village level and assisting seed production schemes that produce quality seeds; and

encouragement of inclusion of seed technology topics in the curricula of the University of Malawi and the Natural Resources College in order to improve knowledge and skills of students and trainees.

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4.1.5.11 Crop Production Policy, 1987

The Crop production Policy aims at improving a balanced and diversified production of food and cash crops to meet the country’s requirements for food, foreign exchange and raising rural incomes. It further aims at improving and maintaining the productive potential of the land. The proposed Agricultural Development Programme is in line with the crop production policy because both the policy and the programme aim at creasing production and productivity. This is because some of the expected results from implementation of the policy include:

Sustainable and self- sufficiency food production; Fair distribution of cash crops to afford farmers equal opportunity of increasing

income generation while avoiding the risk of overproducing for the trade throughout the country;

Increased crop production in areas which have suitable agro-ecological factors with appropriate farming systems to suit varying topographic conditions for the conservation of natural resources;

Diversification of both food and cash crops for food security, promoting exports while accommodating changing market conditions;

Ensured Quality control in crop production and reduced risk of pesticide contamination as a result of any use of chemicals on crops; and

Appropriate technology transferred to farmers for steady improvement in yield.

4.1.5.12 National Fertilizer Strategy 2007

The vision of this strategy is to achieve high levels of agricultural productivity, ensuring equity in household food security, income and employment and sustainable utilization of natural resources. Specifically, the strategy aims at achieving the following objectives:

(a) To increase fertilizer availability, (b) To improve farmers access to affordable fertilizer. (c) To improve utilization of fertilizer and related inputs. (d) To facilitate improvement of infrastructure. (e) To create an enabling environment for public-private sector partnership in the

development of the fertilizer industry.

The ASWAp-SP objectives are in line with some of the above objectives.

4.2 Relevant World Bank PoliciesThe proposed Agricultural Development Program will trigger three of the World Bank’s 10+1 Safeguard Policies, namely, Environmental Assessment (OP 4.01), Pest Management (OP 4.09) and Involuntary Resettlement (O.P. 4.12). The three safeguard policies are reviewed below and the policies relevant to the ASWAp-SP are summarised in Table 4.1 and other World Bank Policies are given in Appendix 1.7.

4.2.1 Environmental Assessment (OP/BP 4.01)

The World Bank’s environmental assessment operational policy requires that all projects proposed for Bank financing are screened for potential environmental and social impacts. The policy is triggered if a project is likely to have adverse environmental risks and impacts in its area of influence.

According to OP/BP 4.01 the Bank classifies proposed projects into one of four categories, depending on the type, location, sensitivity, and scale of the project and the nature and magnitude of its potential environmental impacts:

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Category A: A proposed project is classified as Category “A” if it is likely to have significant adverse environmental and social impacts that are sensitive, diverse, or unprecedented. These impacts may affect an area broader than the sites or facilities subject to physical works. EA for a Category A project examines the project's potential negative and positive environmental and social impacts, compares them with those of feasible alternatives (including the "without project" situation), and recommends any measures needed to prevent, minimize, mitigate or compensate for adverse impacts and improve environmental and social performance. For a Category A project, the borrower is responsible for preparing a safeguards document, normally either a Framework (Environmental and Social Management Framework –ESMF whenever there is still an unclear definition of the project intervention footprint; or when such a footprint of project intervention zone is made known, an ESIA (or a suitably comprehensive or sectoral EA) that includes as necessary, elements of other elements such as environmental audits or hazard or risk assessments

Category B: A proposed project is classified as Category “B” if it’s potential adverse environmental and social impacts on human populations or environmentally important areas—including wetlands; forests, grasslands, and other natural habitats—are less adverse than those of Category “A” projects. These impacts are site-specific and easy to deal; few if any of them are irreversible; and in most appropriate cases mitigatory measures can be readily designed. The scope of EIA for a category “B” project may vary from project to project, but it is narrower than that of a category “A” EIA. Like Category A EA, it examines the project's potential negative and positive environmental and social impacts and recommends any measures needed to prevent, minimize, mitigate, or compensate for adverse impacts and improve environmental and social performance.

Category C: A proposed project is classified as Category “C” if it is likely to have minimal or no adverse environmental and social impacts. Beyond screening, no further EIA action is required for a Category “C” project.

Category FI: A proposed project is classified as Category FI if it involves investment of Bank funds through a financial intermediary, in sub-projects that may result in adverse environmental and social impacts."

According to the World Bank’s Draft Project Appraisal Document of 4 th December 2007, the ASWAp-SP has been classified as a Category “B” project; hence, the requirement to carry out this environment and social impact assessment.

OP/BP 4.01 also requires that prior to project appraisal, the Government of Malawi will approve and disclose the EIA report in places publicly accessible to affected groups including local NGOs. The Government of Malawi must officially submit the approved report to the Bank; and authorize the Bank to disclose the document at its Info-shop in Washington DC. In commissioning the formulation of the ESIA and by making the document available to the public, the proposed project will be in compliance with BP 17.50.

4.2.2 Pest Management (OP 4.09)

The procurement of any pesticide in a Bank-financed project is contingent on an assessment of the nature and degree of associated risks, taking into account the proposed use and the intended users. With respect to the classification of pesticides and their specific formulations, the Bank refers to the World Health Organization’s Recommended Classification of Pesticides

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by Hazard and Guidelines to Classification (Geneva: WHO 1994-95). The following criteria apply to the selection and use of pesticides in Bank-financed projects:

(a) They must have negligible adverse human health effects;(b) They must be shown to be effective against the target species;(c) They must have minimal effect on non-target species and the natural

environment. The methods, timing, and frequency of pesticide application are aimed to minimize damage to natural enemies;

(d) Their use must take into account the need to prevent the development of resistance in pests.

At a minimum, pesticide production, use and management should comply with FAO’s Guidelines for Packaging and storage of Pesticides, Guidelines on Good Labelling Practice for Pesticides, and Guidelines for the Disposal of Waste Pesticide Containers on the Farm. The Bank does not finance formulated products that fall in WHO classes IA and IB, or formulations of products in Class II, if (a) the country lacks restrictions on their distribution and use; or (b) they are likely to be used by, or be accessible to, lay personnel, farmers, or others without training, equipment, and facilities to handle, store, and apply these products properly.

The proposed project will trigger OP 4.09 since it will support post-harvest pest control to minimise post-harvest pest damage from eroding crop productivity gained through the program’s improved technology adoption by farmers. However, procurement of pesticides will not be financed until experience demonstrates that the local capacity exists to adequately manage their environmental and social impacts in compliance with OP 4.09 as described above. A stand-alone Pest Management Plan (PMP) has been prepared to guide project implementation on the issue. It will be used in tandem with this ESMF and the Project Resettlement Policy Framework (see 4.2.3.).

4.2.3 Involuntary Resettlement (OP/BP 4.12)The objective of OP 4.12 is to avoid or minimize involuntary resettlement where feasible by exploring all viable alternative project designs. Where resettlement is unavoidable, OP 4.12 is intended to assist displaced persons in maintaining or improving their living standards. It encourages community participation in planning and implementing resettlement and in providing assistance to affected people. This policy is triggered not only if physical relocation occurs, but also by any taking of land resulting in: (i) relocation or loss of shelter; (ii) loss of assets or access to assets; and (iii) loss of income sources or means of livelihood, whether or not the affected people must move to another location. For the ASWAp-SP, a Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) has been prepared to guide land acquisition and involuntary resettlement as needed.

Table 4.1: Summary of Safeguard Policies Triggered by the ASWAp-SP

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Safeguard Policy Yes NoEnvironmental Assessment (OP/BP 4.01) [X] [ ]Natural Habitats (OP/BP 4.04) [ ] [X]Pest Management (OP 4.09) [X] [ ]Cultural Property (OP 4.11) [ ] [X]Involuntary Resettlement (OP/BP 4.12) [X] [ ]Indigenous Peoples (OP/BP 4.10) [ ] [X]Forests (OP/BP 4.36) [ ] [X]Safety of Dams (OP/BP 4.37) [ ] [X]Projects in Disputed Areas (OP/BP 7.60) [ ] [X]Projects on International Waterways (OP/BP 7.50) [ ] [X]

Relevant World Bank safeguard policies concerned in the proposed project are highlighted by a light shade. Appendix 4.1 gives all the World Bank Policies

Table 4.2: World Bank Safeguard Policies Applicable to the Proposed Project OP/BP 4.01 Environmental Assessment

The objective of this policy is to ensure that Bank-financed projects are environmentally sound and sustainable, and that decision-making is improved through appropriate instruments to identify, assess, minimize and mitigate potentially adverse environmental impacts.

The policy is triggered if a project is anticipated to have potentially adverse impacts in its area of influence.

Depending on the project, and nature of impacts a range of instruments can be used: ESIA, environmental audit, hazard or risk assessment and environmental and social management plan (ESMP). When a project is likely to have sectoral or regional impacts, sectoral or regional EA is required. The Borrower is responsible for carrying out the EA.

Under ASWAp-SP, the Government has undertaken this ESMF which includes an environmental and social screening form to screen project activities and identify the social and environmental impacts of the project, and to determine mitigation measures for the adverse impacts.

OP 4.09 Pest Management

The policy aims at promoting the use of biological or environmental control methods and reducing reliance on synthetic chemical pesticides. The Bank supports integrated approaches to pest management such as biological control, cultural practices, and the development and use of crop varieties that are resistant or tolerant to the pest. The use of pesticides may be supported when justified under an IPM approach. The Bank requires that any pesticides it finances must be manufactured,

The policy is triggered if procurement of pesticides is envisaged (either directly through the project or indirectly through on-lending); if the project may affect pest management in a way that harm could be done, even though the project is not envisaged to procure pesticides. This includes projects that may lead to substantially increased pesticide use and subsequent increase in health and environmental risks; and projects that may maintain or expand present pest management practices that are unsustainable.

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packaged, labelled, handled and stored, disposed of and applied according to standards acceptable to the bank. An appropriate pest management plan to address risks must be developed.

Under ASWAp-SP, support will be provided for post-harvest pest management and therefore pesticides may be used. A Pest Management Plan has been prepared to guide extension officers and farmers. This PMP will disseminated to all agricultural extension planning areas.

OP/BP 4.12 Involuntary Resettlement

The objective of this policy is to avoid or minimize involuntary resettlement where feasible, exploring all viable alternative project designs. Furthermore, it intends to assist displaced persons in improving their former living standards; it encourages community participation in planning and implementing resettlement; and to provide assistance to affected people, regardless of the legality of title of land.

This policy is triggered not only if physical relocation occurs, but also by any loss of land resulting in: relocation or loss of shelter; loss of assets or access to assets; loss of income sources or means of livelihood, whether or not the affected people must move to another location.Under ASWAp-SP, a Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF), which will guide in the preparation of Resettlement Action Plans, has been prepared in anticipation that the construction and rehabilitation of feeder roads structures might result in land acquisition, resettlement, loss of assets, or loss of livelihood systems.

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CHAPTER FIVE: ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS OF THE PROJECT

In this chapter, the potential impacts of the ASWAp-SP are identified (Table 5.1), mitigation measures are determined (Table 5.2) and the impacts are evaluated (Table 5.3)

5.1 Project Activities and the Impacted Environmental and Social Components

The project activities to be implemented under the ASWAp-SP have been grouped into four components as follows:

Component 1 for Institutional Development and Capacity Building in Preparation of a SWAp in Agriculture;

Component 2 for Sustainable Smallholder Productivity Growth and; Component 3 for Project Coordination Component 4 for improvement and maintenance of unpaved rural roads

Activities for these four ASWAp-SP project components will impact on the different environmental and social components in different ways. The different environmental components include the:

land resources on which the proposed ASWAp-SP activities will take place; soils which may be tilled or loosened for civil works and to receive the seeds water resources, which will be affected by the fertilizers, nutrients, different

chemicals to be used for pest management, water abstraction, dversions, and rubble from civil works;

vegetation which may have to be cleared to pave way for new gardens and feeder roads, induced by the benefits of the ASWAp-SP; and

society which will generally benefit from the project.

5.2 Determination of Impacts

Potential environmental and social impacts for the ASWAp-SP were identified, considering the environmental components that are likely to be affected by the ASWAp-SP activities. The impacts were collectively identified through contributions and participation of the key stakeholders, particularly the farmers. Details of the comments made by these farmers and other key stakeholders are presented in the separate Annex to this report.

The matrix given in Table 5.1 was used to confirm the impacts identified through the public consultations. Functional review and transformation for SWAp, for instance, is marked with an “X” on the matrix, to impact on the rural livelihoods, national and local economy; due to the resultant improvements in efficiency and effectiveness of the MoAFS. Hence the “X” against the respective activities in the matrix denotes a positive or negative impact.

Marking of the matrix was performed by a team of seven professionals comprising: an Environmentalist/Water Engineer, a Biologist/Environmentalist, an Agricultural Engineer, a Social Scientist, an Agricultural Economist, an Agriculture/Environmental professional and a Public Health Expert. All these professionals contributed to the identification of impacts through a one-day meeting. These seven people also participated in the field investigations

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where stakeholders contributed to the determination of some of the impacts. Professional judgment and experience of the consultant also plaid a major role in the identification of the impacts.

As can be seen from the table 5.1, most of the environmental and social impacts will be felt during project components 2 and 4, while fewer environmental and social impacts will arise from activities of components 1 and 3.

5.3 Determination of Mitigation Measures After recording them in the matrix in Table 5.1 the impacts were categorized into positive and negative impacts and mitigation measures for the negative impacts were determined as recorded in Table 5.2. These mitigation measures were also determined and discussed with all the key stakeholders during the consultations and field investigations.

5.4 Evaluation of Negative Impacts

The potential negative impacts were evaluated in line with the methodology used in the EIA Sector Specific Guidelines for Malawi, in terms of their magnitude and extent, significance, probability of occurrence and duration using the scales of 1 to 5 as presented in Table 5.3. As can be noted from the table, a score of 1 denotes the least severity while a score of 5 represents the highest severity of impact. The scores were then added up to determine aggregates for each impact. The ASWAp-SP project implementers will have to pay particular attention to the impacts with high aggregate scores

5.5 Participatory Consultation with Relevant Stakeholders

Stakeholders at different levels were consulted during the process of developing the Environmental and Social Management Framework. These stakeholders included officials at National Level (including officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, Ministry of Transport and Public Infrastructure, Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the Ministry of Gender and Community Development). Consultation was extended to staff of different Agricultural Development Divisions (ADD’s), District Agricultural Development Offices, District Executive Committee (DEC) and farmers from Extension Planning Areas (EPA’s). These people were consulted because they have different stakes in the proposed ASWAp-SP. These stakes include benefiting from the increased agricultural production and also being negatively affected by the consequences of agricultural chemicals and environmental degradation.

The consultations provided a forum for discussing the changes and opportunities to arise from the ASWAp-SP project implementation. The consultations also assisted in gathering relevant and up-to-date environmental and social information about the local conditions of the project areas. The people consulted suggested ways to avoid or minimize adverse impacts and to capture potential benefits. The consultation process included personal interviews using questionnaires, focus group discussions and community meetings.

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Table 5.1: Project Activities and their Potential Impacts on the Various Environmental and Social Components

EN

VIR

ON

ME

NT

AL

/S

OC

IAL

C

OM

PON

EN

TS

Ecos

yste

ms

Land

Res

ourc

es

Soils

Surf

ace

wat

er re

sour

ces

Surf

ace

wat

er q

ualit

y

Gro

undw

ater

reso

urce

s

Gro

undw

ater

qua

lity

Flor

a

Faun

a

Air

qual

ity

Rur

al li

velih

oods

Futu

re la

nd u

se o

ptio

ns

Loca

l eco

nom

y

Nat

iona

l eco

nom

y

HIV

and

AID

S

Aes

thet

ic a

nd a

men

ity

valu

es

Gen

der

PROJECT COMPONENT / ACTIVITIESCOMPONENT 11

Functional review and transformation for SWApX X X X

Technical systems and skills development X X X X

COMPONENT 22

Gender mainstreaming X X X X XVegetation clearing X X X X X X X X XReduced Soil tillage X X X X X X X X XInadequate financial resources to purchase farm inputs X X XIncreased pressure on land due to increased access to inputs

X X X X X X X X

Increased agro-chemical availability, application/ accumulation as more and more inputs are made available to farmers

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Increase in maize (and complementary crop) varieties

X X X X X X X X X X X

1 Component 1: Institutional Development and Capacity Building in Preparation of a SWAp in Agriculture

2 Component 2: Sustainable Food Security

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EN

VIR

ON

ME

NT

AL

/S

OC

IAL

C

OM

PON

EN

TS

Ecos

yste

ms

Land

Res

ourc

es

Soils

Surf

ace

wat

er re

sour

ces

Surf

ace

wat

er q

ualit

y

Gro

undw

ater

reso

urce

s

Gro

undw

ater

qua

lity

Flor

a

Faun

a

Air

qual

ity

Rur

al li

velih

oods

Futu

re la

nd u

se o

ptio

ns

Loca

l eco

nom

y

Nat

iona

l eco

nom

y

HIV

and

AID

S

Aes

thet

ic a

nd a

men

ity

valu

es

Gen

der

PROJECT COMPONENT / ACTIVITIESLabour based impacts X X XIncrease in conservation farming practices and use of organic manure

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Crop rotations X X X X X X X X X XIntercropping leguminous seeds X X X X X X X X X X XIncreasing rates of improved technology transfer and adoption X X X X X X XRainwater management X X X X X X X X X X X X X X XIncrease in agricultural extension services X X X X X X X X X X X X X X XStrengthening information flow X X X X X X X X X X X X X X XResearcher-led experimentation X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X XRefurbishment of one warehouse3 X XIncreased crop harvesting X X X XCross border trade X X X X X XProject phase out X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

COMPONENT 34

Project Coordination X X X X

3 Largely to equip, repair and repaint. No significant new construction.4 Component 3: Project Coordination

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EN

VIR

ON

ME

NT

AL

/S

OC

IAL

C

OM

PON

EN

TS

Ecos

yste

ms

Land

Res

ourc

es

Soils

Surf

ace

wat

er re

sour

ces

Surf

ace

wat

er q

ualit

y

Gro

undw

ater

reso

urce

s

Gro

undw

ater

qua

lity

Flor

a

Faun

a

Air

qual

ity

Rur

al li

velih

oods

Futu

re la

nd u

se o

ptio

ns

Loca

l eco

nom

y

Nat

iona

l eco

nom

y

HIV

and

AID

S

Aes

thet

ic a

nd a

men

ity

valu

es

Gen

der

PROJECT COMPONENT / ACTIVITIESComponent 4Rehabilitation of roads X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X XSpot improvement X X X X X X X X X X X X X XUpgrading to paved roads X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X XMaintenance of rehabilitated roads X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Notes:5 X indicates the component of the environment that the project has potential impacts (may be negative or positive).

5 Component 4: Improvement and maintenance of unpaved rural roads

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Table 5.2 Impacts and their mitigation measuresCOMPONENT

ACTIVITYENVIRONMENTAL/

SOCIAL COMPONENT

AFFECTED

POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL /SOCIAL IMPACTS MITIGATION MEASURES FOR NEGATIVE IMPACTSPositive Impacts Negative Impacts

Component 1, Subcomponent 1.1:

Change Management

Functional review and transformation for SWAp

Rural Livelihoods Economy Gender

Improvement on the national economy through more efficient and effective management of resources

Improvement on performance of MoAFS as a result of streamlining functions and responsibilities

Sensitivity of current employees:o Fear of Loss of jobso Fear of Loss of

control/autonomyo Fear of

marginalisation (women) and being left out in key positions

Sensitisation of staff on change

Properly planned exit strategies and payment of terminal benefits to staff

Gender mainstreaming

Component 1, Subcomponent 1.3:Institutional DevelopmentTechnical systems and skills development

Economy Rural livelihoods Gender

Improvement on the national economy

Improvement of individual skills

higher performance and sustainability of the research and technical support systems

Staff motivation

Fear of marginalisation (women) and being left out in training and up-grading opportunities

Gender mainstreaming

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COMPONENT ACTIVITY

ENVIRONMENTAL/SOCIAL

COMPONENT

POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL /SOCIAL IMPACTS MITIGATION MEASURES FOR NEGATIVE IMPACTSPositive Impacts Negative Impacts

Component 2, Sustainable food securityGender mainstreaming

Economy, Rural livelihoods, Gender, HIV and AIDS

Both local and national economy improved as men and women participate equally in Agriculture

Rural livelihoods improved as more people and women get empowered

HIV and AIDS prevalence reduced as more women get more empowered to make decisions.

Vegetation clearing for preparation of gardens

Ecosystems, Soils, Water, Flora, Fauna, Local economy, Aesthetics

Soils loosened up and exposed to erosion

Surface water resources silted and natural storage reduced due to loosened soils

Surface water quality degraded by silt

Ground water recharge reduced from rapid runoff

Flora degraded and fauna habitat destroyed

Local resources reduced by cleared useful grass, plants and trees

General aesthetics

Promote conservational farming and agro-forestry

Early clearing of vegetation before the onset of heavy rains

Construct contour bunds, ridges and plant vetiver grass to trap silt and enhance ground water recharge

Control vegetation clearing Preserve some areas to

retain grass for thatch and plants for medicines

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COMPONENT ACTIVITY

ENVIRONMENTAL/SOCIAL

COMPONENT

POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL /SOCIAL IMPACTS MITIGATION MEASURES FOR NEGATIVE IMPACTSPositive Impacts Negative Impacts

degradedReduced soil tillage Ecosystems,

Soils, Surface water

resources and quality,

Rural livelihoods, Economy, Aesthetics, Gender

Ecosystems preserved due to less disturbance of soil and vegetation

Soils protected from rains Water resources preserved

due to reduced siltation of reservoirs

Surface water quality improved due to reduced silt

Rural livelihoods and economy improved by improved productivity from minimum tillage

Aesthetics improved by maintenance of natural ground and less gullies

Women and men relieved of strenuous tillage works

Inadequate financial resources to purchase farm inputs

Land, Livelihoods, Gender

Reduced harvests and adverse impacts on livelihoods

More land required to compensate for poor agricultural practices

Conflicts for land due to jealousy or envy for those accessing inputs (marginalisation of the

Re-establish farmer clubs where farmers can easily access loans

Conduct awareness campaigns to educate farmers on the availability and limitation of funds

Educate farmers on the eligibility and modality of farm inputs distribution

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COMPONENT ACTIVITY

ENVIRONMENTAL/SOCIAL

COMPONENT

POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL /SOCIAL IMPACTS MITIGATION MEASURES FOR NEGATIVE IMPACTSPositive Impacts Negative Impacts

disadvantaged groups)Increased agricultural activity due to increased access to inputs

Ecosystems, Land, Soils, Water, Flora Fauna, HIV and AIDS and Gender

Discrimination or conflicts among villagers over eligibility to the free subsidy program

Increased exploitation of land in anticipation for subsidised inputs

Degradation of ecosystems, land, soil, water flora and fauna as more land is exploited

Marginalisation of disadvantaged groups over access to land and inputs

Educate community either through radios or newspapers on the beneficiaries of the program

Promote IGAs for additional income generation to provide alternatives for those not eligible for subsidised inputs

Set up committees to resolve disputes with assistance of local leaders

Increased agro-chemical availability, application/ accumulation as more and more inputs are made available to farmers

Ecosystems, Land, Soils, Water, Fauna, Air, Rural livelihoods, Local and national

economy, Health and safety, HIV and AIDS

Rural livelihoods, local and national economies improved due to increase in crop harvest

HIV an AIDS decreased as women get more financially empowered and independent

Livelihoods and community socioeconomic relationships improved as more food is produced and as people associate more through farming and

Ecosystems degraded Land, soils and water

contaminated by agro-chemicals

Animals and vegetation poisoned and contaminated by agro-chemicals

Air quality degraded from sprays

Misuse, overuse and abuse of pesticides due to easy availability

Health and safety risks

Educate farmers on risks associated with the use of agro-chemicals on the environment, vegetation, fauna and water resources, and on human beings.

Provide technical advice on proper use (location and timing) of agro-chemicals.

Provide and promote protective clothes.

Promote Integrated Pest Management (see Pest Management Plan).

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COMPONENT ACTIVITY

ENVIRONMENTAL/SOCIAL

COMPONENT

POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL /SOCIAL IMPACTS MITIGATION MEASURES FOR NEGATIVE IMPACTSPositive Impacts Negative Impacts

commercial interactions Households are able to

consume more Improving people’s health

and children’s education through better feeding

from chemical poisoning HIV and AIDS increased

as men get more disposable income

Advocate for bio degradable chemicals, physical and biological control methods and on farm manure production because farmers complain on labour to transport manure from home to the field

Increase in maize (and complementary crop) varieties

Ecosystems, soils, flora, rural livelihoods, future land use

options, economy, health and safety, HIV and AIDS, Gender

Soils conserved by varieties that need minimum or no tillage

Rural livelihoods improved by increased harvest

Improving people’s health and children’s education through better feeding

Future land use options increased as less land is used for same quantity harvested

Local and national economies improved from increased harvests

HIV and AIDS prevalence reduced by better nutrition as more food becomes available

Gender division of labour improved as less work is required.

Ecosystems, flora and fauna disturbed by new crop varieties

Potential for introduction of invasive species

Flora affected by new varieties

Local communities affected by different food taste

Ensure new crop varieties are approved and compatible with ecosystems

As far as possible, ensure crop varieties are of acceptable taste by the communities

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COMPONENT ACTIVITY

ENVIRONMENTAL/SOCIAL

COMPONENT

POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL /SOCIAL IMPACTS MITIGATION MEASURES FOR NEGATIVE IMPACTSPositive Impacts Negative Impacts

Labour based impacts Rural livelihoods, HIV and AIDS, Gender

Reduced overall labour as some farming elements are made easy or eliminated (e.g. minimum or no tillage)

Increase in child labour for inputs application and harvesting

Increase in strenuous activities for HIV and AIDS affected

Increase in farm based activities for men, children and women (e.g. input collection and application, organic manure preparation and application and crop harvesting)

Child labour law enforcement andcommunity sensitization

Provide opportunities for farmers to access bicycles on soft loans

Facilitate produce marketing and income generating activities for farmers to earn additional income for contracting out labour.

Increase in conservation farming practices and use of organic manure

Ecosystems, soils, water, flora, rural livelihoods, economy, HIV and AIDS and Gender

Improved ecosystems as soil organic content is enhanced

Improved soils due to high humus content in the soil

Protected surface and groundwater resources as vegetative cover is preserved

Protected surface and groundwater quality as silt and pollution are checked and absorbed by vegetative cover

Contact with organic matter could increase chances of contamination

Increased breading of flies

Smells form organic matter

Water pollution from animal waste

Educate farmers on the need to protect themselves from direct contact with animal waste by using appropriate protective clothing

Educate farmers in proper composting methods to prevent fly breeding and smell

Educate farmers in protecting water from contamination

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COMPONENT ACTIVITY

ENVIRONMENTAL/SOCIAL

COMPONENT

POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL /SOCIAL IMPACTS MITIGATION MEASURES FOR NEGATIVE IMPACTSPositive Impacts Negative Impacts

Improved vegetative cover Improved livelihoods from

better crop yields due to fertile soils

Improved people’s health and children’s education through better feeding

Savings on inorganic fertilizers by the communities and the nation

Better lives for the HIV and AIDS affected due to increased access to food

Crop rotation Ecosystems, soils, water, flora, fauna, rural livelihoods, economy, HIV and AIDS and Gender

Improved soils Improved ecosystems due

to improved soils Improved vegetative cover

and animal habitat Improved livelihoods for

the communities Improved local and

national economies due to better yields

More labour required for preparation of fields

Since women are more involved in farming, gender division of labour might affect women more

Requires more land HIV and AIDS affected

may be subjected to more work

Introduce IGAs for farmers to earn additional income for contracting out some filed work

Educate farmers in appropriate crop rotation to minimise land requirements

Intercropping leguminous seeds

Ecosystems, Land resources, Soils, Water, Rural livelihoods, Economy, HIV and AIDS and

Improved soils due to nitrogen fixation

Improved vegetative cover and animal habitat

Improved livelihoods for the communities from additional food and income

Crops may compete for food and nutrients

More types of pests to deal with

Selective pesticide and fertilizer application on different crops may be

Apply selective inter cropping

Selection of pesticides to cover a wide range of pests

Suitable fertilizers for intercropping

Engage in IGAs to be able

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COMPONENT ACTIVITY

ENVIRONMENTAL/SOCIAL

COMPONENT

POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL /SOCIAL IMPACTS MITIGATION MEASURES FOR NEGATIVE IMPACTSPositive Impacts Negative Impacts

Gender Improved local and national economies

Less land used for different types of crops

difficult Higher labour input due

to different peak labour demand

to pay for some activities

Increasing rates of improved technology transfer and adoption

Livelihoods, Land use, Economy, HIV and AIDS, Gender

Improved livelihoods as farmers benefit from increased yields from technology improvement

Improved land resources use and management as the production per unit of land in increased due to efficient technologies

Improved soils Improved economy from

increased productivity Less work for the

disadvantaged as new and efficient technologies are used

Failure to adopt new agricultural technologies by farmers (problems with change of mindset)

Conduct field demonstrations on new technologies

Rain water management

Ecosystems, Soils, Water, Flora, Fauna, Air quality, Rural livelihoods, Economy, HIV and

AIDS

Improved ecosystems Improved landscape as

gullies will be reduced Protected and improved

soils as rain water is managed

Improved surface and groundwater quality as silt and pollution are trapped

Higher labour input for construction of contour ridges, swales and box ridges

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COMPONENT ACTIVITY

ENVIRONMENTAL/SOCIAL

COMPONENT

POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL /SOCIAL IMPACTS MITIGATION MEASURES FOR NEGATIVE IMPACTSPositive Impacts Negative Impacts

Gender Increased surface and groundwater resources through recharge and reduced evaporation

Improved vegetative cover and animal habitat

Improved livelihoods for the communities

Improved air quality as there will be less dust

Improved local economy due to efficient and effective use of water

Increase in agricultural extension services

Ecosystems, Land resources, Soils, Water, Flora, Fauna, Rural livelihoods, Economy, HIV and

AIDS Gender

Improved ecosystems Improved land as gullies

will be reduced Improved soils Improved surface and

groundwater quality Increased surface and

groundwater resources Improved vegetative cover

and animal habitat Improved livelihoods for

the communities Improved air quality Improved local and

national economy Improved awareness of

gender and HIV and AIDS

Increased work load for already insufficient extension staff

Provide and train adequate extension staff

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COMPONENT ACTIVITY

ENVIRONMENTAL/SOCIAL

COMPONENT

POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL /SOCIAL IMPACTS MITIGATION MEASURES FOR NEGATIVE IMPACTSPositive Impacts Negative Impacts

issues Improved socioeconomic

relationshipsStrengthening information flow

Ecosystems, Land resources, Soils, Water, Flora, Fauna, Rural livelihoods, Economy, HIV and AIDS and Gender

Improved ecosystems Improved land as gullies

will be reduced Improved soils Improved surface and

groundwater quality Increased surface and

groundwater resources Improved vegetative cover

and animal habitat Improved livelihoods for

the communities Improved air quality Improved local and

national economy Improved awareness of

gender and HIV and AIDS issues

Improved socioeconomic relationships

Researcher-led experimentation

Ecosystems, Land resources, Soils, Water, Flora, Fauna, Local communities,

Improved ecosystems Improved land as gullies

will be reduced Improved soils Increased surface and

groundwater resources Improved vegetative cover

Pollution of surface and groundwater from chemicals

Ensure waste from research laboratories is adequately and properly treated

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COMPONENT ACTIVITY

ENVIRONMENTAL/SOCIAL

COMPONENT

POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL /SOCIAL IMPACTS MITIGATION MEASURES FOR NEGATIVE IMPACTSPositive Impacts Negative Impacts

Rural livelihoods, Economy, HIV and AIDS and Gender

and animal habitat Improved livelihoods for

the communities Improved air quality Improved local and

national economy Improved awareness of

gender and HIV and AIDS issues

Improved socioeconomic relationships

Increased crop harvesting

Economy, Livelihoods, HIV and AIDS, Gender

Improvement of the economy and livelihoods as more food is available for consumption and sale

Improved people’s health and children’s education through better feeding

Improved management of HIV and AIDS impacts as people have access to sufficient food

Gender streamlining eased as women become more economically empowered

Lack of markets to sell farm produce

Promote formation of farmer associations and cooperatives, which could easily access markets

Link ASWAp with other programmes that aim at improving transport and access to markets and inputs by farmers

Cross boarder trade Economy, Livelihoods, Infrastructure, Aesthetics, HIV and AIDS,

Improved local and national economy

livelihoods for the communities

Improved socioeconomic

Increased risk of HIV and AIDS,

Awareness campaigns on the risks of HIV and AIDS promoted through cross boarder relationships with highly mobile and sexually active persons

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COMPONENT ACTIVITY

ENVIRONMENTAL/SOCIAL

COMPONENT

POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL /SOCIAL IMPACTS MITIGATION MEASURES FOR NEGATIVE IMPACTSPositive Impacts Negative Impacts

Socioeconomic community relationships

relationships

Refurbishment of one warehouse

Livelihoods, economy

Improved local and national food security

Project phase out Ecosystems, Soils, Water, Flora, Fauna, Local communities, Rural livelihoods, Economy, HIV and AIDS and Gender

Discontinuation of subsidies may lead to: Farmers’ reluctance to

continue on their own, leading to:o Degradation of

ecosystemso Degradation of soils

and water resources and quality

o Disturbance of flora and fauna

o Disturbance of local communities and rural livelihoods

o Disruption of local and national economies

o Risk of increase in impacts of HIV and AIDS due to loss or reduced sources of food and income

Prepare comprehensive programme exit strategies that empower the district assemblies and other key stakeholders to continue with the activities in a sustainable manner

Component 3, Project coordination

Rural livelihoods, Economy & gender

Improved local and national economy and

- 86 -

COMPONENT ACTIVITY

ENVIRONMENTAL/SOCIAL

COMPONENT

POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL /SOCIAL IMPACTS MITIGATION MEASURES FOR NEGATIVE IMPACTSPositive Impacts Negative Impacts

Preparation and management of project work plans, financial and procurement operations

livelihoods for the communities as a result of efficient and effective targeting of financial, human and technical resources.

Component 4, Improvement and maintenance of unpaved rural roads Improvement and

Rehabilitation of feeder roads

Ecosystems, Land resources, Soils, Water, Flora, Fauna, Local communities, Rural livelihoods, Economy, HIV and AIDS and

Gender

Creation of employment opportunities

Improved transportation system

Increased economic activities

Improved access to markets Increased access to health

care Improved livelihoods for

the communities Improved local and

national economy Improved awareness of

gender and HIV and AIDS issues

Improved socioeconomic relationships

Increased soil erosion due to topsoil removal and excavations

Soil pollution due to spillage of rehabilitation materials

Land degradation due to quarrying, burrow pits and gravel winning

Deteriorating water quality due to spillage of oil, lubricants and hazardous substance

Air pollution from dust generated by rehabilitation works

Increased road traffic accidents

Generation solid and liquid waste

Limit rehabilitation works to the road corridor

Re-vegetate all disturbed areas

Control flow of water to reduce erosion and siltation through engineering solutions such as intercepting gutters, check dams and gutters

Rehabilitate all quarry sites and burrow pits after civil works

Haul roads should be regularly maintained

Minimize stripping of vegetation so that surface soil is less susceptible to erosion

Conduct road safety

- 87 -

COMPONENT ACTIVITY

ENVIRONMENTAL/SOCIAL

COMPONENT

POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL /SOCIAL IMPACTS MITIGATION MEASURES FOR NEGATIVE IMPACTSPositive Impacts Negative Impacts

Compulsory land acquisition

An influx of migrant workers during rehabilitation of roads can be a socially disruptive force (spread HIV/AIDS)

Construction camps can lead to increased incidence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including HIV/AIDS which can result in increased load on local health facilities.

Absences of migrant workers from family for prolonged periods have the potential to fuel the practice of extramarital affairs and unsafe sexual practices

awareness campaign meetings with local communities

Dispose all waste in designated and approved dump sites

Choosing route locations away from built-up areas and restricting the extent of road works to avoid interference with existing activities

Employ Locals to reduce migrant workers and their related problems

Conduct awareness campaign meetings to sensitize workers on HIV/AIDS prevention

- 88 -

Table 5.3 Evaluation of Negative ImpactsComponent 1: IMPACTS FROM FUNCTIONAL REVIEW AND TRANSFORMATION FOR SWAp Sensitivity of current employees

o Fear of Loss of jobso Fear of Loss of control/autonomyo Fear of marginalisation (women)

Score -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 Score -1 to -5

Magnitude or Extent

Impacts will occur only at the ASWAp-SP sites.

Impacts will occur throughout the country.

Impacts will occur regionally.

- 1

Significance Impacts are low. A small change that is hardly detectable.

Impacts are moderate. An impact that is measurable, but does not alter ecosystems.

Impact is high. Many organisms lost or affected. Major disruption of ecosystem processes.

Impact is very high. A process or area is completely disrupted or destroyed. Loss of all affected organisms.

Impact is unknown. Insufficient information is available to determine impacts – apply cautionary principle.

- 2

Probability of occurrence

Possible. The impact may occur, but it is not probable, provided recommendations/mitigatory measures are followed, and management is effective.

Probable. The impact is very likely to occur.

Definite. Unavoidable.

- 5

Duration Short term, during the first year of the programme only.

Medium term, during first three years of implementation.

Long term, for the entire project phase.

Very long term, for the entire project phase and after closure.

- 1

TOTAL SCORE

- 9

- 89 -

Component 2: IMPACTS FROM VEGETATION CLEARING FOR PREPARATION OF GARDENSSoil erosionScore -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 Score -1 to -5

Magnitude or Extent

Impacts will occur only at the ASWAp-SP sites.

Impacts will occur throughout the country.

Impacts will occur regionally.

- 1

Significance Impacts are low. A small change that is hardly detectable.

Impacts are moderate. An impact that is measurable, but does not alter ecosystems.

Impact is high. Many organisms lost or affected. Major disruption of ecosystem processes.

Impact is very high. A process or area is completely disrupted or destroyed. Loss of all affected organisms.

Impact is unknown. Insufficient information is available to determine impacts – apply cautionary principle.

- 2

Probability of occurrence

Possible. The impact may occur, but it is not probable, provided recommendations/mitigation measures are followed, and management is effective.

Probable. The impact is very likely to occur.

Definite. Unavoidable.

- 3

Duration Short term, during the first year of the programme only.

Medium term, during first three years of implementation.

Long term, for the entire project phase.

Very long term, for the entire project phase and after closure.

- 4

TOTAL SCORE

- 10

- 90 -

Component 2: IMPACTS FROM VEGETATION CLEARING FOR PREPARATION OF GARDENS

SiltationScore -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 Score -1 to -5

Magnitude or Extent

Impacts will occur only at the ASWAp-SP sites.

Impacts will occur throughout the country.

Impacts will occur regionally.

- 3

Significance Impacts are low. A small change that is hardly detectable.

Impacts are moderate. An impact that is measurable, but does not alter ecosystems.

Impact is high. Many organisms lost or affected. Major disruption of ecosystem processes.

Impact is very high. A process or area is completely disrupted or destroyed. Loss of all affected organisms.

Impact is unknown. Insufficient information is available to determine impacts – apply cautionary principle.

- 3

Probability of occurrence

Possible. The impact may occur, but it is not probable, provided recommendations/mitigatory measures are followed, and management is effective.

Probable. The impact is very likely to occur.

Definite. Unavoidable.

- 3

Duration Short term, during the first year of the programme only.

Medium term, during first three years of implementation.

Long term, for the entire project phase.

Very long term, for the entire project phase and after closure.

- 4

TOTAL SCORE

- 13

- 91 -

Component 2: IMPACTS FROM VEGETATION CLEARING FOR PREPARATION OF GARDENS

Degradation of Surface Water QualityScore -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 Score -1 to -5

Magnitude or Extent

Impacts will occur only at the ASWAp-SP sites.

Impacts will occur throughout the country.

Impacts will occur regionally.

- 3

Significance Impacts are low. A small change that is hardly detectable.

Impacts are moderate. An impact that is measurable, but does not alter ecosystems.

Impact is high. Many organisms lost or affected. Major disruption of ecosystem processes.

Impact is very high. A process or area is completely disrupted or destroyed. Loss of all affected organisms.

Impact is unknown. Insufficient information is available to determine impacts – apply cautionary principle.

- 3

Probability of occurrence

Possible. The impact may occur, but it is not probable, provided recommendations/mitigatory measures are followed, and management is effective.

Probable. The impact is very likely to occur.

Definite. Unavoidable.

- 3

Duration Short term, during the first year of the programme only.

Medium term, during first three years of implementation.

Long term, for the entire project phase.

Very long term, for the entire project phase and after closure.

- 4

TOTAL SCORE

- 13

- 92 -

Component 2: IMPACTS FROM VEGETATION CLEARING FOR PREPARATION OF GARDENS

Reduced Groundwater Recharge due to Rapid RunoffScore -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 Score -1 to -5

Magnitude or Extent

Impacts will occur only at the ASWAp-SP sites.

Impacts will occur throughout the country.

Impacts will occur regionally.

- 1

Significance Impacts are low. A small change that is hardly detectable.

Impacts are moderate. An impact that is measurable, but does not alter ecosystems.

Impact is high. Many organisms lost or affected. Major disruption of ecosystem processes.

Impact is very high. A process or area is completely disrupted or destroyed. Loss of all affected organisms.

Impact is unknown. Insufficient information is available to determine impacts – apply cautionary principle.

- 2

Probability of occurrence

Possible. The impact may occur, but it is not probable, provided recommendations/mitigatory measures are followed, and management is effective.

Probable. The impact is very likely to occur.

Definite. Unavoidable.

- 1

Duration Short term, during the first year of the programme only.

Medium term, during first three years of implementation.

Long term, for the entire project phase.

Very long term, for the entire project phase and after closure.

- 4

TOTAL SCORE

- 8

- 93 -

Component 2: IMPACTS FROM VEGETATION CLEARING FOR PREPARATION OF GARDENS

Flora degraded and fauna habitat destroyed Future land use options limited as farming takes priority Local resources reduced by cleared useful grass, plants and trees General aesthetics degraded

Score -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 Score -1 to -5

Magnitude or Extent

Impacts will occur only at the ASWAp-SP sites.

Impacts will occur throughout the country.

Impacts will occur regionally.

- 1

Significance Impacts are low. A small change that is hardly detectable.

Impacts are moderate. An impact that is measurable, but does not alter ecosystems.

Impact is high. Many organisms lost or affected. Major disruption of ecosystem processes.

Impact is very high. A process or area is completely disrupted or destroyed. Loss of all affected organisms.

Impact is unknown. Insufficient information is available to determine impacts – apply cautionary principle.

- 1

Probability of occurrence

Possible. The impact may occur, but it is not probable, provided recommendations/mitigatory measures are followed, and management is effective.

Probable. The impact is very likely to occur.

Definite. Unavoidable.

- 1

Duration Short term, during the first year of the programme only.

Medium term, during first three years of implementation.

Long term, for the entire project phase.

Very long term, for the entire project phase and after closure.

- 1

TOTAL SCORE

- 4

- 94 -

Component 2: IMPACTS FROM INADEQUATE FINANCIAL RESOURCES TO PURCHASE SUBSIDISED INPUTS OR FROM DELAYS IN DISTRIBUTING INPUTS

Reduced Agricultural ProductionScore -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 Score -1 to -5

Magnitude or Extent

Impacts will occur only at the ASWAp-SP sites.

Impacts will occur throughout the country.

Impacts will occur regionally.

- 1

Significance Impacts are low. A small change that is hardly detectable.

Impacts are moderate. An impact that is measurable, but does not alter ecosystems.

Impact is high. Many organisms lost or affected. Major disruption of ecosystem processes.

Impact is very high. A process or area is completely disrupted or destroyed. Loss of all affected organisms.

Impact is unknown. Insufficient information is available to determine impacts – apply cautionary principle.

- 2

Probability of occurrence

Possible. The impact may occur, but it is not probable, provided recommendations/mitigatory measures are followed, and management is effective.

Probable. The impact is very likely to occur.

Definite. Unavoidable.

- 1

Duration Short term, during the first year of the programme only.

Medium term, during first three years of implementation.

Long term, for the entire project phase.

Very long term, for the entire project phase and after closure.

- 2

TOTAL SCORE

- 6

- 95 -

Component 2: IMPACTS FROM INCREASED AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITY DUE TO INCREASED ACCESS TO INPUTS

Conflicts over access to inputsScore -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 Score -1 to -5

Magnitude or Extent

Impacts will occur only at the ASWAp-SP sites.

Impacts will occur throughout the country.

Impacts will occur regionally.

- 1

Significance Impacts are low. A small change that is hardly detectable.

Impacts are moderate. An impact that is measurable, but does not alter ecosystems.

Impact is high. Many organisms lost or affected. Major disruption of ecosystem processes.

Impact is very high. A process or area is completely disrupted or destroyed. Loss of all affected organisms.

Impact is unknown. Insufficient information is available to determine impacts – apply cautionary principle.

- 2

Probability of occurrence

Possible. The impact may occur, but it is not probable, provided recommendations/mitigatory measures are followed, and management is effective.

Probable. The impact is very likely to occur.

Definite. Unavoidable.

- 3

Duration Short term, during the first year of the programme only.

Medium term, during first three years of implementation.

Long term, for the entire project phase.

Very long term, for the entire project phase and after closure.

- 2

TOTAL SCORE

- 8

- 96 -

Component 2: IMPACTS FROM INCREASED AGRO-CHEMICAL AVAILABILITY, APPLICATION/ACCUMULATION AS MORE INPUTS ARE MADE AVAILABLE TO FARMERS Ecosystems degraded; Land , soils and water contaminated; Animals and vegetation poisoned and contaminated, Air quality degraded from sprays Health and safety risks from chemical poisoning Eutrophication of rivers and water bodies Misuse, overuse and abuse of pesticidesScore -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 Score -1 to -5

Magnitude or Extent

Impacts will occur only at the ASWAp-SP sites.

Impacts will occur throughout the country.

Impacts will occur regionally.

- 3

Significance Impacts are low. A small change that is hardly detectable.

Impacts are moderate. An impact that is measurable, but does not alter ecosystems.

Impact is high. Many organisms lost or affected. Major disruption of ecosystem processes.

Impact is very high. A process or area is completely disrupted or destroyed. Loss of all affected organisms.

Impact is unknown. Insufficient information is available to determine impacts – apply cautionary principle.

- 3

Probability of occurrence

Possible. The impact may occur, but it is not probable, provided recommendations/mitigatory measures are followed, and management is effective.

Probable. The impact is very likely to occur.

Definite. Unavoidable.

- 3

Duration Short term, during the first year of the programme only.

Medium term, during first three years of implementation.

Long term, for the entire project phase.

Very long term, for the entire project phase and after closure.

- 4

TOTAL SCORE

- 13

- 97 -

Component 2: IMPACTS FROM INCREASE IN MAIZE (AND COMPLEMENTARY CROP) VARIETIES Ecosystems disturbed by new crop varieties Threat of introduction of invasive species Flora affected by new varieties Local communities affected by different food tasteScore -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 Score -1 to -5

Magnitude or Extent

Impacts will occur only at the ASWAp-SP sites.

Impacts will occur throughout the country.

Impacts will occur regionally.

- 3

Significance Impacts are low. A small change that is hardly detectable.

Impacts are moderate. An impact that is measurable, but does not alter ecosystems.

Impact is high. Many organisms lost or affected. Major disruption of ecosystem processes.

Impact is very high. A process or area is completely disrupted or destroyed. Loss of all affected organisms.

Impact is unknown. Insufficient information is available to determine impacts – apply cautionary principle.

- 2

Probability of occurrence

Possible. The impact may occur, but it is not probable, provided recommendations/mitigatory measures are followed, and management is effective.

Probable. The impact is very likely to occur.

Definite. Unavoidable.

- 1

Duration Short term, during the first year of the programme only.

Medium term, during first three years of implementation.

Long term, for the entire project phase.

Very long term, for the entire project phase and after closure.

- 4

TOTAL SCORE

- 10

- 98 -

Component 2: LABOR BASED IMPACTS

Increase in child labour Increase in farm based activities for womenScore -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 Score -1 to -5

Magnitude or Extent

Impacts will occur only at the ASWAp-SP sites.

Impacts will occur throughout the country.

Impacts will occur regionally.

- 1

Significance Impacts are low. A small change that is hardly detectable.

Impacts are moderate. An impact that is measurable, but does not alter ecosystems.

Impact is high. Many organisms lost or affected. Major disruption of ecosystem processes.

Impact is very high. A process or area is completely disrupted or destroyed. Loss of all affected organisms.

Impact is unknown. Insufficient information is available to determine impacts – apply cautionary principle.

- 2

Probability of occurrence

Possible. The impact may occur, but it is not probable, provided recommendations/mitigatory measures are followed, and management is effective.

Probable. The impact is very likely to occur.

Definite. Unavoidable.

- 3

Duration Short term, during the first year of the programme only.

Medium term, during first three years of implementation.

Long term, for the entire project phase.

Very long term, for the entire project phase and after closure.

- 4

TOTAL SCORE

- 10

- 99 -

Component 2: IMPACTS FROM INCREASE IN CONSERVATION PRACTICES AND USE OF ORGANIC MANURE

Contact with organic matter could increase chances of contamination Increased breeding of flies Smells form organic matterScore -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 Score -1 to -5

Magnitude or Extent

Impacts will occur only at the ASWAp-SP sites.

Impacts will occur throughout the country.

Impacts will occur regionally.

- 1

Significance Impacts are low. A small change that is hardly detectable.

Impacts are moderate. An impact that is measurable, but does not alter ecosystems.

Impact is high. Many organisms lost or affected. Major disruption of ecosystem processes.

Impact is very high. A process or area is completely disrupted or destroyed. Loss of all affected organisms.

Impact is unknown. Insufficient information is available to determine impacts – apply cautionary principle.

- 2

Probability of occurrence

Possible. The impact may occur, but it is not probable, provided recommendations/mitigatory measures are followed, and management is effective.

Probable. The impact is very likely to occur.

Definite. Unavoidable.

- 3

Duration Short term, during the first year of the programme only.

Medium term, during first three years of implementation.

Long term, for the entire project phase.

Very long term, for the entire project phase and after closure.

- 4

TOTAL SCORE

- 10

- 100 -

Component 2: IMPACTS FROM INCREASE IN CONSERVATION FARMING PRACTICES AND USE OF ORGANIC MANURE

Increased organic pollution of surface water Increased risk of organic contaminationScore -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 Score -1 to -5

Magnitude or Extent

Impacts will occur only at the ASWAp-SP sites.

Impacts will occur throughout the country.

Impacts will occur regionally.

- 3

Significance Impacts are low. A small change that is hardly detectable.

Impacts are moderate. An impact that is measurable, but does not alter ecosystems.

Impact is high. Many organisms lost or affected. Major disruption of ecosystem processes.

Impact is very high. A process or area is completely disrupted or destroyed. Loss of all affected organisms.

Impact is unknown. Insufficient information is available to determine impacts – apply cautionary principle.

- 2

Probability of occurrence

Possible. The impact may occur, but it is not probable, provided recommendations/mitigatory measures are followed, and management is effective.

Probable. The impact is very likely to occur.

Definite. Unavoidable.

- 3

Duration Short term, during the first year of the programme only.

Medium term, during first three years of implementation.

Long term, for the entire project phase.

Very long term, for the entire project phase and after closure.

- 4

TOTAL SCORE

- 13

- 101 -

Component 2: IMPACTS FROM INCREASED CROP ROTATION

More labour required Since women are more involved in farming, gender division of labour might affect women more Requires more land HIV and AIDS affected may be subjected to more workScore -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 Score -1 to -5

Magnitude or Extent

Impacts will occur only at the ASWAp-SP sites.

Impacts will occur throughout the country.

Impacts will occur regionally.

- 1

Significance Impacts are low. A small change that is hardly detectable.

Impacts are moderate. An impact that is measurable, but does not alter ecosystems.

Impact is high. Many organisms lost or affected. Major disruption of ecosystem processes.

Impact is very high. A process or area is completely disrupted or destroyed. Loss of all affected organisms.

Impact is unknown. Insufficient information is available to determine impacts – apply cautionary principle.

- 2

Probability of occurrence

Possible. The impact may occur, but it is not probable, provided recommendations/mitigatory measures are followed, and management is effective.

Probable. The impact is very likely to occur.

Definite. Unavoidable.

- 3

Duration Short term, during the first year of the programme only.

Medium term, during first three years of implementation.

Long term, for the entire project phase.

Very long term, for the entire project phase and after closure.

- 4

TOTAL SCORE

- 12

- 102 -

Component 2: IMPACTS FROM INTER-CROPPING LEGUMINOUS SEEDS

Crops may compete for nutrients More types of pests to deal with Selective pesticide and fertilizer application on different crops may be difficult Higher labour input due to different peak labour demandScore -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 Score -1 to -5

Magnitude or Extent

Impacts will occur only at the ASWAp-SP sites.

Impacts will occur throughout the country.

Impacts will occur regionally.

- 1

Significance Impacts are low. A small change that is hardly detectable.

Impacts are moderate. An impact that is measurable, but does not alter ecosystems.

Impact is high. Many organisms lost or affected. Major disruption of ecosystem processes.

Impact is very high. A process or area is completely disrupted or destroyed. Loss of all affected organisms.

Impact is unknown. Insufficient information is available to determine impacts – apply cautionary principle.

- 2

Probability of occurrence

Possible. The impact may occur, but it is not probable, provided recommendations/mitigatory measures are followed, and management is effective.

Probable. The impact is very likely to occur.

Definite. Unavoidable.

- 3

Duration Short term, during the first year of the programme only.

Medium term, during first three years of implementation.

Long term, for the entire project phase.

Very long term, for the entire project phase and after closure.

- 4

TOTAL SCORE

- 10

- 103 -

Component 2: INCREASING RATES OF IMPROVED TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND ADOPTION

Failure to adopt new agricultural technologies by farmers (problems with change of mindset)Score -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 Score -1 to -5

Magnitude or Extent

Impacts will occur only at the ASWAp-SP sites.

Impacts will occur throughout the country.

Impacts will occur regionally.

- 3

Significance Impacts are low. A small change that is hardly detectable.

Impacts are moderate. An impact that is measurable, but does not alter ecosystems.

Impact is high. Many organisms lost or affected. Major disruption of ecosystem processes.

Impact is very high. A process or area is completely disrupted or destroyed. Loss of all affected organisms.

Impact is unknown. Insufficient information is available to determine impacts – apply cautionary principle.

- 2

Probability of occurrence

Possible. The impact may occur, but it is not probable, provided recommendations/mitigatory measures are followed, and management is effective.

Probable. The impact is very likely to occur.

Definite. Unavoidable.

- 1

Duration Short term, during the first year of the programme only.

Medium term, during first three years of implementation.

Long term, for the entire project phase.

Very long term, for the entire project phase and after closure.

- 2

TOTAL SCORE

- 9

- 104 -

Component 2: IMPACTS FROM INCREASED RAIN WATER MANAGEMENT

Higher labour input for construction of contour ridges, swales and box ridgesScore -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 Score -1 to -5

Magnitude or Extent

Impacts will occur only at the ASWAp-SP sites.

Impacts will occur throughout the country.

Impacts will occur regionally.

- 1

Significance Impacts are low. A small change that is hardly detectable.

Impacts are moderate. An impact that is measurable, but does not alter ecosystems.

Impact is high. Many organisms lost or affected. Major disruption of ecosystem processes.

Impact is very high. A process or area is completely disrupted or destroyed. Loss of all affected organisms.

Impact is unknown. Insufficient information is available to determine impacts – apply cautionary principle.

- 2

Probability of occurrence

Possible. The impact may occur, but it is not probable, provided recommendations/mitigatory measures are followed, and management is effective.

Probable. The impact is very likely to occur.

Definite. Unavoidable.

- 1

Duration Short term, during the first year of the programme only.

Medium term, during first three years of implementation.

Long term, for the entire project phase.

Very long term, for the entire project phase and after closure.

- 4

TOTAL SCORE

- 8

- 105 -

Component 2: IMPACTS FROM INCREASE AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICES

Increased work load for already insufficient extension staffScore -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 Score -1 to -5

Magnitude or Extent

Impacts will occur only at the ASWAp-SP sites.

Impacts will occur throughout the country.

Impacts will occur regionally.

- 1

Significance Impacts are low. A small change that is hardly detectable.

Impacts are moderate. An impact that is measurable, but does not alter ecosystems.

Impact is high. Many organisms lost or affected. Major disruption of ecosystem processes.

Impact is very high. A process or area is completely disrupted or destroyed. Loss of all affected organisms.

Impact is unknown. Insufficient information is available to determine impacts – apply cautionary principle.

- 3

Probability of occurrence

Possible. The impact may occur, but it is not probable, provided recommendations/mitigatory measures are followed, and management is effective.

Probable. The impact is very likely to occur.

Definite. Unavoidable.

- 3

Duration Short term, during the first year of the programme only.

Medium term, during first three years of implementation.

Long term, for the entire project phase.

Very long term, for the entire project phase and after closure.

- 2

TOTAL SCORE

- 9

- 106 -

Component 2: IMPACTS FROM RESEARCHER-LED EXPERIMENTATION

Pollution of surface and groundwater from chemicalsScore -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 Score -1 to

-5

Magnitude or Extent

Impacts will occur only at the ASWAp-SP sites.

Impacts will occur throughout the country.

Impacts will occur regionally.

-1

Significance Impacts are low. A small change that is hardly detectable.

Impacts are moderate. An impact that is measurable, but does not alter ecosystems.

Impact is high. Many organisms lost or affected. Major disruption of ecosystem processes.

Impact is very high. A process or area is completely disrupted or destroyed. Loss of all affected organisms.

Impact is unknown. Insufficient information is available to determine impacts – apply cautionary principle.

- 2

Probability of occurrence

Possible. The impact may occur, but it is not probable, provided recommendations/mitigatory measures are followed, and management is effective.

Probable. The impact is very likely to occur.

Definite. Unavoidable.

- 3

Duration Short term, during the first year of the programme only.

Medium term, during first three years of implementation.

Long term, for the entire project phase.

Very long term, for the entire project phase and after closure.

- 4

TOTAL SCORE

- 12

- 107 -

Component 2: IMPACTS FROM INCREASED CROP HARVESTING

Lack of markets to sell farm produceScore -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 Score -1 to -5

Magnitude or Extent

Impacts will occur only at the ASWAp-SP sites.

Impacts will occur throughout the country.

Impacts will occur regionally.

- 3

Significance Impacts are low. A small change that is hardly detectable.

Impacts are moderate. An impact that is measurable, but does not alter ecosystems.

Impact is high. Many organisms lost or affected. Major disruption of ecosystem processes.

Impact is very high. A process or area is completely disrupted or destroyed. Loss of all affected organisms.

Impact is unknown. Insufficient information is available to determine impacts – apply cautionary principle.

- 2

Probability of occurrence

Possible. The impact may occur, but it is not probable, provided recommendations/mitigatory measures are followed, and management is effective.

Probable. The impact is very likely to occur.

Definite. Unavoidable.

- 3

Duration Short term, during the first year of the programme only.

Medium term, during first three years of implementation.

Long term, for the entire project phase.

Very long term, for the entire project phase and after closure.

- 2

TOTAL SCORE

- 10

- 108 -

Component 2: IMPACTS FROM INCREASED CROSS BOARDER TRADE

Increased risk of HIV and AIDS,Score -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 Score -1 to -5

Magnitude or Extent

Impacts will occur only at the ASWAp-SP sites.

Impacts will occur throughout the country.

Impacts will occur regionally.

- 3

Significance Impacts are low. A small change that is hardly detectable.

Impacts are moderate. An impact that is measurable, but does not alter ecosystems.

Impact is high. Many organisms lost or affected. Major disruption of ecosystem processes.

Impact is very high. A process or area is completely disrupted or destroyed. Loss of all affected organisms.

Impact is unknown. Insufficient information is available to determine impacts – apply cautionary principle.

- 2

Probability of occurrence

Possible. The impact may occur, but it is not probable, provided recommendations/mitigatory measures are followed, and management is effective.

Probable. The impact is very likely to occur.

Definite. Unavoidable.

- 1

Duration Short term, during the first year of the programme only.

Medium term, during first three years of implementation.

Long term, for the entire project phase.

Very long term, for the entire project phase and after closure.

- 4

TOTAL SCORE

- 10

- 109 -

Component 2: IMPACTS FROM PROJECT PHASE OUT Farmers’ reluctance to continue on their own, leading to:

o Degradation of ecosystems; Degradation of soils and water resources and qualityo Disturbance of flora and faunao Disturbance of local communities and rural livelihoods; Disturbance of local and national economieso Risk of increase in HIV and AIDS prevalence; Disturbance of social and economic community relationships

Score -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 Score -1 to -5

Magnitude or Extent

Impacts will occur only at the ASWAp-SP sites.

Impacts will occur throughout the country.

Impacts will occur regionally.

- 1

Significance Impacts are low. A small change that is hardly detectable.

Impacts are moderate. An impact that is measurable, but does not alter ecosystems.

Impact is high. Many organisms lost or affected. Major disruption of ecosystem processes.

Impact is very high. A process or area is completely disrupted or destroyed. Loss of all affected organisms.

Impact is unknown. Insufficient information is available to determine impacts – apply cautionary principle.

- 4

Probability of occurrence

Possible. The impact may occur, but it is not probable, provided recommendations/mitigatory measures are followed, and management is effective.

Probable. The impact is very likely to occur.

Definite. Unavoidable.

- 3

Duration Short term, during the first year of the programme only.

Medium term, during first three years of implementation.

Long term, for the entire project phase.

Very long term, for the entire project phase and after closure.

- 5

TOTAL SCORE

- 13

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Component 4: IMPACTS FROM IMPROVEMENT AND REHABILITATION OF FEEDER ROADSPhysical Impacts

o Increased soil erosion due to topsoil removal and excavations; Land degradation due to quarrying, borrow pits and gravel winningo Degradation of soil and water quality due to spillage of lubricants and fuelso Air pollution from dust generated by rehabilitation works; Generation solid and liquid wasteo Disturbance degradation of flora and fauna

Score -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 Score -1 to -5

Magnitude or Extent

Impacts will occur only at the ASWAp-SP sites.

Impacts will occur throughout the country.

Impacts will occur regionally.

- 1

Significance Impacts are low. A small change that is hardly detectable.

Impacts are moderate and measurable but do not significantly alter ecosystems.

Impact is high. Many organisms lost or affected. Major disruption of ecosystem processes.

Impacts are very high. A process or area is completely disrupted or destroyed. Loss of all affected organisms.

Impact is unknown. Insufficient information is available to determine impacts – apply cautionary principle.

- 4

Probability of occurrence

Possible. The impact may occur, but it is not probable, provided recommendations/mitigatory measures are followed, and management is effective.

Probable. The impact is very likely to occur.

Definite. Unavoidable.

- 3

Duration Short term, during the first year of the programme only.

Medium term, during first three years of implementation.

Long term, for the entire project phase.

Very long term, for the entire project phase and after closure.

- 1

TOTAL SCORE

- 9

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Component 4: IMPACTS FROM IMPROVEMENTS AND MAINTENANCE OF UNPAVED RURAL ROADS.Social impacts

o Increased road traffic accidentso Compulsory land acquisition and disturbance of local communities and farming along the roadso Socially disruption (including spread HIV and AIDS) due to influx of migrant workerso Increased incidences of STIs including HIV/AIDS leading to increased strain on local health facilities due to influx of workerso Extramarital affairs and unsafe sexual practices due to prolonged absences of migrant workers from family

Score -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 Score -1 to -5Magnitude or Extent

Impacts will occur only at the ASWAp-SP sites.

Impacts will occur throughout the country.

Impacts will occur regionally.

- 1

Significance Impacts are low. A small change that is hardly detectable.

Impacts are moderate and measurable but do not significantly alter ecosystems.

Impact is high. Many organisms lost or affected. Major disruption of ecosystem processes.

Impacts are very high. A process or area is completely disrupted or destroyed. Loss of all affected organisms.

Impact is unknown. Insufficient information is available to determine impacts – apply cautionary principle.

- 2

Probability of occurrence

Possible. The impact may occur, but it is not probable, provided recommendations/mitigatory measures are followed, and management is effective.

Probable. The impact is very likely to occur.

Definite. Unavoidable.

- 3

Duration Short term, during the first year of the programme only.

Medium term, during first three years of implementation.

Long term, for the entire project phase.

Very long term, for the entire project phase and after closure.

- 1

TOTAL SCORE

- 7

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5.6 Brief Summary of Key Impacts

5.6.1 Environmental Impacts

Most of the environmental impacts will result from the activities of the ASWAp-SP components 2 and 4.

(a) Activities under component 2 relate to the preparation of the fields for planting, production and use of new seed varieties, application of different fertilizers and nutrients, preparation and application of organic manure and use of agro-chemicals including herbicides and pesticides.

(b) According to the information available at this time, activities under component 4 relate to the spot improvement, rehabilitation and upgrading of feeder roads, involving the construction of small drainage structures, excavation of ditches, construction of low-level embankments, the re-shaping and limited widening of the existing road and the paving of some roads using bitumen and chipping seals. Related activities in this component will include engineering services for design, preparation of bidding documents and supervision, capacity building and support for the establishment of community based maintenance systems. Works will be carried out using labour-based contractors and local communities.

5.6.1.2 Impacts from Preparation of Fields

Increased soil erosion and resultant muddiness of surface water courses due to soil disturbances from tilling activities will be the main environmental impact associated with preparation of the fields

5.6.1.3 Use of agro-chemicals including pesticides

The use of agro-chemicals will result in contamination of surface and groundwater and in negative effects on vegetation, crop yields, aquatic ecology and wildlife and people’s health.

5.6.1.4 Integrated Pest Management

ASWAp – SP will promote Integrated Pest Management practices which will facilitate the progressive decrease in application of chemical pesticides and a corresponding increase in the utilization of environmentally friendly pest management practices. This will contribute to improved soil fertility and reduced chemical pollution from pesticides. A Pest Management Plan has been prepared for the project which will formalize these procedures.

5.6.1.5 Rural roads construction and rehabilitation

Rural roads construction and rehabilitation will contribute to soil erosion, degradation of land (from borrow pits), soil and water quality degradation (from leaking oils and lubricants), air pollution and dust from the civil works activities; and increase in solid as well as liquid wastes.

5.6.2 Social and Economic Impacts

The ASWAp-SP will have a wide range of social and socio-economic impacts and will play a key role in the overall economic development of the country. Agricultural productivity is closely related to reduction of poverty and malnutrition. Hence, small-scale farmers in particular, will have an important role to play in reducing poverty, creating widespread growth and reducing malnutrition through the ASWAp-SP in the following respects:

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(a) There is general agreement that increased agricultural productivity is a precondition for growth and development in most African countries, particularly the least developed countries such as Malawi. It is estimated that a 1% increase in agricultural income generates a 1 % increase in non-farm income, and that the rural non-farm economy accounts (on average) for at least 20% of full-time rural employment in most of African countries; and non-farm income for about 40% of rural incomes. ASWAp-SP farmers will have opportunities for bumper maize yields with surplus production, which they will sell either to ADMARC or private traders to increase their economic base. Access to markets by smallholder farmers will improve their purchasing power for inputs and ultimately reduce overdependence on subsidy inputs;

(b) Food Security is fundamental in achieving economic growth and development. If households have food security, they can redirect their efforts to other income generating activities or small scale businesses

(c) Increased agricultural production will promote increased agro processing of different products. This will improve job opportunities for smallholder farmers as well as their output to markets

(d) Agriculture is a primary source of employment and income in Malawi. Employment contributes to offsetting migration, and reducing costs associated with rural to urban migration by providing income-generating opportunities in the rural areas.

(e) Increased smallholder production will result in increased national production especially on maize. This will lead to improved exports of other agricultural products or agro-processed product.

(f) Additional income (from surplus maize production) will enable the household’s access other nutritious food such as meat and fish for protein. In the long run therefore, malnutrition levels will be reduced.

(g) A major impact of agricultural growth through the ASWAp-SP will be the transfer and adoption of agricultural technologies and the knowledge systems that underpin agriculture, thereby contributing to the transformation of rural society. ASWAp-SP farmer training in technologies, improved seed use, fertilizer use and land conservation will promote individual farmer skill for easy trickling down of information to other farmers.

(h) Agricultural productivity contributes to social development, which in turn has profound effects on health and education, spurring further development. The Integrated Health Survey 2 reported that literacy levels are low in rural areas (62%) while they are high in urban areas (80%). Of those who did not attend school, lack of money for school fees and clothing were reported as the reasons. Hence improvement in rural income levels will promote primary and secondary education thereby improving literacy levels in rural areas.

(i) The institution and capacity building of staff in MoAFS will effectively improve the economy as a result of efficient use of human and financial resources. The coordinated planning and implementation of agricultural activities, complemented by a well developed monitoring and evaluation system from ASWAp, will bring about efficient use of Government resources.

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(j) ASWAp aims at 6% annual economic growth from agriculture, which will result in increased GDP as Malawi’s economy mainly depends on agriculture.

(k) Construction and rehabilitation of the rural roads will result in employment opportunities, improve transport services and access to markets; and the resultant improved economic activity and livelihoods. It will also result in improved health services, awareness on HIV and aids as well as socioeconomic relationships.

There are some few negative social and economic impacts: Continued large investments in subsidy programs and lack of proper implementation

techniques will affect other agriculture development projects such as infrastructure, if there is no proper exit strategy

The road network and lack of competitive private trader participation in rural areas will affect prices of agricultural products.

The project will raise general concerns among the community. These will include upsetting existing social and economic community management relationships, land tenure system, security of livelihoods, and gender division of labour.

Discrimination against those participating in the subsidy program and conflicts among the villagers is likely to occur if proper sensitisation of and participation of the communities is not carried out and facilitated.

Suppliers of subsidised seed and fertilizer (e.g. ADMARC) have a tendency to focus on supplying subsidised inputs, at the expense of inputs needed by commercial buyers. This is aggravated by the lack of resources and capacity by ADMARC and other suppliers to provide both services.

Increase in traffic, due to better roads, will contribute to an increase in road accidents. Compulsory land acquisition for improvement of the rural roads will lead to loss of

farm produce. Influx of people to the project areas will lead to spread of HIV and Aids and an

increase in STIs. This will increase the strain on the local health facilities. Influx of people will also lead to increased extramarital affairs and unsafe sexual practices due to prolonged separation of migrant workers from their spouses.

5.6.3 Gender and HIV and AIDS Impacts

A number of earlier studies suggest that a third of total households in Malawi are female headed and that the numbers may be increasing due to the HIV and AIDS pandemic. Two-thirds of the Female Headed Households (FHHs) are currently not married, with about 20% having absent husbands. The 2004 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) indicated that approximately 23% of households are headed by women, with the incidence of female headship much higher in rural than in urban areas. Apart from heading the family without a man, most of these families have smaller land holding due to disrupted tenure and poor inheritance system. The proposed program will have the following main positive impacts in terms of gender and HIV/AIDS:

reduced HIV and AIDS transmission as a result of more mainstreaming and training for the agricultural sector and road contractors’ staff;

intensive awareness campaigns for the farmers mainstreaming gender, and HIV/AIDS;

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equitable distribution of roles and responsibilities and equitable access to resources and control of benefits if gender messages are clearly diffused among villagers; and

women and men will work together in productive and community activities.

On the other hand; since many of the poor and disadvantaged families depend on agriculture, the project is likely to positively impact more on the physically fit persons than the marginalized and the sick, if the special needs of these marginalised families are not considered.

5.6.4 Pest Management Related Impacts

Pest management under the proposed ASWAp should be undertaken with thorough and informed planning and knowledge at all levels including the national up to the local farmer level. While the benefits of the proposed Agricultural Development Programme can be obvious and impressive, the adverse environmental and social impacts from pest management practices can be significant, long-term, and perhaps permanent.

The most significant environmental and social impacts arise from poor pesticide storage, handling and application by agro dealers and smallholder farmers.

The past and present performance assessment of the Pesticides Control Board (PCB) has revealed that the Board has not been able to effectively and efficiently deliver its services due to a number of constraints or challenges (PCB Strategic Plan, 2006-2011). This problem is due to various factors ranging from poor management and institutional inadequacies to poor and weak systems and processes especially on law enforcement. Therefore, the proposed ASWAp-SP should make deliberate efforts to strengthen the (PCB) or ensure that this is done through other programmes. The following are some of the impacts that might arise due to increased pesticides usage during the ASWAp-SP implementation:

5.6.4.1 Human and Animal Poisoning

The majority of Malawians (80%) are subsistence farmers. This proportionately large population of subsistence farmers has to be protected from harmful pesticides and other agro-chemicals. Neglecting standards could result in human and animal poisoning or loss of life. In addition, inspection of pesticides distributor’s premises has revealed substandard storage and handling facilities and practices. This poses a health hazard to human beings (particularly the farmers) and animals.

5.6.4.2 Illegal Trade of Pesticides through Porous Borders

Malawi does not manufacture pesticides. All the pesticides that are marketed or used in the country are imported either from neighbouring countries or from overseas. Due to the high demand and lucrative market, there is an illegal pesticide market trade resulting in the misuse, overuse and abuse of pesticides. During the field investigations, it was learnt that DDT illegally finds its way from Zambia into Malawi, in Mchinji district. Increased agricultural production from the proposed ASWAp is likely to enhance increased trade in pesticides, part of which will be illegal.

The illegal trade will result in pilling up of unwanted pesticides in the country. Currently it is difficult to regulate and monitor entry of pesticides in the country because of the porous borders. Failure of the PCB to regulate and monitor most of the agro-chemical dealers (due to their disorganized nature) will result in increased importation of illegal agro-chemicals.

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5.6.4.3 Excessive, Inadequate or Improper Use

The pesticides imported into the country are often re-packed to suit the purchasing requirements of the smallholder farmers. These re-packed units often do not have proper labelling or sufficient instructions for use. Excessive pesticide application may result in accumulation of persistent pesticides in the soil and the environment and may continuously and cumulatively affect the food chain, water resources (rivers, lakes and groundwater), fauna and flora and ultimately human health. On the other hand, inadequate application due to ignorance and due to lack of funds may adversely affect crop production. As an example of improper use, aldicarb (temik) is currently being sold as nematicide, instead of being used for field crops. In addition, most of the fumigating companies (applicators) are employing unqualified workers and using substandard equipment thereby endangering human lives and the environment. Increased agricultural use of chemicals such as herbicides and insecticides will have a negative impact on the soils and subsequently on the quality of surface and ground water resources.

5.6.4.4 Risk of Contamination

Most of the subsistence farmers and agro-dealers targeted under the proposed ASWAp-SP are illiterate. This results in poor and improper use and application of pesticides. Most of the farmers do not use the prescribed equipment. This may lead to contamination of food, poisoning of applicators and contamination of the environment. Currently there is lack of proper disposal facilities for spent pesticides and their packaging. This culminates in pesticides stockpiles and subsequent contamination of the environment.

The above concerns justify the need for Integrated Pest Management practices (biological, physical and chemical practices) to control and reduce the use of agro-chemicals. ASWAp-SP implementation will follow recommendations and mitigations measures provided in the Pest Management Plan.

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CHAPTER SIX: SAMPLE ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING PLAN

6.1 Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP)

The purpose of the Environmental Management Plan (ESMP) is to ensure that the identified environmental and social impacts are mitigated, controlled or eliminated through planned activities, to be implemented throughout the project life. The ESMP also provides opportunities for the enhancement of positive impacts. Among other things, the ESMP gives details of the mitigation measures to be implemented for the impacts and the responsible institutions to implement the mitigation measures.

It is to be appreciated however, that implementation of the ESMP may be slightly modified to suit changes or emergencies that may occur on site at the time of project implementation. The plan therefore should be considered as the main framework that must be followed to ensure that the key potential negative impacts are kept minimal or under control. In this regard, flexibility should be allowed to optimize the implementation of the EMP for the best results in environmental management. For the ESIA, the ESMP consists of environmental and social impacts that are derived from the field investigations, public consultations and professional judgment. This ESMP will have to be reviewed and updated from time to time reflect the current conditions at the time of project implementation. Presented in Table 5.1 is an ESMP, which would easily fit in the implementation of the ASWAp-SP in the different project locations throughout the country. The costs given in the table are only indicative and actual costs will have to be determined for specific project activities and sites to reflect current costs at the time of project implementation.

The environmental management and monitoring plan relates to the larger ASWAp and the entire MoAFS. Therefore major environmental activities such as tree planting, study tours to neighbouring countries and provision of rainwater management structures etc, would have to be implemented within the ministry’s programme of activities, in coordination with the relevant line ministry and the Environmental Affairs Department. From table 6.1, the ASWAp-SP would have to allocate some funds for the implementation of the activities as indicated in the table. The rest of the funds would have to be drawn from the MoAFS and the line ministries or institutions as appropriate.

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Table 6.1: Sample Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP)No. Environmental/ Social

ImpactsProposed Mitigation/Enhancement Measures

Responsible Institution

Estimated Cost (MK) and Proposed Source of Funding

Frequency/Time Frame

Component 1: IMPACTS FROM FUNCTIONAL REVIEW AND TRANSFORMATION FOR SWAp1 Fear of Loss of jobs

Fear of Loss of control/autonomy

Fear of marginalization (women)

Use available staff in new structure as much as possible

Train and grade existing staff to suit new job requirements

Sensitise staff on change Properly planned exit

strategies and payment of terminal benefits to staff

Women empowerment

MoAFS 2,500,000.00 for orienting and training staff in preparation for the ASWAp-SP (to be funded from ASWAp-SP)

Before project Implementation

Component 2: IMPACTS FROM VEGETATION CLEARING FOR PREPARATION OF GARDENS1 Soil erosion Promote conservational

farming and agro-forestry Encourage early clearing of

vegetation before the onset of heavy rains

MoAFS, DC

From recurrent MoAFS budgets through Land Conservation Dept.

Annually during project implementation

2 Siltation Promote contour bunds, ridges and vertiver grass to trap silt and enhance ground water recharge

Early clearing of vegetation before the onset of heavy rains

Control vegetation clearing

MoAFS, DC

From recurrent MoAFS budgets through Land Conservation Dept.

Annually during project implementation

3 Degradation of Surface Water Quality

Prevent river bank cultivation Promote agro-forestry Train farmers in methods to

control soil erosion

MoAFS Forestry

department DC

From recurrent MoAFS budgets through Land Conservation Dept.

Annually during project implementation

4 Reduced groundwater Promote and train farmers in MoAFS, From recurrent Annually

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No. Environmental/ Social Impacts

Proposed Mitigation/Enhancement Measures

Responsible Institution

Estimated Cost (MK) and Proposed Source of Funding

Frequency/Time Frame

recharge due to rapid runoff

conservation and agro-forestry farming

DC MoAFS budgets through Land Conservation Dept.

during project implementation

5 Flora degraded and fauna habitat destroyed

Local resources reduced by clearing useful grass, plants and trees for building and medicines

Promote tree planting Limit bush clearing Preserve some areas to retain

grass for thatch and plants for medicines

MoAFS Forestry

Department

District Council

From recurrent MoAFS budgets through Land Conservation Dept.

Link with National Forestation Programmes

Annually during project implementation

6 Future land use options limited as farming takes priority

Encourage farming on already available agricultural land

MoAFS, DC From recurrent MoAFS budgets through Land Conservation Dept.

Annually during project implementation

7 General aesthetics degraded

Promote sustainable land management

MoAFS, DC From recurrent MoAFS budgets through Land Conservation Dept.

Annually during project implementation

Component 2: IMPACTS FROM INADEQUATE FINANCIAL RESOURCES TO PURCHASE INPUTS OR FROM DELAYS IN DISTRIBUTING INPUTS8 Reduced harvests and

adverse impacts on livelihoods

More land required to compensate for poor agricultural practices

Conflicts for land due to

Provide farm inputs on time Establish farmer clubs where

farmers can easily access loans

Encourage agri-business for farmers to afford inputs

Conduct awareness campaigns

MoAFS, DC

From recurrent MoAFS budgets through Department of Agricultural Extension.

Once annually during project implementation

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No. Environmental/ Social Impacts

Proposed Mitigation/Enhancement Measures

Responsible Institution

Estimated Cost (MK) and Proposed Source of Funding

Frequency/Time Frame

jealousy or envy for those accessing inputs (marginalisation of the disadvantaged groups)

to educate farmers on the availability and limitation of inputs

Educate farmers on the eligibility and modality of farm inputs distribution

Component 2: INCREASED PRESSURE ON LAND DUE TO INCREASED ACCESS TO INPUTS9 Conflicts for land as more

people want to participate in farming

Discrimination or conflicts among villagers over eligibility to the subsidy program

Increased exploitation of land in anticipation for subsidised inputs

Degradation of ecosystems, land, soil, water flora and fauna as more land is exploited

HIV and AIDS and gender marginalisation problems increased due to competition for land and other resources.

Educate community (either through radios or newspapers) on the beneficiaries of the program

Develop sustainable subsidy programme implementation guidelines

Promote IGAs for additional income generation to provide alternatives for those not eligible for subsidised inputs

Use already existing local committees, with assistance of local leaders to resolve land disputes

MoAFS, DC

1,500,000.00 Community Education for (to be funded by ASWAp-SP)

Once annually

Component 2: IMPACTS FROM INCREASED AGRO-CHEMICAL AVAILABILITY, APPLICATION/ACCUMULATION10 Ecosystems degraded Advocate for bio degradable MoAFS 1,500,000.00 for Once annually

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No. Environmental/ Social Impacts

Proposed Mitigation/Enhancement Measures

Responsible Institution

Estimated Cost (MK) and Proposed Source of Funding

Frequency/Time Frame

Land , soils and water contaminated by agro-chemicals

Animals and vegetation poisoned and contaminated,

Air quality degraded from sprays

Misuse, overuse and abuse of pesticides due to easy availability

Health and safety risks from chemical poisoning

HIV and AIDS increased as men get more disposable income

chemicals, physical and biological control methods and on farm manure production

Promote recommended use of pesticides

Use approved pesticides Regulate pesticides usage Promote Integrated Pest

Management Educate farmers on proper use

of pesticides Mainstream Gender and HIV

and AIDS in ASWAp-SP in consultation with programmes by NAC

PCB DC PCB Ministry of

Agriculture

awareness (ASWAp-SP to supplement PCB annual programmes)

during Project Implementation

Component 2: IMPACTS FROM INCREASE IN MAIZE (AND COMPLEMENTARY CROP) VARIETIES11 Ecosystems, flora and

fauna disturbed by new crop varieties

Potential for introduction of invasive species

Ensure farmers are using new crop varieties, which are approved and compatible with ecosystems

Ensure crop varieties are of acceptable taste by the communities

Control importation of varieties

MoAFS, DC

From recurrent MoAFS budgets through Crop Production Dept.

Once annually during project implementation

Component 2: LABOR BASED IMPACTS12 Increase in child labour for

inputs application and Child labour law enforcement

and community sensitization Ministry of

LabourLink farmers to financial institutions

Once annually just before peak labour

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No. Environmental/ Social Impacts

Proposed Mitigation/Enhancement Measures

Responsible Institution

Estimated Cost (MK) and Proposed Source of Funding

Frequency/Time Frame

harvesting Increase in strenuous

activities for HIV and AIDS affected

Increase in farm based activities for men, children and women (e.g. input collection and application, organic manure preparation and application and crop harvesting)

Provide opportunities for farmers to access bicycles for collection of inputs, on soft loans

Facilitate produce marketing and income generating activities for farmers to earn additional income for contracting out labour.

MoAFS District

Council

for bicycle loans requirements

Component 2: IMPACTS FROM INCREASE IN CONSERVATION FARMING PRACTICES AND USE OF ORGANIC MANURE13 Contact with organic

matter could increase chances of contamination

Increased breading of flies Smells form organic matter Water pollution from

animal waste

Educate farmers on the need to protect themselves from direct contact with animal waste by using appropriate protective clothing

Educate farmers in proper composting methods to prevent fly breeding and smell

Educate farmers in protecting water from contamination

MoAFS Farmers

From recurrent MoAFS budgets through Land Conservation and Extension Departments

Once annually during project implementation

Component 2: IMPACTS FROM INCREASED CROP ROTATION14 More labour required for

preparation of fields Since women are more

involved in farming, gender division of labour might affect women more

Introduce IGAs for farmers to earn additional income for contracting out some filed work

Gender and HIV and AIDS mainstreaming

MoAFS From recurrent MoAFS budgets through Crops and Extension Depts.; to be assisted by NAC.

Once annually during project implementation

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No. Environmental/ Social Impacts

Proposed Mitigation/Enhancement Measures

Responsible Institution

Estimated Cost (MK) and Proposed Source of Funding

Frequency/Time Frame

Requires more land HIV and AIDS affected

may be subjected to more work

Educate farmers in appropriate crop rotation and intercropping to minimise land requirements

Component 2: IMPACTS FROM INTER-CROPPING LEGUMINOUS SEEDS15 Crops may compete for

food and nutrients More types of pests to deal

with Selective pesticide and

fertilizer application on different crops may be difficult

Higher labour input due to different peak labour demand

Apply selective inter cropping Selection of pesticides to

cover a wide range of pests Suitable fertilizers for

intercropping Engage in IGAs to be able to

pay for some activities

MoAFS PCB

From recurrent MoAFS budgets through Crops Dept.

Once annually during project implementation

Component 2: INCREASING RATES OF IMPROVED TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND ADOPTION16 Failure to adopt new

agricultural technologies by farmers (problems with change of mindset)

Intensify field days Conduct field demonstrations

on new technologies Promote field visits (exchange

programmes)

MoAFS 3,000,000.00 for field days and exchange visits (to be included in ASWAp-SP budget)

Once annually during project implementation

Component 2: INCREASE IN AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICES17 Increased work load for

already insufficient extension staff

Provide and train adequate extension staff

MoAFS ASWAp-SP to support annual extension training programmes (See t able 7.3 for capacity building

Once annually during project implementation

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No. Environmental/ Social Impacts

Proposed Mitigation/Enhancement Measures

Responsible Institution

Estimated Cost (MK) and Proposed Source of Funding

Frequency/Time Frame

requirements)Component 2: IMPACTS FROM INCREASED RAIN WATER MANAGEMENT18 Higher labour input for

construction of contour ridges, swales and box ridges

Encourage community participation

MoAFS District

Council

From recurrent MoAFS budgets through Extension Dept.

Once annually during project implementation

Component 2: IMPACTS FROM RESEARCHER-LED EXPERIMENTATION19 Pollution of surface and

groundwater from chemicals Ensure waste from research

laboratories is adequately and properly treated

MoAFS EAD Ministry of

Irrigation and Water Development

From recurrent MoAFS and EAD Budgets in collaboration with the Water Resources Board

During Project implementation

Component 2: IMPACTS FROM INCREASED CROP HARVESTING20 Lack of markets to sell farm

produce Promote formation of farmer

associations and cooperatives, which could easily access markets

Link ASWAp with other programmes that aim at improving transport and access to markets and inputs by farmers

MoAFS Ministry of

Trade and Industry

Ministry of economic Planning

Ministry of Transport

From recurrent MoAFS budgets through Extension Dept.; in collaboration with the line ministries

Before and During project Implementation

Component 2: IMPACTS FROM INCREASED CROSS BOARDER TRADE21 Increased risk of HIV and

AIDS Awareness campaigns on the

risks of HIV and AIDS promoted through cross boarder relationships with

MoAFS Link with NAC on HIV and Aids training programmes

During Project Implementation

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No. Environmental/ Social Impacts

Proposed Mitigation/Enhancement Measures

Responsible Institution

Estimated Cost (MK) and Proposed Source of Funding

Frequency/Time Frame

highly mobile and sexually active persons

Component 2: IMPACTS FROM PROJECT PHASE OUT22 Project phase out may lead to:

Farmers’ reluctance to continue on their own, leading to:o Degradation of

ecosystemso Degradation of soils

and water resources and quality

o Disturbance of flora and fauna

o Disturbance of local communities and rural livelihoods

o Disruption of local and national economies

o Risk of increase in impacts of HIV and AIDS due to loss or reduced sources of food and income

Prepare comprehensive programme exit strategies that empower the District Assemblies and other key stakeholders to continue with the activities in a sustainable manner

MoAFS From recurrent MoAFS budgets through Decentralization activities.

Before and During Project implementation

Component 4: PHYSICAL IMPACTS FROM IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF UNPAVED RURAL ROADS23 Improvement of unpaved rural

roads will generate the following impacts: Increased soil erosion due Limit rehabilitation works to DC From recurrent From recurrent

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No. Environmental/ Social Impacts

Proposed Mitigation/Enhancement Measures

Responsible Institution

Estimated Cost (MK) and Proposed Source of Funding

Frequency/Time Frame

to topsoil removal and excavations

Soil pollution due to spillage of rehabilitation materials

Land degradation due to quarrying, burrow pits and gravel winning

Deteriorating water quality due to spillage of oil, lubricants and hazardous substance

Air pollution from dust generated by rehabilitation works

Generation solid and liquid waste

the road corridor Re-vegetate all disturbed areas Minimize stripping of

vegetation so that surface soil is less susceptible to erosion

Control flow of water to reduce erosion and siltation through engineering solutions such as intercepting gutters, check dams and gutters

Rehabilitate all quarry sites and burrow pits after civil works

Haul roads should be regularly maintained

Dispose all waste in designated and approved dump sites

DC

RA/DC

DC

EAD/DC

MoTPI budgets through Director of Public Works.

From recurrent MoTPI and RA budgets through Director of Public Works and Regional Roads Engineer

From recurrent EAD budgets through EDO

MoAIWD budget through Land Resource Conservation Officer

During rehabilitation and maintenance

During rehabilitation and maintenance

Component 4: SOCIAL IMPACTS FROM IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF UNPAVED RURAL ROADS24 Improvement of unpaved rural

roads will generate the

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No. Environmental/ Social Impacts

Proposed Mitigation/Enhancement Measures

Responsible Institution

Estimated Cost (MK) and Proposed Source of Funding

Frequency/Time Frame

following impacts: Increased road traffic

accidents

Compulsory land acquisition

An influx of migrant workers during rehabilitation of roads can be a socially disruptive force (spread HIV/AIDS)

Workers camps can lead to increased incidence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including HIV/AIDS which can result in increased load on local health facilities.Absences of migrant

Haul roads should be regularly maintained

Conduct road safety awareness campaign meetings with local communities

Choosing route locations away from built-up areas and restricting the extent of road works to avoid interference with existing activities

Employ Locals to reduce migrant workers and their related problems

Conduct awareness campaign meetings to sensitize workers on HIV/AIDS prevention

DC

NRSC

MoTPI/DC

DC/NAC

DC/NAC

200,000 for community education with funding from ASWAp-SP

From recurrent EAD budgets through EDO

From recurrent MoTPI and MoLHUD budgets through Director of Public Works and District Lands Officer.

300,000 for HIV/AID training with funding from ASWAp-SP

Link with NAC on HIV and Aids training programmes

Before rehabilitation and maintenance

During rehabilitation and maintenance

Before and during rehabilitation and maintenance

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No. Environmental/ Social Impacts

Proposed Mitigation/Enhancement Measures

Responsible Institution

Estimated Cost (MK) and Proposed Source of Funding

Frequency/Time Frame

workers from family for prolonged periods have the potential to fuel the practice of extramarital affairs and unsafe sexual practices

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6.2 Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan

6.2.1 Monitoring

Environmental monitoring comprises activities to track progress in the implementation and compliance to the proposed mitigation measures and in some cases compensatory measures outlined in the environmental management plans.

The purpose of monitoring is to ensure that main environmental and social mitigation measures, highlighted in the ESMP, have been synchronized with the project implementation process. In this regard, environmental monitoring activities will have to be undertaken before, during and even after project implementation.

The proposed ASWAp-SP will be implemented nation-wide. Therefore, monitoring will take place at the district level in the respective areas and the following monitoring arrangements are proposed:

During project planning and implementation, designated members of the ASWAp-SP, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Agricultural Development Divisions and District Executive Committees, will be responsible for the monitoring of:

1. inclusion of environmental and social issues in the ASWAp-SP implementation plans as required in the environmental management plan;

2. provisions for capacity building for the ESMF including for all the cross-cutting issues;

3. appropriate sequence and timely implementation of all ESMF activities as they relate to the program activities;

4. the preparation of proper exit strategies before project phase out; and

5. sustainability of the ESMF and project activities after project phase out.

The ASWAp Secretariat shall support the ADDs, District Agricultural Development Offices (DADOs) and District Executive Committees (DECs) at all stages of the work including monitoring. The DECs will also take part in all monitoring and evaluation activities.

6.2.2 Monitoring Indicators and Monitoring Plan

To be able to assess the effectiveness of the environmental management for proposed project components, monitoring indicators are provided in table 6.2 for this ESMF. These indicators will have to be reviewed for the actual project activities and site to reflect the current project site conditions.

Table 6.3 presents the environmental monitoring plan for the implementation of the ESMP activities for the ESMF. The monitoring institutions proposed in this table will use the monitoring indicators, to determine progress made by the responsible institutions or by the developer, in implementing the mitigation for the negative impacts. Funds for the monitoring activities will be drawn from the ASWAp-SP and line Ministries as indicated in the table.

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Table 6.2: Key Monitoring Indicators for the ESMF for the ASWAp-SP

COMPONENT OF THE PROJECT

KEY INDICATORS UNITS OF MEASUREMENT

Functional Review and Transformation for a Swap

Number of people (staff) complaining against reforms Number of people (staff) satisfied with the reforms Number of people (staff) laid off Number of women participation affected by the

reforms Number of known HIV and AIDS affected persons

being laid off Number of known HIV and AIDS affected persons

promoted Increase in women participation (Appointments and

Training)

No

NoNo

No

No

No

%Sustainable Small Holder Productivity Growth

Increased conservational farming Increase in amount of silt in water courses Degradation of surface water quality Technology adoption rate Increase in area planted with trees Increase in crop production estimates Number of subsidy programme conflicts Increase in participation of women Number of field days conducted Number of demonstrations conducted Number of Exchange visits carried out Degradation in ecosystem (e.g. flora and fauna

including animal habitat) Changes in soil properties (e.g. pH, mineral and

nutrient content, salinity) Increase in women participation HIV related morbidity and mortality attrition Effective resilience and household coping

mechanisms for HIV and AIDS HIV infection risks and vulnerabilities Change in ration of men to women in preparation of

gardens Change in ratio of women to men participating in

registration of inputs Participation of family members in application of

inputs Ratio of women to men accessing credit facilities Ratio of women to men accessing inputs e.g.

fertilizers and seed Ration of women to men accessing appropriate and

cost-saving agricultural technology

%

%% change%%%No%NoNoNo%Ph levels in soils%%%%%%

%

%

%

%%

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Ratio of women to men receiving ASWAp-SP training Ratio of women to men using fertilizer; Ratio of women to men adopting an improved

technology (to be specified); Ratio of women to men being members of a farmer

organization; Ratio of women to men having access to credit; Ratio of women to men engaging in IGA

%

%

%

%

%%%

Post Harvest and Marketing

Change in HIV/AIDS Prevalence Instituted market systems Number of cooperatives formed

%NoNo

Gender indicators Ratio of men to women participating in decisions on

crop use and sale Participation of women in post harvest activities Ratio of men to women accessing markets and market

information

%

%%

Improvement And Maintenance Of Unpaved Rural Roads

Employment opportunities Improved transportation system Increased economic activities Improved access to markets Increased access to health care Improved livelihoods for the communities Improved local and national economy Improved awareness of gender and HIV and AIDS

issuesImproved socioeconomic relationships

No%%%%%%%

%%

Increased soil erosion due to topsoil removal and excavations

Land degradation due to quarrying, borrow pits and gravel winning

Degradation of soil and water quality due to spillage of lubricants and fuels

Air pollution from dust generated by rehabilitation works

Increased road traffic accidents Generation solid and liquid waste Compulsory land acquisition Social disruption (including spread HIV and AIDS)

due to influx of migrant workers Increased incidences of STIs including HIV/AIDS

leading to increased strain on local health facilities due to influx of workers

Extramarital affairs and unsafe sexual practices due to prolonged absences of migrant workers from family

%

%

%

%

%%%

%

%

%

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Table 6.3: Monitoring Plan for the EMP No. Environmental/ Social

ImpactsProposed Mitigation/Enhancement Measures

Monitoring indicator Responsible Institution

Frequency/Cost

Component 1: IMPACTS FROM FUNCTIONAL REVIEW AND TRANSFORMATION FOR SWAp1 Fear of Loss of jobs

Fear of Loss of control/autonomy

Fear of marginalization (women)

Use available staff in new structure as much as possible

Train and grade existing staff to suit new job requirements

Sensitise staff on change Properly planned exit

strategies and payment of terminal benefits to staff

Women empowerment

% Staff retained % of women retained Number of staff trained

and graded to suit new job requirements

Number of complaints from staff

Exit plan and benefits for redundant staff

ASWAp-SP Secretariat

Ministry of Women and Child welfare

Before project Implementation

Twice during first year of project implementation

Component 2: IMPACTS FROM VEGETATION CLEARING FOR PREPARATION OF GARDENS1 Soil erosion Promote conservational

farming and agro-forestry Encourage early clearing

of vegetation before the onset of heavy rains

% increase in conservational farming and agro-forestry

% of farmers clearing vegetation in time

ASWAp-SP Secretariat

DA,

Annually during project implementation

From recurrent MoAFS budgets through Land Conservation Dept.

2 Siltation Promote contour bunds, ridges and vertiver grass to trap silt and enhance ground water recharge

Early clearing of vegetation before the onset of heavy rains

% or Number of contour and bands, ridges constructed

% of the farm area planted with vertiver grass

% of farmers clearing

Water Resources Department,

ASWAp-SP Secretariat,

Annually

From recurrent MoAFS budgets through Land Conservation Dept.)

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No. Environmental/ Social Impacts

Proposed Mitigation/Enhancement Measures

Monitoring indicator Responsible Institution

Frequency/Cost

Control vegetation clearing vegetation in time3 Degradation of Surface

Water Quality Prevent river bank

cultivation Promote agro-forestry Train farmers in methods

to control soil erosion

% of farmers cultivating river banks

% of farmers practicing agro-forestry

% of farmers trained in methods to control soil erosion

Water resources department

EAD

Annually during project implementation

From recurrent MoAFS budgets through Land Conservation Dept.

4 Reduced groundwater recharge due to rapid runoff

Promote and train farmers in conservation and agro-forestry farming

% of farmers trained in conservation and agro-forestry farming

ASWAp-SP Secretariat

Annually during project implementation

From recurrent MoAFS budgets through Land Conservation Dept.

5 Flora degraded and fauna habitat destroyed

Local resources reduced by clearing useful grass, plants and trees for building and medicines

Promote tree planting Limit bush clearing Avoid animal conservation

areas Preserve some areas to

retain grass for thatch and plants for medicines

% change in area planted with trees

% Area preserved with trees and grass

Forestry Department

ASWAp-SP Secretariat

Annually From recurrent

MoAFS budgets through Land Conservation Dept.

6 Future land use options limited as farming takes priority

Limit farming on already available agricultural land

% increase in area used for agricultural purpose

Ministry of Lands

ASWAp-SP Secretariat

Annually

7 General aesthetics Promote sustainable land % degradation in landscape ASWAp-SP Annually

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No. Environmental/ Social Impacts

Proposed Mitigation/Enhancement Measures

Monitoring indicator Responsible Institution

Frequency/Cost

degraded management SecretariatComponent 2: IMPACTS FROM INADEQUATE FINANCIAL RESOURCES TO PURCHASE SUBSIDISED INPUTS OR FROM DELAYS IN DISTRIBUTING INPUTS8 Reduced harvests and

adverse impacts on livelihoods

More land required to compensate for poor agricultural practices

Conflicts for land due to jealousy or envy for those accessing inputs (marginalisation of the disadvantaged groups)

Provide farm inputs on time

Establish farmer clubs where farmers can easily access loans

Encourage agri-business for farmers to afford inputs

Conduct awareness campaigns to educate farmers on the availability and limitation of inputs

Educate farmers on the eligibility and modality of farm inputs distribution

% increase in crop production estimates

Number of days of delay in supplying inputs

% of eligible farmers accessing inputs

5 of farmers engaged in agribusiness

% of farmers understanding the availability and limitations on inputs

ASWAp-SP Secretariat

Annually

From recurrent MoAFS budgets through Extension Dept.

Component 2: INCREASED PRESSURE ON LAND DUE TO INCREASED ACCESS TO INPUTS9 Conflicts for land as

more people want to participate in farming

Discrimination or conflicts among villagers over eligibility to the subsidy program

Increased exploitation of land in anticipation for subsidised inputs

Degradation of

Educate community (either through radios or newspapers) on the beneficiaries of the program

Develop sustainable subsidy programme implementation guidelines

Promote IGAs for additional income generation to provide

Number of reported complaints

Guidelines developed

Number of IGAs established for additional income

ASWAp-SP Secretariat

Annually

From recurrent MoAFS budgets through Extension Dept.

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No. Environmental/ Social Impacts

Proposed Mitigation/Enhancement Measures

Monitoring indicator Responsible Institution

Frequency/Cost

ecosystems, land, soil, water flora and fauna as more land is exploited

HIV and AIDS and gender marginalisation problems increased due to competition for land and other resources.

alternatives for those not eligible for subsidised inputs

Use already existing committees with assistance of local leaders to resolve land disputes

Number of land disputes registered

Component 2: IMPACTS FROM INCREASED AGRO-CHEMICAL AVAILABILITY, APPLICATION/ACCUMULATION AS MORE INPUTS ARE MADE AVAILABLE TO FARMERS10 Ecosystems degraded

Land , soils and water contaminated by agro-chemicals

Animals and vegetation poisoned and contaminated,

Air quality degraded from sprays

Misuse, overuse and abuse of pesticides due to easy availability

Health and safety risks from chemical poisoning

HIV and AIDS increased as men get more disposable income

Advocate for bio degradable chemicals, physical and biological control methods and on farm manure production

Promote recommended use of pesticides

Use approved pesticides Regulate pesticides usage Promote Integrated

Pesticides Management Educate farmers on proper

use of pesticides Mainstream Gender and

HIV & AIDS in the ASWAp-SP in consultation with NAC

% damage in ecosystems elements (e.g. water quality, vegetation and animals

% of farmers trained and using recommended methods for pesticides

% of farmers using IPM

ASWAp-SP Secretariat

Water quality section of MIWD

EAD PCB

Once before and once annually after project start

3,000,000.00 from ASWAp-SP

Component 2: IMPACTS FROM INCREASE IN MAIZE (AND COMPLEMENTARY CROP) VARIETIES

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No. Environmental/ Social Impacts

Proposed Mitigation/Enhancement Measures

Monitoring indicator Responsible Institution

Frequency/Cost

11 Ecosystems, flora and fauna disturbed by new crop varieties

Potential for introduction of invasive species

Ensure new crop varieties are approved and compatible with ecosystems

Ensure crop varieties are of acceptable taste by the communities

Control importation of species

Number of reported illegal crop varieties detected

Number of complaints about taste

Number of cases involving illegal importation of seed

ASWAp-SP Secretariat

Once annually during project implementation

From recurrent MoAFS budgets through Crops Dept.

Component 2: LABOR BASED IMPACTS12 Increase in child labour

for inputs application and harvesting

Increase in strenuous activities for HIV and AIDS affected

Increase in farm based activities for men, children and women (e.g. input collection and application, organic manure preparation and application and crop harvesting)

Child labour law enforcement andcommunity sensitization

Provide opportunities for farmers to access bicycles for collection of inputs, on soft loans

Facilitate produce marketing and income generating activities for farmers to earn additional income for contracting out labour.

Increase in child labour cases reported

Number of bicycles loaned to farmers

Number of farmers able to complete their farming duties

Ministry of Women and Child Welfare

NGOs ASWAp-SP

Secretariat

ASWAp-SP Secretariat

Annually

1,000,000.00 (to be funded from ASWAP)

Component 2: IMPACTS FROM INCREASE IN CONSERVATION FARMING PRACTICES AND USE OF ORGANIC MANURE13 Contact with organic

matter could increase Educate farmers on the

need to protect themselves Number cases reported

not using of Protective ASWAp-SP

Secretariat Once annually

during project

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No. Environmental/ Social Impacts

Proposed Mitigation/Enhancement Measures

Monitoring indicator Responsible Institution

Frequency/Cost

chances of contamination

Increased breading of flies

Smells form organic matter

Water pollution from animal waste

from direct contact with animal waste by using appropriate protective clothing

Educate farmers in proper composting methods to prevent fly breeding and smell

Educate farmers in protecting water from contamination

material Cases of organic matter

related infections Increase in fly breading Increase in biological

water pollution

Ministry of Health

Ministry of Irrigation & Water Development

implementation

From recurrent MoAFS budgets through Extension Dept.

Component 2: IMPACTS FROM INCREASED CROP ROTATION14 More labour required

for preparation of fields Since women are more

involved in farming, gender division of labour might affect women more

Requires more land HIV and AIDS affected

may be subjected to more work

Introduce IGAs for farmers to earn additional income for contracting out some filed work

Gender and HIV and AIDS mainstreaming

Educate farmers in appropriate crop rotation to minimise land requirements

Number of farmers completing their farm duties on time

% Women participation in the ASWAp

% of farmers practicing crop rotation

Ministry of Women and Child Welfare

District Assembly

Once annually during project implementation

From recurrent MoAFS budgets through Extension Dept.

Component 2: IMPACTS FROM INTER-CROPPING LEGUMINOUS SEEDS15 Crops may compete for

food and nutrients More types of pests to

deal with Selective pesticide and

Apply selective inter-cropping

Selection of pesticides to cover a wide range of pests

Suitable fertilizers for

% increase in successful inter-cropping

% reduction in pests Crop production levels

ASWAp-SP Secretariat

Once annually during project implementation

From recurrent

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No. Environmental/ Social Impacts

Proposed Mitigation/Enhancement Measures

Monitoring indicator Responsible Institution

Frequency/Cost

fertilizer application on different crops may be difficult

Higher labour input due to different peak labour demand

intercropping Engage in IGAs to be able

to pay for some activities

MoAFS budgets through Crops Dept.

Component 2: INCREASING RATES OF IMPROVED TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND ADOPTION16 Failure to adopt new

agricultural technologies by farmers (problems with change of mindset)

Intensify field days Conduct field

demonstrations on new technologies

Promote field visits (exchange programmes)

Technology Adoption rates

% of target farmers using new technologies

Number of field days

ASWAp-SP Secretariat

Once annually during project implementation

From recurrent MoAFS budgets through Extension Dept.

Component 2: INCREASE IN AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICES17 Increased work load for

already insufficient extension staff

Provide and train adequate extension staff

Number of extension staff recruited and trained

Vacancy levels

ASWAp-SP Secretariat

Once annually during project implementation

From recurrent MoAFS budgets through Human Resources Dept.

Component 2: IMPACTS FROM INCREASED RAIN WATER MANAGEMENT18 Higher labour input for

construction of contour ridges, swales and box ridges

Encourage community participation

Community participation levels

Number of rain water management structures

ASWAp-SP Secretariat

Once annually during project implementation

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No. Environmental/ Social Impacts

Proposed Mitigation/Enhancement Measures

Monitoring indicator Responsible Institution

Frequency/Cost

constructed From recurrent MoAFS budgets through Land Conservation Dept.

Component 2: IMPACTS FROM RESEARCHER-LED EXPERIMENTATION19 Pollution of surface and

groundwater from chemicals

Ensure waste from research laboratories is adequately and properly treated

Water quality degradation

Ministry of Irrigation and Water Development

Biannually during Project implementation

From recurrent Ministry of Irrigation and Water Development budgets.

Component 2: IMPACTS FROM INCREASED CROP HARVESTING20 Lack of markets to sell

farm produce Promote formation of

farmer associations and cooperatives, which could easily access markets

Link ASWAp with other programmes that aim at improving transport and access to markets and inputs by farmers

Number of Farmer Associations formed

Number of institutions or programmes linked to ASWAp to facilitate access to markets

ASWAp-SP Secretariat

DA

Ministry of Trade and Industry

Annually during project Implementation

From recurrent MoAFS budgets through Extension Dept.

Component 2: IMPACTS FROM INCREASED CROSS BOARDER TRADE21 Increased risk of HIV and Awareness campaigns on Number of awareness National Aids During Project

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No. Environmental/ Social Impacts

Proposed Mitigation/Enhancement Measures

Monitoring indicator Responsible Institution

Frequency/Cost

AIDS the risks of HIV and AIDS promoted through cross boarder relationships with highly mobile and sexually active persons

campaigns conducted Commission Ministry of

Agriculture

Implementation

From recurrent MoAFS budgets through Extension Dept.

Component 2: IMPACTS FROM PROJECT PHASE OUT22 Project phae out may lead

to: Farmers’ reluctance to

continue on their own, leading to:o Degradation of

ecosystemso Degradation of soils

and water resources and quality

o Disturbance of flora and fauna

o Disturbance of local communities and rural livelihoods

o Disruption of local and national economies

o Risk of increase in impacts of HIV and AIDS due to loss or reduced sources of

Prepare comprehensive programme exit strategies that empower the district assemblies and other key stakeholders to continue with the activities in a sustainable manner

Exit strategy document District or Town

Assembly preparedness to take over project

ASWAp-SP Secretariat

6 months before project wind up

3,000,000.00 for assessment of the Assemblies capacity to take over (ASWAp-SP TO FUND)

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No. Environmental/ Social Impacts

Proposed Mitigation/Enhancement Measures

Monitoring indicator Responsible Institution

Frequency/Cost

food and incomeComponent 4: PHYSICAL IMPACTS FROM IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF UNPAVED RURAL ROADS

Improvement and maintenance of unpaved rural roads may lead to: Increased soil erosion

due to topsoil removal and excavations

Soil pollution due to spillage of rehabilitation materials

Land degradation due to quarrying, burrow pits and gravel winning

Deteriorating water quality due to spillage of oil, lubricants and hazardous substance

Air pollution from dust generated by rehabilitation works

Generation solid and liquid waste

Minimize stripping of vegetation so that surface soil is less susceptible to erosion

Control flow of water to reduce erosion and siltation through engineering solutions such as intercepting gutters, check dams and gutters

Rehabilitate all quarry sites and burrow pits after civil works

Dispose all waste in designated and approved dump sites

Areas contaminated with oils

Percent of area planted with trees and grass

Water quality Percent of project area

cleared of vegetation

ASWAp-SP Secretariat

Assemblies capacity to take over (ASWAp-SP to fund)

Annually during project Implementation

Component 4: SOCIAL IMPACTS FROM IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF UNPAVED RURAL ROADSImprovement and maintenance of unpaved rural roads may lead to: Increased road traffic

Rehabilitate all quarry sites and burrow pits after civil works

Haul roads should be

Number of complaints from community

Health records Percent of affected

ASWAp-SP Secretariat

Assemblies capacity to take over (ASWAp-SP to fund)

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No. Environmental/ Social Impacts

Proposed Mitigation/Enhancement Measures

Monitoring indicator Responsible Institution

Frequency/Cost

accidents Compulsory land

acquisition An influx of migrant

workers during rehabilitation of roads can be a socially disruptive force (spread HIV/AIDS)

Workers camps can lead to increased incidence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including HIV/AIDS which can result in increased load on local health facilities.

Absences of migrant workers from family for prolonged periods have the potential to fuel the practice of extramarital affairs and unsafe sexual practices

regularly maintained Conduct road safety

awareness campaign meetings with local communities

Choosing route locations away from built-up areas and restricting the extent of road works to avoid interference with existing activities

Employ Locals to reduce migrant workers and their related problems

Conduct awareness campaign meetings to sensitize workers on HIV/AIDS prevention

persons compensated Number of awareness

campaigns conducted

Annually during project Implementation

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6.3 Implementation Arrangements for the ESMF

6.3.1 Definition of Roles and ResponsibilitiesSuccessful implementation of the ESMF, the site specific ESMP and the monitoring plan will require input, expertise and resources from all the key stakeholders including the ASWAp-SP participating institutions. It will also require the participation and involvement of the farmers and the Local Leaders. Therefore these key stakeholders would need to collaborate at all levels including at district, division and national levels.

Some of the stakeholders will require basic training in environmental management and land and water conservation practices. The type of training has been given in Chapter 7. The present Chapter outlines some of the selected and recommended activities to be performed by each of the key stakeholders, in order to successfully implement the environmental management plan.

6.3.1.3 National level:

The (MoAFS) will be responsible for the overall implementation of the project. The ASWAp-SP Executive Management Committee (EMC), chaired by the Principal Secretary of MoAFS, will have the overall decision making responsibility regarding the management of the project, including approval of work plans and budgets.

For the ESMF therefore, the ASWAp-SP Secretariat will coordinate and monitor implementation of the Environmental Management Plan. The ASWAp-SP Secretariat will be charged with the day-to-day national level management of the project, and will be strengthened to be able to do so.

6.3.1.2 Division level

Implementation of the ESMF will be supervised by the ADDs. This comprises Programme Manager and heads of different department including the Crop Management, Extension Services, Land Resource Management, Agriculture Gender Roles and Support Services, Communication Services, Agri-Business Development and Livestock Management. Table 6.4 gives the ADDs and their respective district:

Table 6.4: ADDs and their Respective DistrictsAGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT

DIVISION (ADD)DISTRICT UNDER THE ADD

Blantyre Mwanza, Phalombe. MachingaShire Valley Chikhwawa, NsanjeLilongwe Ntcheu, KasunguSalima SalimaKaronga Chitipa, Karonga

6.3.1.3 District Level

The District Agricultural Development Offices (DADOs) and the Town or District Assemblies will be responsible for the technical work at the District or Town Assembly level. The DEC, which comprises officials such as the District Commissioner, Director of Planning and Development, Environmental District Officer, Lands Officer, HIV and AIDS Officer, Gender Officer and Social Welfare Officer; will provide technical expertise to the farmers, for successful implementation of the ASWAp.

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The respective institutions indicated in the monitoring plan will carry out the monitoring for the implementation of the EMP, which will be done with the participation of the Field Extension Workers.

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CHAPTER SEVEN: CAPACITY BUILDING FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING

7.1 Current Environmental Management Capacity

7.1.1 Environmental Capacity in the Agriculture SectorThe Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has technical and managerial capacity at different levels. The Headquarters, ADD and RDP have technical staff in the departments of Research, Crop production, Extension Services, Animal Health and Livestock Production, Land Resources Conservation and the Planning Division. These departments are supported by the Finance and Human Resources sections.

Extension Services The Extension Services include crop and livestock production, gender, agro-business, communication and methodologies. The Agricultural Communications Branch of the Extension Services has officers at the ADD level and these officers link up with Desk Officers at District level. The officers work with the Agriculture Extension Development Coordinator (AEDC) and the Agriculture Extension Development Officer AEDO at section level to transfer technologies, gender and HIV and AIDS mainstreaming messages to the farmers. From project documents and information obtained during public consultations it was learnt that the average vacancy in the Department of Agriculture Extension Services is 58%. However, the field investigations revealed that there are no serious human resource capacity problems within the communications section. The main challenge for this section is lack of transport and materials (e.g. radios and public address systems) for information dissemination.

Land Resources and Conservation DepartmentThe Land Resources and Conservation Department has three units of Land Management and Training, Environmental Conservation and Education and the Land Resource Survey and evaluation units.

At the ADD level, the Land Resources and Conservation Department has the Chief Land Resources Conservation Officer (CLRCO), the Principal Land Resources Conservation Officer (PLRCO), the Senior Land Resources Conservation Officer (SLRCO) and the Chief Draughtsman. At the district level the RDPs have the Land Resources and Conservation Officer (LRCO) and the Senior Assistant Land Resources and Conservation Officer (SALRCO).

The technical staff of Land Resources and Conservation Department includes the Agriculture Extension Development Officer (AEDO) who is their direct link to the farmer. However, the AEDOs focus more on agricultural production than on conservation activities.

The department has a vacancy level of around 59% at the headquarters. The vacancy level is slightly higher at ADD and District level (69%). This gap is high and should be filled for the effective implementation and sustainable management of the environment and natural resources.

Extension Planning Area

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The Extension Planning Area Section has the Agriculture Extension Development Coordinator (AEDC), the Agriculture Extension Development Officer (AEDO) and the Agriculture Veterinary Officer (AVO). These are the development officers who directly link research and extension services, land conservation technologies and livestock technologies to the farmer for improved and sustainable production.

The number of established positions for AEDOs is 2880 positions in the 8 ADDs but 41% of these positions are vacant. The ministry recruits these officers every year. However, the staff turnover is high due to remote locations and poor working conditions. As a result the AEDOs prefer to work for NGOs and other institutions offering better pay and working conditions.

The AEDO to Farmer ratio is currently very low and in Mchinji RDP for instance, the ratio is 1 AEDO to 4000 farmers instead of the recommended 1:800. Table 7.1 provides statistics of the AEDO staff levels and vacancies in some of the AAD districts.

Table 7.1: Distribution of AEDO staff in the ADD

ADD Established Filled VacantKaronga 104 94 10Shire valley 184 126 58Salima 232 114 118Mzuzu 268 232 36Kasungu 392 221 171Blantyre 544 210 334Machinga 560 333 227Lilongwe 596 375 221

Total 2880 1705 1175Source Ministry of Agriculture – Human Resources Office

The Pesticides Control BoardThe pesticides Control Board works hand in hand with different ministries and departments in controlling the usage of pesticides for the protection of Malawians, their agricultural activities and their environment. The Board has a secretariat comprising of the registrar and the assistant registrar. It also has 3 filled posts against the established 6 posts in the inspection section. The Board is therefore, currently facing difficulties of low capacity levels, especially in the inspection section.

7.1.2 Environmental and Social Management Capacity in other Sectors

Environmental Affairs DepartmentThe Environmental Affairs Department (EAD) is the authority responsible for coordinating all environmental matters in the country. The Department headquarters is in Lilongwe and there are environmental district offices in the 5 districts of the country.

At the district level, there are 28 established positions of Environmental District Officers (EDOs). However, more than 50% of those positions are vacant mainly due to staff leaving in search for greener pastures. This is a great challenge as these are the officers that coordinate environmental matters at district level. The Environmental District Officer is a

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member of the District Environmental Sub-committee (DESC) of the District Executive Committee (DEC)

District CouncilsIn addition to the positions of EDOs in the District Councils, the 2004 functional review of the Assemblies proposed a number of changes to the Assembly structures, including the establishment of a Directorate of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Natural Resources. The purpose of the Directorate is to ensure food security and sustainable management and utilization of the environment and natural resources. This would augur well with the proposed ASWAp-SP as the main aspects of the ASWAp-SP as far as the ESMF is concerned, would be coordinated within one unit at Council level.

The Functional Review was already approved by Department of Human Resources Management and Training. However, it has not yet been implemented as an establishment, pending warrant from the Treasury Department.

The Ministry of HealthThe Ministry of Health is one of the key Ministries to the successful implementation of the ASWAp. The Ministry has an extensive structure which is divided into curative and preventive sections. Currently, the Ministry is conducting a review of its structure to suit development programmes within the Ministry and outside the Ministry such as the proposed ASWAp-SP.

The preventive section of the Ministry relates very well with the implementation of the ASWAp-SP. Preventive mechanisms for negative environmental and social impacts of the ASWAp-SP could be included in the Environmental Health Programmes at different levels of the new proposed structure. The structure goes down to the community level where local voluntary staff trained in environmental health can play roles in the EMP and monitoring for the ASWAp-SP impacts. The structure showing the different levels of Environmental Health participation is presented as follows:

CONTROLLER OF PREVENTIVE HEALTH SERVICES

CHIEF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH OFFICER

PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH OFFICER (Regional)

DISTRICT ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH OFFICER (District Hospital)

ASSISTANT DISTRICT ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER (Area / Health Centre)

SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH ASSISTANT (Area / Health Centre)

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH ASSISTANT (Health Post / Dispensary)

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HEALTH ASSISTANT (Health Post / Dispensary)

SUPERVISORY HEALTH SURVEILLANCE ASSISTANT (Health Post / Dispensary)

HEALTH SURVEILLANCE ASSISTANT (Community Based)

The Ministry of Gender, Child and Community DevelopmentThe Ministry of Gender, Child and Community Development is the key Ministry coordinating issues of gender and child development. The Ministry has a well established structure, for gender related impacts of the ASWAp-SP. The structure is designed to facilitate increased women participation in development projects. The ASWAp-SP will benefit from this structure at all levels including the national, regional and district level.

The Ministry plans to conduct a functional review to strengthen the structures at the grass root level. Some of the key technical departments and officers relevant to the implementation of the ASWAp-SP are shown in the table 7.2

Table 7.2: Departments of the Ministry of Women and Child Development Relevant to ASWAp-SP

DEPARTMENT ESTABLISHED OFFICECommunity Development Principal Secretary

Director of Community Development Services Deputy Director of Community Development Chief Community Development Officer Principal Community Development Officer (Adult

Literacy) Principal Community Development Officer Senior Community Development Officer

Social Welfare Director of Welfare Services Deputy Director of Social Welfare Services Chief Social Welfare Officer Principal Social Welfare Officer

Gender and Development Director of Gender and Development Services Deputy Director of Gender and Development Chief Gender and Development Officer

Gender Affairs Programme Principal Gender and Development OfficerEconomic Empowerment Principal Gender and Development OfficerSocial Planning Services Controller of Planning Services

Chief Social Planning Officer Principal Social Planning Officer Senior Social Planning Officer Social Planning Officer Senior Programmer Data Preparation Clerk

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DEPARTMENT ESTABLISHED OFFICEDistrict Offices District Community Services Officer

Community Development Officer Social Welfare Officer Senior Assistant Community Development Officer Senior Assistant Social Welfare Officer Assistant Community Development Officer Assistant Social Welfare Officer Senior Community Development Assistant Senior Social Welfare Assistant Community Development Assistant Social Welfare Assistant

Forestry Department(a) Human Resources

Most of the positions at different levels in the Forestry Department are not filled and the current position is as follows:

37 % of the positions at professional level (from PO or Grade I and above) are vacant 50% of positions at technical level are vacant 28% of positions at field level are vacant

The Current organogram for the Department is as follows:

DIRECTOR

HRM Finance Administration

Forestry Development Services Forestry Extension Services PTS

DISTRICT FORESTRY OFFICES

REGIONAL FORESTRY OFFICES

DEPUTY DIRECTOR

ADMINISTRATION TECHNICAL SERVICES

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The recommended ratio of Forestry Assistants (FA) to local people is highly exceeded and it places a heavy burden of work on the remaining staff. The recommended Ratio is 1 FA to 1,500 people. However, the existing ratio is estimated to be equal to or greater than 1 FA: 5,000 people

Some districts have critical shortage of staff affecting the quality and efficiency of forestry services in the affected districts.

38 Forestry Assistants are currently being trained at the Malawi College of Forestry at Chongoni in Dedza. However, past experience has shown that most of the graduates from the institution migrate to the private sector. Staff turnover is high in the department due to poor conditions of service.

Major problems faced by the Department include: inadequate transport (vehicles and motor cycles) at national, regional and district

levels; lack of and poor fire fighting equipment; lack of office equipment e.g. computers, photocopiers etc; lack of and poor state of staff houses and offices and; Lack of other critical equipment e.g. for training, monitoring, communication and

data collection. Currently Malawi’s forestry resources cover approximately 27% of total land area of which 11 % is in National Parks, 10% in forest reserves and 6 % on customary land. The major concern is current low levels of community support for forestry development, management and protection. The Department faces low levels of funding from the national budget and as a result, there is:

a declining trend in general, in funding of forestry programmes; few ongoing programmes/projects; inadequate human resource development and management; poor enforcement of laws and regulations, becoming evident at national level; inability to cope with the increase in wood demand, leading to liquidation of the

remaining forests. (93% of the population including agricultural estates and some industries/institutions use biomass for their daily energy supplies. Current research shows increased deforestation rate and unsustainable exploitation of non-timber forestry products and Malawi’s protected areas being at greater risk).

In spite of these problems, the Department supports agro-forestry activities. The Forestry Research Institute of Malawi (FRIM) collects, treats and sells or distributes seed (some of them for agro-forestry) to farmers. It also conducts research on agro-forestry. Currently the institution is collaborating with ICRAF on the “Trees on Farm” initiative in Zomba. The Lilongwe Forestry Project has made an effort to assist farmers in raising tree seedlings most of which were for agro-forestry. The president recently requested the department of forestry to provide seedlings to local farmers. The Department has since distributed a lot of seedlings most of which are for agro-forestry and a progress report is being compiled for this initiative.

The Department is also implementing the Improved Forestry Management for Sustainable Livelihoods Project in Nsanje, Chikwawa, Machinga, Dedza, Ntcheu, Kasungu, Ntchisi, Chitipa, Karonga, Rumphi and Mzimba. One of the components of this project deals with co-management of forestry reserves. Under this component there is support for community

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forestry that includes agro-forestry activities. In general forestry extension services in Malawi provide support for agro-forestry activities

The views of the Forestry Department are that the ASWAp-SP activities would integrate very well with the activities of the Forestry Department in that:

intensive farming methods would help to halt agricultural expansion and; poverty reduction and food security, to be achieved through the programme, will

significantly help to reduce pressure on forestry resources which are being liquidated for income.

7.2 Capacity Building and Training RequirementsSuccessful implementation of the ASWAp partly depends on the effective implementation of the environmental management measures outlined in the ESIA. Training and capacity building is therefore necessary for the key stakeholders to ensure that they have the appropriate skills to implement the environmental management plan. This section outlines the types of capacity building and training initiatives that must be implemented as part of ASWAp, to ensure that the environmental management requirements outlined in the ESIA are fully implemented.

7.2.1 Institutional Strengthening

Institutional capacity in the MoAFS to implement most of the measures outlined in this ESIA is considered to be weak particularly due to low staffing levels and inadequate resources to implement and monitor environmental management requirements.

Agriculture Extension Development Officers relate directly with the farmers and therefore are key in the implementation of the EMP. It is important therefore that some of the vacancies (which go up to 41%) should be filled. Currently, Extension Officers are trained at Natural Resources College (NRC) where they obtain a Diploma in Agriculture and Natural Resources. This training is of direct relevance to the implementation of the EMP. Hence new AEDOs with this training would be appropriate for implementation of the EMP. The Government should be responsible for assessing and filling up the AEDO vacancies (using their annual budgetary provisions) to ensure the success of the ASWAp in general and ASWAp-SP in particular.

From the public consultations, it was noted that the AEDOs are more biased towards agricultural productivity. This may lead to gaps in the implementation of soil conservation and land management activities. The AEDOs therefore need to be conversant with soil and land conservation and management practices. This is more so because good soil and land conservation and management is a direct mitigation measure to a number of environmental impacts that are bound to arise from implementation of the ASWAp-SP.

Although Malawi has the appropriate legislation and the Pesticides Control Board, the Board is currently faced with difficulties to control and monitor importation and accumulation of obsolete pesticides, which threaten human health and the environment. There is need therefore, to build and enhance the capacity of the PCB to monitor pesticides imports and management.

In addition to the above measures, it is proposed that strengthening of the capacity of the following institutions, which are involved in agriculture training including soil conservation and land management, should be considered under the ASWAp-SP. According to the districts consulted, some of these institutions require improvement of basic facilities as follows:

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a) Rehabilitation of Rural Training centres (RTCs) and Day Training Centres;b) Rehabilitation of the Land Husbandry Training Centre in Zomba;c) Installation of essential utilities (potable water and electricity) in most of the

Extension Planning Areas;d) Provision of computers to Agricultural Offices including at EPA level;e) Provision of communication services such as telephones to Extension Workers;f) Provision of dedicated transport and communication facilities (radios and

megaphones) for the Agricultural Communications Branchg) Provision of transport systems such as minibuses for the training centres, vehicles for

the District Agricultural Offices and Agricultural Development Divisions and bicycles and motorcycles for extension workers; and

h) Conducting demonstrations for different agricultural activities such as crop management, irrigation farming and livestock management.

The responsibility to strengthen the capacity of the institutions would fall directly under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, taking advantage of all the ongoing programmes including the ASWAp-SP. Therefore MoAFS will need to discuss with the donor institutions of the various programmes to establish the feasible funding possibilities. Table 7.3 summarises the capacity building requirements and proposes possible sources of funding.

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Table 7.3 Capacity Building RequirementsInstitution Current Situation Capacity Building

RecommendationsResponsibility Estimated Costs Remarks

Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MoAFS)

AEDOs – 41% Vacancy rate i.e. 1175 vacant posts

Fill in vacant posts with already trained personnel

Training AEDOs to Diploma level at Natural Resources College (2yr course) as a tailor made programme

Harmonise programmes with NGOs to optimise use of AEDOs in same areas

MoAFS to fill in the vacant posts

ASWAp to train the AEDOs and distribute them to its programmes including the ASWAp-SP

Total training Fees for 2 years K700,000 (Tuition K310,000/yr/boarding person plus Upkeep K40,000/yr)

Priority for MoAFS should be to recruit already trained AEDOs. Where they cannot get trained personnel to fill the posts, MoAFS to train the additional on their own through the NRC programme.

Land Resources and Conservation Department (LRCD)

59% vacancy level at Headquarters

69% vacancy level at district level

To fill at least 80% of the posts

MoAFS (LRCD)

To be met from normal budget of MoAFS

Priority should be given to filling up posts of the Land Resources and Conservation Officer (LRCO) and the Senior Assistant Land Resources and Conservation Officer (SALRCO) at the district level.

Pesticides Control

3 posts filled in the inspection

Fill in all vacant posts

PCB To be met from normal PCB budget

MoAFS should facilitate filling in of

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Institution Current Situation Capacity Building Recommendations

Responsibility Estimated Costs Remarks

Board (PCB) unit against 6 established positions; staining themonitoring and enforcement of the Pesticides Act

ASWAp-SP to provide support in form of an additional vehicle for inspection (MK10million) and K500,000 annually for inspection & monitoring costs

vacant posts ASWAp-SP may put

as a conditionality that they will not fund procurement of pesticides unless 90% of the posts are filled

Environmental Affairs Department (EAD)

28 EDO established position 50% of which are vacant

Fill in all vacant posts

EAD EAD normal budget Filling of vacant posts will cater for all environment related projects

MoAFS Structures dilapidated

Rehabilitation of RTCs and Day Training Centres

MoAFS ASWAp

MK120million MoAFS to assess the requirements and prepare a prioritised and phased budget

Structures dilapidated

Rehabilitation of LHTC in Zomba

MoAFS ASWAp

MK40million

Structures dilapidated

Installation of essential utilities (potable water and electricity)

MoAFS ASWAp

Normal MoAFS budget

MoAFS to assess the requirements and prepare a prioritised and phased budget

Structures dilapidated

Rehabilitation and provision of Agriculture Offices at EPA level

MoAFS ASWAp-

SP

Normal MoAFS budget

MoAFS to assess the requirements and prepare a prioritised and phased budget

Structures dilapidated

Rehabilitation and provision of communication services such as

MoAFS ASWAp-

SP

Normal MoAFS budget

MoAFS to assess the requirements and prepare a prioritised and phased budget

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Institution Current Situation Capacity Building Recommendations

Responsibility Estimated Costs Remarks

telephones for extension workers

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7.2.2 Proposed Training and Awareness Raising Programmes

The general objective of the training and awareness programmes for implementation of the ESIA is to:

sensitize the various stakeholders on the linkages between environment and social im-pacts and agricultural productivity;

demonstrate the role of the various players in implementation and monitoring of the ESMP;

sensitize representatives and leaders of community groups and associations (who will in turn relay the message to their communities) on the implementation and manage-ment of the mitigation measures; and on their roles in achieving environmental sus-tainability;

ensure that district level staff are able to supervise the implementation of their compo-nents in the ESMP;

Ensure that participants are able to analyze the potential environmental and social im-pacts, and ably prescribe mitigation options as well as supervise the implementation of management plans;

strengthen local NGOs and extension teams to provide technical support to the farm-ers.

The stakeholders have different training needs for awareness, sensitization, and in-depth training as follows:

awareness-raising for participants who need to appreciate the significance or rele-vance of environmental and social issues;

sensitization for participants who need to be familiar with the EMP and to monitor its implementation; and

In-depth training for participants who will need to understand the potential adverse environmental and social impacts and who will at times supervise implementation of mitigation measures and report to relevant authorities.

In addition to the above training, it is recommended that study tours to other countries which have successfully implemented an Agriculture SWAp be undertaken by representatives of key stakeholders at the three levels to learn how environmental management of such a program is handled and to draw lessons that can be applied in their own situation.

The training will be at three levels i.e. national, district and community levels as outlined below.

7.2.3 National Level Awareness RaisingAt national level the following were identified for short awareness-raising to enable them appreciate the significance and relevance of the ESIA to the ASWAp-SP:

Directorate for Agricultural Extension Services (MoAFS), Directorate for Agricultural Research Services (MoAFS), Agriculture Development Divisions (MoAFS), Land Resources and Conservation Department (Ministry MoAFS), Environmental Affairs Department (Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources), Department of Lands (Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development), Department of Forestry; Department of Parks and Wildlife; Ministry of Health Ministry of Industry and Trade;

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Ministry of Gender, Child and Community Development; Ministry of Women and Child Development District Councils; and Roads Authority. Pesticides Control Board.

7.2.4 District Level SensitisationAt the District Level, Trainers selected from the key participating Departments will be trained to conduct training and sensitization in the key subject matters for each target district. This training of Trainers will be done prior to the Sensitization.

The institutions identified to require sensitisation at district level are the District Assemblies and in particular, members of the District Executive Committee (DEC), the District Environmental Sub Committee (DESC) and the RDPs in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

7.2.5 Community Level TrainingAt community level, in-depth training on the implementation of the EMP for the ESIA for the ASWAp-SP would be required for the Extension Workers in the Extension Planning Areas (EPAs), representatives of Village Development Committees (VDCs), Area Executive Committees (AECs) and NGOs working in the target areas.

The proposed areas of training for the above would be based on the topics outlined in Table 7.4 and the depth of training for each topic would be designed to suit the three different levels

Table 7.4: ESMF Training Areas for Stakeholders of the ASWAp-SPTraining

Day 1 Morning Introduction to the ASWAp-SP Introduction to ESMF and EMP for the ASWAp-SP Relevant Malawi environmental legislation and World Bank

Safeguards and compliance requirementsDay 1 Afternoon Environmental, social and economic impacts of ASWAp-

SP ASWAp-SP and implications on land ownership and

compensation The Land Policy, Land Act and Land Acquisition Act.

Day 2 Morning

Gender, Nutrition HIV and AIDS and the ASWAp Mitigation measures for the negative impacts of ASWAp-SP Implementation and monitoring of the ESMP Roles of various sectors in components of the ESMP

Day 2 Afternoon The Pesticides Act and Requirements of Wold Bank Safeguard Policy OP 4.09 Pest Management

Use, management and disposal of pesticides in relation to the Pesticides Act

Integrated Pest Management Good environment and natural resources management

practices Case studies

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7.2.6 Training Cost Estimates

The proposed cost estimates for the national level awareness, district sensitization and community level training will include transport costs, accommodation, venue and meals, per diems, stationery, production of training material and communication costs.

The cost of each national workshop is estimated at MK2, 000,000.00, while the cost of each district sensitisation meeting is MK500, 000.00 and the cost of each community level training is estimated at MK300, 000.00; based on costs for similar national workshops, district sensitisation meetings and community level trainings conducted in the past. Table 7.5 summarises the cost estimates for the capacity building programmes. These expenses would have to be met by the ASWAp.

Table 7.5: ESMF Cost Estimates for Institutional Capacity Building MeasuresCAPACITY BUILDING PROGRAMME

DESCRIPTION COST ESTIMATES (MK)

National Level Awareness One day awareness to different stakeholders from key Ministries and Departments as outlined in section 7.2.3. This includes one workshop for all stakeholders from the 3 regions

2,000,000.00

District Level Sensitization One sensitization meeting in each of the 5 districts with participants from DEC, DESC, and RDP (5 meetings in total)

2,500,000.00

Community Level Training 2 days community level training per district (two communities per district) as per the training areas in table 7.2.

3,000,000.00

7.3 Justification for the Capacity Building and Training

7.3.1 Environmental management training for the ASWAp-SP ESMFThe overall objective of the ASWAp-SP is to attain increased food security at household and national level and increased agricultural led economic growth while ensuring sustainable management of natural resources. In order to achieve the objectives of the program, successful implementation of the environmental mitigation measures and recommendations in the ESMF is paramount. It is important therefore to ensure that target groups and stakeholders who have a key role in implementation of the site specific ESMPs are provided with the appropriate training and awareness. The training for the ESMF will sensitise and clarify the roles of the stakeholders on the requirements of the ESMF.

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The ASWAp-SP will support pest management to minimise post-harvest damage. It is important therefore that the stakeholders understand the adverse effects of poor management of pesticides, to human health and the environment. Hence it is necessary that information and skills on proper pesticides management is imparted to project stakeholders and beneficiaries.

7.4 Proposed Approach in Executing TrainingThe stakeholders have different training needs for awareness, sensitization and training in the implementation of the ESMF and the site specific ESMP. It is therefore recommended that the trainings be tailor made to suit the different target group as follows.The training could best be facilitated by a consultant in collaboration with relevant government departments to train Trainers selected from the key participating Departments. These government departments would include those that have experience in the successful implementation of ESMPs and those that have specialized relevant knowledge (i.e. Environmental Affairs Department, relevant departments in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Ministry of Transport and Public Infrastructure, Ministry of Gender, Children and Community Development and Pesticides Control Board). Each government department would provide training in its area of competence, with the overall facilitation and coordination done by an experienced consultant. The trainings will have to be conducted at the beginning of the project, before the program activities start, to enable participants apply the knowledge gained during program implementation.

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CHAPTER EIGHT: THE SCREENING PROCESS FOR PROJECT SITES AND ACTIVITIES

8.1 Introduction to the Screening ProcessThe key to environmental management is the environmental and social screening process, which may or may not result in the preparation of a full EIA report. The screening process presented here follows OP 4.01 of the World Bank and the Malawi Guidelines for Environmental Impact Assessment. The screening process will be carried out at the specific project sites, once they have been identified during implementation of the ASWAp-SP. The environmental and social screening process is necessary for the review and approval of the plans, particularly for Sustainable Smallholder Productivity Growth (component 2); through the increase of land, water and nutrient use efficiency in maize based smallholder production systems; and Improvement and Maintenance of Unpaved Rural Roads (component 4) for the ASWAp-SP.

The objectives of the screening process for ASWAp-SP project activities include to:

a) Determine which ASWAp–SP smallholder agricultural productivity improvement projects and rural road improvement and rehabilitation activities are likely to have potential negative environmental and social impacts;

b) Determine the level of environmental work required, including whether an EIA is required or not;

c) Determine appropriate mitigation measures for addressing adverse impacts;

d) Incorporate mitigation measures into the development plans;

e) Indicate the need for a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP), which would be prepared in line with the Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF), prepared for the ASWAp-SP

f) Facilitate the review and approval of the construction and rehabilitation proposals and;

g) Provide guidance for monitoring environmental parameters during the implementation of ASWP-SP project activities.

The extent of environmental work that might be required, prior to the commencement of the smallholder agricultural productivity and rehabilitation works for the feeder roads will depend on the outcome of the screening process described in sections 8.2 to 8.5 (steps 1-4).

8.2 Step 1: Screening of Project Activities and Sites

Malawi’s Guidelines for EIA (1997) provide for categorization of projects into either List A or List B depending on the size, nature and perceived environmental consequences of a project. Where it is clear that project activities fall under List A of the Guidelines, an EIA needs to be carried out. The screening process will be used to determine the appropriate types of environmental follow-up measures; depending on the nature, scope, and significance of the expected environmental impacts from each ASWAp-SP activities.

The Environmental and Social Screening Form (ESSF, Annex 1) will be completed by trained and qualified personnel in the implementation of the screening process. The screening form, when correctly completed, will facilitate the:

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Identification of potential environmental and social impacts; Determination of their significance; Assignment of the appropriate environmental category; Determination of appropriate environmental mitigation measures and; Need to conduct an ESIA and or to prepare Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs) where

required.

Since the administrative structures for the Town and District Councils are different, two screening flow charts are proposed as follows:

8.2.1 Screening of Project Activities and sites within the District CouncilsFor the District Administrative structure, the screening process will be conducted in the following manner (see Chart 8.1):

Preparation activities for the screening process will include a desk appraisal of the agricultural activity and the rehabilitation plans for selected feeder roads. This will be carried out by the District Environmental Sub-committee (DESC) and Area Executive Committee (AEC). The DESC is the environmental sub-committee of the District Executive Committee (DEC) and AEC is the local (village level) administrative sub-committee of DEC. The DEC reports to the District Council. During consultations with District Council officials in project areas, the idea of the screening process to start from DESC was supported.

Subsequent to the desk appraisal of the agricultural improvement and road rehabilitation plans, the initial screening of the proposed project activities will be carried out in the field, through the use of the Environmental and Social Screening Form (Appendix 1.3), by the AEC and DESC, which includes the District Environmental Officer, District Agricultural Development Officer, Director of Public Works and District Roads Supervisor. 8.2.2 Screening of Project Activities and sites within Town CouncilsAt the Town Council, the process will be done in a similar manner to that in Section 8.2.1, except that the ASWAp-SP, with the assistance of the EDO will perform the roles of AEC and DESC; while the Town and Country Planning Committee (TCPC) will perform the roles of the DEC. Chart 8.2 outlines the details of the screening process for the Town Council

8.3 Step 2: Assigning the Appropriate Environmental Categories

The ESSF, when completed, will provide information on the assignment of the appropriate environmental category to a particular agricultural improvement and/or rehabilitation of feeder roads activities. The TCPC (for Town or District Council); or the DEC (for the District Council) will be responsible for categorizing the selected agricultural and/or the feeder road rehabilitation activity as either A, B or C.

Category A project activities would have significant and long-term adverse environmental impacts and therefore would require an EIA, in accordance with Malawian legal requirements. Category B projects are those with one or a few potentially significant adverse impacts, which would require an Environmental Management Plan to address specific impacts during project implementation or operation, but not a full EIA. Category C projects would not involve any significant adverse environmental impacts; they would therefore not require an EIA or a specific EMP, but they would require adherence to good environmental practices, including any applicable Environmental Rules for Contractors (Appendix 1.5).

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The assignment of the appropriate environmental category will be based on the provisions of the World Bank Operational Policy (OP 4.01) on Environmental Assessment and the Malawi EIA Guidelines. With regard to ASWAp-SP, it is likely that most of the activities will be categorized as B or C.

If the ESSF has only “No” entries, then a C classification would normally be warranted. In this case, the proposed activity will not require further environmental analysis, and the TCPC or DEC will recommend approval of the screening results to the Town or District Councils respectively, for implementation of the project activity to proceed immediately, subject to adherence to environmental and social requirements, such as the Environmental Rules for Contractors, during any civil works.

Based on screening results, an indicative categorization of various types of agricultural and/or feeder roads improvement activities under ASWAp-SP should be provided as indicated in Table 8.1 and according to their environmental sensitivity. This indicative categorization has been developed to serve as a guidance tool.

Table 8.1 : Environmental categorization for feeder roads improvement activitiesActivity Environmental CategoryWidening of feeder roads BRehabilitating and resurfacing short stretches of feeder roads BRehabilitating heavily degraded road section BRehabilitation of bridges BSpot improvement BRehabilitating and construction of culverts BLight grading CUnclogging and cleaning of culverts C

The TCPC or DEC will have to pay particular attention to proposals involving the rehabilitation of feeder roads and associated road structures such as road drains, and new borrow pits as sources of construction materials.

Based on the number of Project Affected Persons (PAPs) who may be affected and the magnitude of the impact, an abbreviated Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) or full RAP may be prepared. In the event that RAPs will have to be prepared for ASWAp-SP activities, these would be reviewed and approved by the Commissioner for Lands, consistent with the Resettlement Policy Framework; prior to commencement of project activities.

8.4 Step 3: Carrying out Environmental and Social Work

After reviewing the information provided in the ESSF and having determined the appropriate environmental category, the TCPC or DEC will determine whether (a) the application of simple mitigation measures outlined in the Environmental and Social Checklist (Appendix 1.6) and Environmental Rules for Contractors (Appendix 1.5) will suffice (Category C); whether (b) an Environmental Management Plan (but no EIA) needs to be prepared to address specific environmental impacts (Category B); or whether (c) a full EIA will need to be carried out (Category A), using the Malawi EIA Guidelines whose process is given in Appendix 1.4.

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8.4.1 Environmental and Social Checklist:

The Environmental and Social Checklist in Appendix 1.6 will be completed by qualified members of the TCPC or DEC. Many of the activities categorized as B (which may not require EIA) will benefit from the application of mitigation measures outlined in the checklist. In situations where the screening process identifies the need for land acquisition, a RAP shall be prepared consistent with OP 4.12.

If there are already existing standard designs, the TCPC or DEC will assess them for impacts on the chosen site and the community; and recommend modification of the designs to include appropriate mitigation measures. For example, if the environmental screening process identifies loss of indigenous vegetation as the main impact from the rehabilitation of feeder roads, the mitigation measure would be for the TCPC or DEC to compensate for the trees cut down; and identify new areas where at least the same number of trees cut down will be planted. 8.4.2 Environmental and Social Impacts Assessment (ESIA) Though not highly likely, it is conceivable that, as a result of the screening process, rehabilitation of some of the feeder roads will be found to require an ESIA. In such a case, the ESIA would identify and assess the potential environmental impacts of the proposed rehabilitation activities, evaluate alternatives, as well as design and implement appropriate mitigation, management and monitoring measures. These measures would be captured in the Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) which will be prepared as part of the ESIA report. Table 6.1 provides a generic Environmental Management Plan that could be adapted for relevant ASWAp-SP project activities.

Where required, preparation of the ESIA, the ESMP and the RAP will be carried out in consultation with the relevant stakeholders, including potentially affected persons. The TCPC or DEC, in close consultation with the Environmental Affairs Department and on behalf of the Town or District Council respectively, will arrange for the (i) preparation of EIA terms of reference; (ii) recruitment of a consultant to carry out the ESIA; (iii) public consultations; and (iv) review and approval of the ESIA through the national ESIA approval process. The general ESIA process in Malawi as provided for in the Malawi ESIA Guidelines is presented In Appendix 1.4 and the Procedures for ESIA preparation are presented in Appendix 1.4.

8.5 Step 4: Subproject Review and Approval

8.5.1 Review

The TCPC or DEC will review the results and recommendations presented in the environmental and social screening forms; and the proposed mitigation measures presented in the environmental and social checklists. Where an EIA has been carried out, EAD will review the reports to ensure that all environmental and social impacts have been identified and that effective mitigation measures have been proposed.

8.5.2 Recommendation for Approval/Modification/Disapproval

Based on the results of the above review process, and discussions with the relevant stakeholders and potentially affected persons, the TCPC or DEC, in case of projects that

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don’t require ESIA will make recommendations to the Town or District Council to go ahead with the project implementation. Where an ESIA is required the Town or District Councils will recommend to ASWAp-SP and EAD for the ESIA study. After preparation of the ESIA report, EAD will recommend to the National Council on Environment (NCE) for its approval.

8.5.3 Endorsement

Subsequently, NCE will forward its recommendations to the Minister responsible for environmental affairs for endorsement. The corresponding RAPs would be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development.

8.5.4 Training for the Screening Process

To ensure that the screening form is completed correctly for the various project locations and activities, training will be provided to members of the TCPC, DEC including its DESC and Area Executive Committee AEC. The Environmental District Officer who is the secretariat to the DESC will have to take a leading role in the training issues. Technical advice on environmental training will also be provided by a contracted safeguards specialist on the ASWAp-SP Technical Team.

8.6 Participatory Public Consultation and Disclosure

According to Malawi’s Guidelines for EIA (1997), public consultations are an integral component of the EIA requirements, and the Guidelines identify the following principal elements:

a. Developers are required to conduct public consultation during the preparation of Project Briefs and EIAs.

b. The Director of Environmental Affairs may, on the advice of the Technical Committee on Environment (TCE), conduct his or her own public consultation to verify the works of a developer.

c. Formal EIA documents are made available for public review and comments. Documents to which the public has access include Project Briefs, EIA terms of reference, draft and final EIA reports, and decisions of the Director of Environmental Affairs regarding project approval. The Director, on the advice of the TCE, will develop practices and procedures for making these documents available to the public.

d. Certificates approving projects will be published by the developer and displayed for public inspection.

Public consultations are critical in preparing an effective proposal for the implementation of the project activities. These consultations should identify key issues and determine how the concerns of all parties will be addressed in response to the terms of reference for the EIA, which might be carried out for construction and rehabilitation proposals.

Annex G of the Guidelines for EIA (1997) provides details concerning the public consultation methods in Malawi. Such methods include press conferences, information notices, brochures/fliers, interviews, questionnaires and polls, open houses, community meetings, advisory committees, and public hearings. The guidelines for public consultation include, inter alia, a requirement that major elements of the consultation program should be timed to coincide with significant planning and decision-making activities in the project cycle. In terms of the Malawi’s EIA process, public consultation should be undertaken during

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(i) the preparation of the EIA terms of reference; (ii) the carrying out of an EIA; (iii) Government review of an EIA report; and (iv) the preparation of environmental terms and conditions of approval. Further details are provided in Annex G of the Malawi’s Guidelines for EIA.

For ASWAp-SP, the first step will be to hold public consultations with the local communities and all other interested/affected parties during the screening process. These consultations will be aimed at briefing the communities about the project activities, how the activities will be carried out and what sectors of the environment are likely to be impacted. The Area AEC, with the assistance of the Local Leaders, will conduct these public consultations in a participatory manner to encourage the communities to contribute to the screening process.

During preparation of the Terms of Reference for an EIA, Town or District Councils (or a consultant) will consult with the Environmental Affairs Department to ensure that the TORs are comprehensive enough to cover all the sectors of the environment and that they conform to the EIA procedures as outlined in the EIA Guidelines. The EAD will also ensure that the social and health impacts of the project activities will be adequately covered in the EIA report.

In the course of preparing the EIA the consultant will conduct extensive public consultations to attract and capture comments from the stakeholders as well as the communities for incorporation in the EIA report. The stakeholders and communities, including institutions will be asked to contribute to the identification of impacts and to proposed mitigation measures for the negative impacts. They will also be asked to comment on how the positive impacts may be enhanced.

When reviewing the EIA report, the TCE will ensure that the relevant stakeholders, including potentially affected persons, were adequately consulted with regard to the potential impacts of the proposed project activities. Consultation methods suitable in for the ASWAp-SP would include workshops, community meetings, public hearings or information notices which would be organized through the Office of the Chief Executive in the case of a town or District Commissioner for the District Council.

This ESMF has been prepared through public consultations involving the communities in the proposed project areas, Local Leaders, Town and District Council Officials, farmers and key Government institutions. Copies of the ESMF will be made available to the public through the above channels of communication and in the same manner, EIA results would be communicated to the various stakeholders.

To meet the consultation and disclosure requirements of the Bank, the Malawi Government will issue a disclosure letter to inform the World Bank of (i) the Government’s approval of the ESMF and the RPF; (ii) the actual disclosure of these documents to all relevant stakeholders and potentially affected persons in Malawi, and (iii) the Government’s authorization to the Bank to disclose these documents in its Info shop in Washington D.C. The steps towards disclosure of the safeguard documents have to be completed prior to appraisal of the ASWAp-SP as required by the Bank’s Disclosure Policy OP 17.50.

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CHAPTER NINE: PARTICIPATORY MONITORING AND EVALUATION

Monitoring and evaluation will be a continuous process and will include compliance and outcome monitoring. The aim of this independent monitoring is to verify key concerns on compliance with the ESMF, implementation progress and extent of effective consultation and participation of local communities. Careful attention to monitoring and evaluation matters such as these will help ensure environmental sustainability.

9.1 Compliance MonitoringASWAp-SP secretariat will have the overall responsibility for coordinating and monitoring implementation of the ESMF. They will have to conduct sensitization programmes to inform stakeholders about the framework, how it works and what will be expected of them. They will undertake continuous compliance monitoring and evaluation to ensure that:

All project activities are implemented according to the environmental management requirements of this ESMF and, where applicable, specific Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs);

Problems arising during implementation are being addressed; and Environmental and social mitigation or enhancement measures, designed as per the

ESMF, are reflected within specific ESMPs and monitoring plans.

The ASWAp-SP shall consult and coordinate with the appropriate government agencies on social and environmental monitoring. The ASWAp-SP will provide a quarterly progress report to MoAFS on the:

Implementation schedule; Extent of community involvement; Funds allocation Problems arising as well as solutions devised, during implementation; and Efficiency of contractors in fulfilling their environmental management

obligations.

In addition, the progress report will present, in tabular format, comparisons on:

The estimated and actual extent of compensation delivered, The number of structures demolished; The number of new homes, shops, market stalls and other required structures

built; and All other matters deemed pertinent for facilitating resettlement and project

progress.

9.2 Outcome of Monitoring and EvaluationFor major project activities, ASWAp-SP will engage an independent consultant to conduct outcome monitoring and evaluation of the project activities, to verify the effectiveness of measures for mitigation of negative impacts and enhancement of positive impacts. The consultant will develop a detailed monitoring and evaluation plan (including questionnaires and inventory forms) from terms of reference, based on the ESMPs submitted to and

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approved by the government. PM will select a firm with appropriate experience in environmental and social monitoring and evaluation for this work to ensure that identified impacts are being enhanced or mitigated.

ASWAp-SP will review and approve the questionnaires and inventory forms developed by the consultant, as well as the research methods, analytical techniques, and reporting formats proposed by the consultant.

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CHAPTER TEN: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The ESMF for the ASWAp-SP demonstrates that the project will have both positive and negative impacts and the assessment generally indicates that the positive impacts outweigh the negative impacts.

The ASWAp-SP project components 2 and 4 will generate most of the negative environmental and social impacts while fewer negative environmental and social impacts will be generated from components 1 and 3. The identified positive impacts include:

increased food security, increased household income for the smallholder farmers, due to high agricultural

productivity and consequent sales; increased productivity, resulting in freeing up some resources e.g. time, land and

labour; improved nutritional status of the farmers due to increased agricultural production; improved farmer skills from trainings in technologies, seed breeding, fertilizer use

and land conservation; increased opportunity for engagement in other income generating activities or small

scale businesses by smallholder farmers due to increased food security for the households;

improved post-harvest storage techniques; targeted interventions (taking into account gender disparities) which will result in

increased adoption rate of improved technologies, increased access and control of resources particularly for women (who are usually disadvantaged) and improved agricultural production;

increased ability to cope with climatic shocks and changes; Improved economic activities through accessibility of markets; and a coordinated approach to agricultural investment, which may result in efficient use of

resources due to reduction in duplication, overlaps and gaps in agricultural efforts.

The ESMF has also identified a number of potential negative impacts which include the following:

increased use of agrochemicals resulting in pollution of both ground and surface waters;

increased use of fertilisers which may lead to eutrophication of water bodies; threats to human health and the environment due to poor pesticides and harbicides

storage, handling and application by agro dealers and smallholder farmers; contamination of water due to poor management of pesticides; increased siltation of water bodies due to increased cultivation on marginal lands and; loss of vegetation from land clearing to pave way for increased agricultural

production; Increased soil erosion due to topsoil removal and excavations; Soil pollution due to spillage of rehabilitation materials; Land degradation due to quarrying, burrow pits and gravel winning; Deteriorating water quality due to spillage of oil, lubricants and hazardous substance; Air pollution from dust generated by rehabilitation works; Increased road traffic accidents; Generation solid and liquid waste;

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Compulsory land acquisition; and Workers camps can lead to increased incidence of sexually transmitted diseases

(STDs)including HIV/AIDS which can result in increased load on local health facilities; and

The following measures are proposed to enhance the positive impacts and to mitigate the adverse ones:

training the farmers on proper application of fertilisers; training the farmers and agro-dealers on best practices for pesticide storage, handling,

application and disposal; equipping the farmers with skills in improved water catchment management; increasing and intensifying extension services for imparting knowledge to farmers; training the farmers in good soil and water conservation and land management

techniques; Minimize stripping of vegetation so that surface soil is less susceptible to erosion Control flow of water to reduce erosion and siltation through engineering solutions such as check dams and gutters; Rehabilitate all quarry sites and burrow pits after civil works; Haul roads should be regularly maintained; Conduct road safety awareness campaign meetings with local communities; Dispose all waste in designated and approved dump sites; Employ locals to reduce migrant workers and their related problems; and

Conduct awareness campaign meetings to sensitize workers on HIV/AIDS prevention.

To facilitate implementation of the environmental and social management measures within the ASWAp-SP, environmental and social management plans have been prepared. The plans provide an outline for environmental and social management measures to be undertaken, a schedule for implementation and responsible institutions to implement the measures. In addition, monitoring plans have been prepared to facilitate monitoring of the EMP. The monitoring plan gives the parameters to be monitored and the frequency of monitoring.

In order to achieve the objectives of the program and to successfully implement the environmental mitigation measures and recommendations in the ESMF, it is important to ensure that target groups and stakeholders who have a key role in the implementation of the EMP are provided with the appropriate awareness, skills and training. Training of key stakeholders is proposed at the three levels of national, district and community. The general objectives of the training are to:

sensitise the various stakeholders on the linkages between the environmental and social impacts on one hand and agricultural productivity on the other. The stakeholders will also be sensitized on their roles in the implementation and monitoring of the ESMP;

sensitise representatives and leaders of community groups and associations (who will in turn relay the message to their communities) to manage the environmental and social impacts of ASWAp-SP;

ensure that district level staff are able to supervise the implementation of their components in the ESMP and;

strengthen the capacity of local NGOs and extension teams to provide technical support.

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In addition to the training, there is need to strengthen the capacity of various key institutions to effectively manage the environmental and social impacts of the program. Capacity strengthening includes increasing the number of staff in the Agricultural Extension Services, Pesticides Control Board and others. Furthermore, it is proposed that certain institutions such as the Agricultural Training Centres be rehabilitated and made operational, as recommended by the districts cosulted; computers and communication facilities be provided to improve information flow and reporting; and that transport (in form of motor cycles and bicycles) be provided for the extension workers to reach out to the farmers. It is recommended that the programme design should include these elements which are essential for satisfactory implementation of the ASWAp-SP and the ESMF.

Recommendations and ConclusionThe negative impacts identified are mostly of low magnitude and can easily be mitigated. Some of the mitigation measures such as sustainable increase of the land, water and nutrient use efficiency are actually components of the ASWAp-SP itself. The ESMF has environmental and social management and monitoring plans which if well implemented, will result in the overall sustainability of agricultural productivity and contribute towards sustainable development. It is recommended therefore that the environmental management and mitigation measures proposed in this report are adhered to.

In addition to implementation of the EMP, the following recommendations are proposed:

The ASWAp-SP should build synergies with the Customary Land Reform Programme in order to enhance the effects of the programme, considering that issues of land tenure have a bearing on how land is efficiently utilised and managed;

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security should oversee the implementation of the ESMF. The MoAFS should do this in coordination with the Environmental Af-fairs Department;

District and local community structures should be adequately trained to supervise im-plementation of the EMP. The project should take advantage of the District Environ-mental Sub-Committee led by the Environmental District Officer and should provide the necessary resources and equipment to enable them monitor implementation of the ESMP at district and area levels;

Key stakeholders should be made aware of the project, the ESMF and its ESMP and their role in its successful implementation. They should also be sensitized on the link-ages between the project and the environmental and social impacts; and the need to mitigate the impacts to ensure sustainable agricultural productivity of the ASWAp-SP project objectives;

The project should put in place an effective monitoring and evaluation and feedback mechanism on implementation of the ESMP.

Resources should be allocated to the Pesticides Control Board for implementation of proper Pest Management awareness and sensitization meetings; and

There is need to strengthen Pesticides Registration and Management through the Pesticides Control Board to ensure proper management of pesticides.

It must be realised that there are other programmes or activities that are planned or are currently being implemented in the agriculture or related sectors. Some of these programmes include the agro-forestry programmes, the agriculture communication branch activities of the

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MoAFS and the activities of NGOs and Civil Society involved in agriculture and environment.

It is recommended therefore that all these programmes direct their efforts in a manner that will support each other’s activities to avoid duplication of efforts and wasting of resources.

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REFERENCES Government of Malawi ( 1987) ,Crop Production Policy, Ministry of Agriculture and Food

Security Government of Malawi (1995) Malawi Agricultural and Natural Resources Research

Master Plan, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security Government of Malawi (2003), Seed Policy, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security Government of Malawi (2006) Land Resources Conservation Strategic Plan 2007-2011,

Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security Government of Malawi (1965), Ministry of Land, Land Act. Government of Malawi (1969) Water Resources Act, Ministry of Water Development, Government of Malawi (1994) National Environmental Action Plan. Volume 1,

Department of Research and Environment Affairs. Government of Malawi (1995) Constitution of the Republic Of Malawi, Ministry of Justice

and Constitutional Affairs Government of Malawi (1996) Environmental Management Act, Number 23, Department

of Environmental Affairs Government of Malawi (2004 and 2002) The National State of Environment Report,

Department of Environmental Affairs. Government of Malawi (1996) Forestry Policy, Forestry Department Government of Malawi (1996), National Environmental Policy Ministry of Research and

Environmental Affairs Government of Malawi (1997), Forestry Act, Forestry Department Government of Malawi (2000) Pesticides Act , Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security Government of Malawi (2000) Agriculture Extension in the New Millennium Policy,

Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security Government of Malawi (2000) National Irrigation Policy and Development Strategy,

Department of Irrigation Government of Malawi (2000) National Land Resources Management Policy and

Strategy, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security Government of Malawi (2001) National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy, Ministry of

Agriculture and Food Security Government of Malawi (2002), Environmental Affairs Department, State of Environment

Report. Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Affairs Government of Malawi (2002) National Land Policy, Ministry of Lands, Physical Planning

and Surveys Government of Malawi (1965), the Land Act (1965) Government of Malawi (1998), Customary Land Utilisation Study (1998). Special Land

Tenure Study: The Ndunda Land Registration Component; Lilongwe Land Development Programme.

Government of Malawi (2003) HIV/AIDS in the Agriculture Sector Policy and Strategy 2003-2008; Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security

Government of Malawi (2004), Malawi Demographic and Health Survey. National Statistical Office

Government of Malawi (2004), National Water Policy Ministry of Water Development Government of Malawi (2005) New Era Agricultural Policy: A Strategic Agenda for

Addressing Economic Development and Food Security in Malawi, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security

Government of Malawi (2005) Strategic Plan for pesticides Control Board, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security

Government of Malawi (2005) Integrated Household Survey, National Statistical Office. Government of Malawi (2006) Food Security Policy, Ministry of Agriculture and Food

Security Government of Malawi (2006) Lilongwe District Socio Economic Profile, Ministry of Local

Government and Rural Development

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Government of Malawi (2006) Malawi Growth and Development Strategy. Ministry Of Finance and Economic Planning.

Government of Malawi (2007) Contract Farming Strategy, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security

Government of Malawi (2007) National Fertilizer Strategy, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security

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APPENDICES

APPENDIX 1.1: ASWAp-SP COMPONENT 2 (REORGANIZED FOLLOWING DISCUSSIONS OF 16/11)

IMPROVED MAIZE-BASED PRODUCTION SYSTEMS v3

1. SUSTAINABLE LAND and RAINWATER MANAGEMENT

(incresaed soil OM,rotations

Develop water harvesting/infiltration tech.Better rainwater management

2. INTEGRATED CROP NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT

Radio/TV programsSoil Laboratory

3. IMPROVED SEEDSa. Improved maize seeds

OPV/Hybrids Validate new varietiesOPV Maintain & multiply breeder/basic seed Maize seed multiplication PPP?/farmer

Certify OPV seedsMonitor carry over seeds

b. Leguminous seeds for intercropping/fallowing Validate new varsin maize-based systems (Pigeon pea, etc.)

4. BETTER CROP & POST-HARVEST MANAGEMENT a. Best bet technologies: planting, weeding …)

b. Decreased post-harvest losses (LGB) Biological control of Large Grain Borer Farmer training in post-harvest handlingValidate chemical control measures Develop messages

Cross cutting and overal issues Economic analysis on maize based systems Campaign to address 'attitude' issuesResearch manag. syst. Strengthened Green belts/lead farmer/ FFS/ model village

+ Gender & HIV Recruit front line staffStrengthen District Agric Extension SystemImproved mobility + incentives for FL staff

M&E, Reporting, etc.

Optimise fertilizer formulas (farmers needs/ressources)

On-farm trials/Demo./fliers/posters …

Drought/disease tolerant vars (demo/etc)

On farm trials-demo./training/brochures

RESEARCH EXTENSION LAND & WATER

On farm-trials/Demonstrations/ Open field days, Flyers-posters etc.

Promotion/training farmer/awareness

Train SMS in Maize prod at ADD & district

Promotion/training farmer/awareness

Train SMS and para-seed inspectors

b. Manure/compost making & application

a. Develop area-specific adapated fertilizer recommendations

b. Field level rainwater harvesting

Seed multiplication (private/farmer)On-farm trials/demo etc.

Promote on-farm rainfall water harvesting tech. (bassins/pit planting, contour infiltration systems, hoe -pan breaking, …)

SMS/Extension worker and farmer training

a. Conservation farming /minimum tillage

On-farm trials/Demo./fliers/posters …

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APPENDIX 1.2 LIST OF INDIVIDUALS/INSTITUTIONS CONSULTED AND TO BE CONSULTED

NAME DESIGNATION INSTITUTION DATE CONSULTED

Mr. E. Chihana Director of Planning and Development Mwanza D.E.C. 17 / 01 / 12Mr. Mkomadzinja Director of Public Works Mwanza D.E.C. 17 / 01 / 12Mr. Shaba Crops Officer Mwanza D.E.C. 17 / 01 / 12Mr. B. Chimwaza Environmental District Officer Mwanza D.E.C. 17 / 01 /12Mr. Chabweza Group Village Headman Mwanza 17 / 01 / 12Mrs. W. Dambe Farmer Mwanza 17 / 01 / 12Mr. K. Malatino Farmer Mwanza 17 / 01 / 12Mr. T. Mnenula Farmer Mwanza 17 / 01 / 12Mrs. E. Bonomali Farmer Mwanza 17 / 01 / 12

Mr. K. Harawa Director of Planning and Development Chikhwawa D.E.C 19 / 01 / 12Mr. L.S. Namakhwa

District Road Supervisor Chikhwawa D.E.C 19 / 01 / 12

Mr .Mr. P.G. Dulani

Director of Public Works Chikhwawa D.E.C 19 / 01 / 12

Mr. Mr. A. Dickson District Agricultural Development Officer

Chikhwawa D.E.C 19 / 01 / 12

Mr. J. Chamambala District Community Development Officer

Chikhwawa D.E.C 19 / 01 / 12

Mr. P. Magombo Environmental District Officer Chikhwawa D.E.C 19 / 01 / 12Mr. Sapuwa District Lands Officer Chikhwawa D.E.C 19 / 01 / 12Mr. J. Anthuachino Farmer Chikhwawa 19 / 01 / 12Mr. P. Kamfozi Farmer Chikhwawa 19 / 01 / 12Mr. S. Kaitano Famer Chikhwawa 19 / 01 / 12Mr.J . Kamfosi Farmer Chikhwawa 19 / 02 / 12

Salima D.E.C To be consultedSalima D.E.C To be consultedSalima D.E.C To be consultedSalima D.E.C To be consultedSalimaD.E.C To be consulted

Ntcheu D.E.C To be consultedNtcheu D.E.C To be consultedNtcheu D.E.C To be consultedNtcheu D.E.C To be consultedNtcheu D.E.C To be consultedNtcheu D.E.C To be consulted

Chitipa D.E.C To be consultedChitipa D.E.C To be consultedChitipa D.E.C To be consultedChitipa D.E.C To be consultedChitipa D.E.C To be consultedChitipa D.E.C To be consulted

Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security

To be consulted

Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security

To be consulted

Ministry of Transport and Public Infrastructure

To be consulted

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NAME DESIGNATION INSTITUTION DATE CONSULTED

Ministry of Transport and Public Infrastructure

To be consulted

Ministry of Gender and Community Development

To be consulted

Ministry of Gender and Community Development

To be consulted

Ministry of Industry and Trade

To be consulted

Ministry of Industry and Trade

To be consulted

Roads Authority To be consultedRoads Authority To be consultedChitedze Research Station To be consultedChitedze Research Station To be consulted

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APPENDIX 1.3: ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL SCREENING FORM

Social Screening Form (ESSF1)

Government of the Republic Of MalawiMinistry of, Natural Resources, Energy and Environment

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL SCREENING FORM

FOR

SCREENING OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS OF THE AGRICULTURE SECTOR WIDE APPROACH-SUPPORT PROJECT

INTRODUCTION

This Environmental and Social Screening Form (ESSF) has been designed to assist in the evaluation of planned smallholder agricultural improvement and rural roads construction and rehabilitation activities under the Agricultural Sector Wide Approach-Support Project (ASWAp-SP). The form will assist the project implementers and reviewers to identify environmental and social impacts and their mitigation measures, if any. It will also assist in the determination of requirements for further environmental work (such as EIA), and social work (such as RAP) if necessary.

The form helps to determine the characteristics of the prevailing local bio-physical and social environment with the aim of assessing the potential impacts of the proposed project activities on the environment by the ASWAp-SP. The ESSF will also assist in identifying potential socio-economic impacts that will require mitigation measures and/or resettlement and compensation.

GUIDELINES FOR SCREENING

The evaluator should undertake the assignment after: 1. Gaining adequate knowledge of baseline information of the area.2. Gaining knowledge of proposed project activities for the area.3. Having been briefed/trained in environmental and social screening.

The form is to be completed by consensus of at least three people, knowledgeable of the screening process.

PART A: GENERAL INFORMATIONProject Name Estimated Cost (MK)

Project Site Funding Agency

Project Objectives Proposed Main Project Activities:

Name of Evaluator Date of Field Appraisal

PART B: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTIVITIES

Provide information on the type and scale of the construction/rehabilitation activity (e.g. area, land required and approximate size of structures).

Provide information on the agricultural improvement and/or rural construction/improvement activities including support/ancillary structures and activities required to build them, e.g. need to quarry or excavate borrow materials, water source, access roads etc.

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Describe how the agricultural and/or construction/rehabilitation activities will be carried out. Include description of support/activities and resources required for the project activities.

PART C: ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE INFORMATION OF THE PROJECT SITECATEGORY OF BASELINE INFORMATION BRIEF DESCRIPTION

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION Name of the Area (District, T/A, Village) Proposed location of the project (Include a site

map of at least 1:10,000 scale) LAND RESOURCES Topography and Geology of the area Soils of the area Main land uses and economic activities WATER RESOURCES Surface water resources (e.g. rivers, lakes, etc)

quantity and quality Ground water resources quantity and quality BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES Flora (include threatened/endangered/endemic

species) Fauna (include threatened/endangered/endemic

species) Sensitive habitats including protected areas e.g.

national parks and forest reserves CLIMATE Temperature Rainfall

PART D: SCREENING CRITERIA FOR IMPACTS DURING PROJECT PLANNING AND DESIGN

AREAS OF IMPACT IMPACT EVALUATION POTENTIAL MITIGATION MEASURES

Is the project site/activity within and/ or will it affect the following environmentally sensitive areas?

Extent or coverage(on site, within 3km -5km or beyond 5km)

Significance(Low, Medium, High)

1. No

Yes On Site

Within 3-5 km

Beyond5km

Low Medium

High

1.1 National parks and game reserve

1.2 Wet-lands1.3 Productive traditional

agricultural /grazing lands

1.5 Areas with rare or endangered flora or fauna

1.6 Areas with outstanding scenery/tourist site

1.7 Within steep slopes/mountains

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1.8 Dry tropical forest s such as Brachsystegia species

1.9 Along lakes , aquifers, riverine

1.10

Near industrial activities

1.11

Near human settlements

1.12

Near historic, archaeological, sacred or cultural heritage sites

1.13

Within prime ground water recharge area

1.14

Within prime surface run off

1.15

Near ground water

2.0 SCREENING CRITERIA FOR IMPACTS DURING IMPLEMENTATION AND OPERATIONWill the implementation and operations of the project activities within the selected site generate the following externalities /costs /impacts?

No

Yes On Site

Within 3-5 km

Beyond5km

Low Medium

High

2.1 Deforestation2.2 Soil erosion and

siltation2.3 Siltation of

watercourses, dams2.4 Environmental

degradation arising from smallholder agricultural improvement or of feeder roads rehabilitation/ construction materials

2.5 Damage of wildlife species and habitat

2.6 Pollution from pesticides

2.7 Nuisance - smell or noise

2.8 Reduced water quality

2.9 Increase in costs of water treatment

2.10

Soil contamination

2.11

Loss of soil fertility

2.12

Reduced flow and availability of water

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2.13

Long term depletion of water resource

2.14

Incidence of flooding

2.15

Changes in migration patterns of animals

2.16

Introduce alien plants and animals

2.17

Increased incidence of plant and animal diseases

3.0 SCREENING CRITERIA FOR SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC IMPACTSWill the implementation and operation of the project activities within the selected site generate the following socio-economic costs/impacts?

No

Yes On Site

Within 3-5 km

Beyond5km

Low Medium

High

3.1 Loss of land/land acquisition for human settlement, farming, grazing

3.2 Loss of assets, property- houses, agricultural produce etc

3.3 Loss of livelihood3.4 Require a RAP3.5 Loss of cultural sites,

graveyards, monuments0

3.6 Disruption of social fabric

3.7 Interference in marriages for local people by workers

3.8 Spread of STIs and HIV and AIDS, due to migrant workers

3.9 Increased incidence of communicable diseases

3.10

Health hazards to workers and communities

3.11

Changes in human settlement patterns

3.12

Conflicts over use of natural resources e.g. water, land, etc

3.13

Conflicts on land ownership

0 NOTE: Sub-projects affecting cultural property negatively will either require specific institutional arrangements to be followed for funding or will not be funded depending on the location of the project

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3.14

Disruption of important pathways, roads

3.15

Increased population influx

3.16

Loss of cultural identity

3.17

Loss of income generating capacity

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OVERALL EVALUATION OF THE SCREENING PROCESS ON THE SITE AND PROJECT ACTIVITY

The result of the screening process would be either (i) the proposed project would be permitted to proceed on the site, provided that standard good environmental and social practices are followed during project construction and operation, including the Environmental Rules for Contractors (typically Category C); (ii) the proposed project would need its own specific Environmental Management Plan (EMP), but not a separate EIA; or (iii) the proposed project would need its own EIA (including an EMP), with the EIA subject to review by Malawi’s Environmental Affairs Department. Some examples are provided in the table below:

The Proposed Project Activity Can Be Exempted From EIA and/or RAP Requirements On The Following.

The Proposed Project Activity Needs and EMP and possibly also an EIA.

Screening indicates that the site of the project will not be within environmentally–sensitive areas .e.g. protected areas

Field appraisals indicate that the project site is within environmentally –sensitive areas, protected areas.

No families will be displaced from the site Cause adverse socio-economic impacts Identified impacts are minor, marginal and of

little significance Significant number of people, families will be

displaced from site Mitigation measures for the identified

impacts are well understood and practiced in the area

Some of the predicted impacts will be long term, complicated, extensive

The stakeholders have adequate practical experiences in natural resource conservation and management.

Appropriate mitigation measures for some predicted impacts are not well known in the area

Completion by EDO, or EO Completion by Director of Environmental Affairs

Is This Project Likely To Need An EIA

YES/ NO Date Received from District Assembly:

List A/B Paragraph Numbers

Dated Reviewed:

Date Exempted Date of Submission of Project Brief

Date Forwarded To DEA Head Office

Date of Submission of EIA Reports

Name & Signature of EDO Date of Approval/Rejection

NOTES: Once the Environmental and Social Screening Form is completed it is analysed by experts from

the District Environmental Sub-Committee who will classify it into the appropriate category based on a predetermined criteria and the information provided in the form.

All projects’ proponents exempted from further impact assessment must be informed to proceed with other necessary procedures.

All projects recommended for a specific EIA will have to follow the procedures outlined in section 24 and 25 of the Environmental Management Act, and the Malawi Government’s Guidelines for Environmental Impact Assessment appendix C, page 32

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APPENDIX 1.4: GENERAL EIA PROCESS IN MALAWI (FROM EIA GUIDELINES 1997, EAD)

NO

Y

ES

EIA Required?

NO

Review of Project Brief by theDirector of Environmental Affairs Department

SCREENINGIs the proposed project a prescribed activity? Is an EIA likely to be

mandatory or may be required? Refer to Lists A and B of EIA Guidelines (EAD, 1997)

PROPOSED PROJECTPROJECT CONCEP

YES COMMENCE WITH

PROJECT

PROJECT EXEMPTNo EIA Required **

Certificate of Exemption**

PRE

-

FE

ASI

BIL

ITY

EIA Review by the Director of Environmental Affairs

Undertake Scoping and prepare ToRs for the EIA *

Commence with EIA: Describe project Describe biophysical & socio-economic

environment; Assess impacts (identification, prediction,

evaluation); Recommend mitigation and monitoring

FE

ASI

BIL

ITY

DE

SIG

N &

EN

COMMENCE WITH

PROJECT

PREPARE ENVIRONMENTAL

COMMENCE WITH

PROJECT

EIA RejectedProject rejected or needs redesign

***

DIRECTOR’S CERTIFICATE

TERMS & CONDITIONS ARE

EIA ApprovalProject Acceptance

IMPLEMENTATIONMONITORING & EVALUA

* Based on ToRs approved by EAD.** The licensing authority should submit to the Director a copy of the license

With attached project brief for record purposes.

*** The Developer may appeal to the Environmental Appeals

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APPENDIX 1.5: ENVIRONMENTAL RULES FOR CONTRACTORS

These Environmental Rules for Contractors are prepared for all the contractors to be engaged in improvement of feeder roads for ASWAp-SP activities. The rules include provisions for proper management of construction sites, safe storage of construction materials and safe disposal of wastes.

General Considerations The contractor shall, in all his activities ensure maximum protection of the environment and the

socio-economic wellbeing of the people affected by the project, whether within or outside the physical boundaries of the project area.

Before any construction works begin, the contractor shall ensure that the relevant environmental and land acquisition certificates of authorization for the works have been obtained from the Director of Environmental Affairs and/or the Commissioner for Lands.

In general, the contractor shall familiarize himself with the ESMF and the RPF for the ASWAp-SP. Specifically, the contractor shall make every effort to follow and implement the recommendations and mitigation measures of the EMP and the RAPs, to the satisfaction of the MoAFS and the EAD, or any such persons or agencies appointed by the MoAFS or the EAD, to inspect the environmental and social components of the ASWAp-SP.

The contractor shall work in cooperation and in coordination with the Project Management Team and/or any other authority appointed to perform or to ensure that the social and environmental work is performed according to the provisions of the ESMF and RPF for the ASWAp-SP, along with any specific RAP and/or EMP.

The contractor shall always keep on site and make available to Environmental Inspectors or any authorized persons, copies of the EMPs, RAPs and any other relevant documents for the monitoring and evaluation of environmental and social impacts and the level or progress of their mitigation.

Acquisition of Materials for Feeder Roads ImprovementThe contractor shall ensure that materials such as sand, quarry stone, soils or any other materials for feeder roads improvement are acquired from approved suppliers and that the production of these materials by the suppliers or the contractor does not violate the environmental regulations or procedures as determined by the EAD.

Movement and Transportation of Materials for Feeder Road ImprovementThe movement and transportation of materials for feeder roads improvement to and within the rehabilitation sites shall be done in a manner that generates minimum impacts on the environment and on the community, as required by the EMP and/or the RAP.

Fencing of Construction sitesConstruction sites especially for improvement of bridges refer to all areas required for construction purposes, including quarries, staff/employee living quarters. The boundaries of the site shall be demarcated prior to any work commencing on the site. It is the responsibility of the contractor to decide on an appropriate system of protective fencing for the site. The site boundary demarcation fence shall be removed when the site decommissioned and full or almost fully restored to its original state. The Contractor shall ensure that all their plants, labour and materials remain within the boundaries of the site and he shall ensure that materials used for construction on the site do not blow on or move outside the site.

Storage of Materials and Equipment Materials for feeder road improvement shall be stored in a manner to ensure that: There is no obstruction of service roads, passages, driveways and footpaths; Where it is unavoidable to obstruct any of the service paths, the contractor shall provide

temporary or alternate by-passes without inconveniencing the flow of traffic or pedestrians; There is no obstruction of drainage channels and natural water courses; There is no contamination of surface water, ground water or the ground;

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There is no access by public or unauthorized persons, to materials and equipment storage areas; There is no access by staff, without appropriate protective clothing, to materials and equipment

storage areas; Access by staff and public or unauthorized persons, to hazardous, corrosive or poisonous

substances including sludge, chemicals, solvents, oils, asbestos cement dust or their receptacles such as boxes, drums, sacks and bags is prohibited.

Solid Waste ManagementThe Contractor shall institute a waste control and removal system for the site. All wastes shall be disposed of offsite at an approved landfill site in consultant with the District Council. Burning of any waste on any construction site is forbidden. The Contractor shall supply waste bins throughout the site at locations where construction personnel are working. The bins shall be provided with lids and an external closing mechanism to prevent their contents blowing out and shall be scavenger-proof to keep out and other animals that may be attracted to the waste. The Contractor shall ensure that all personnel immediately deposit all waste in the waste bins for removal by the Contractor. Bins shall be emptied on a daily basis and waste removed to a temporary to a temporary storage site where it shall be properly contained in water and windproof containers until disposed of. The bins shall not be used for any purposes other than waste collection.

The contractor shall, in particular, comply with the regulations for disposal of cement pipes, demolition wastes, wastewater, combustion products, dust, metals, rubble and timber. Wastewater treatment and discharge will conform to the applicable regulations by the relevant Local Authority and Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. Any hazardous wastes shall be treated and disposed of in conformity with the national regulations and where applicable, with the supervision of qualified personnel.

Stockpiles, Burrow Pits and QuarriesBurrow pits and quarries shall be prohibited where they might interfere with the natural or designed drainage patterns. River locations shall be prohibited if they might undermine or damage the river banks, or require works in the wetted area, which may carry too much fine material downstream. The Contractor shall ensure that all burrow pits and quarries are rehabilitated to its original or near condition after construction finishes.

Site RestorationThe Contractor shall ensure that all temporary structures, equipment, materials, waste and facilities used for feeder road improvement activities are removed upon completion of the project. Any oil and fuel contaminated soil shall be removed and buried in waste disposal areas, soak pits and septic tanks shall be covered and effectively be sealed off and the sites shall be grassed and all the sites shall be restored to a similar condition to that prior to the commencement of the works or to a condition agreed to with council officials. The ESMP will also specify occupational health and safety measures to be followed during project construction including measures to raise awareness and to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Health and Safety of WorkersThe contractor shall protect the health and safety of workers by providing the necessary and approved protective clothing and by instituting procedures and practices that protect the workers from dangerous operations. The contractor shall be guided by and shall adhere to the relevant national Labour Regulations for the protection of workers.

Chance Finds Procedures for Physical Cultural ResourcesIf, during project implementation, the contractor or project workers encounter archaeological relics, fossils, human remains, or other items of historical or other cultural value, the Contractor shall (i) temporarily suspend any works which might damage these items and (ii) notify the Client who then notifies the competent authority for instructions or guidance regarding the appropriate next steps to evaluate, salvage, recover, protect, and/or document the items found.

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Worker BehaviourTo help ensure that good environmental and social practices are consistently followed throughout project implementation and operation, all workers, operational staff, and contract personnel shall be prohibited from (i) hunting, (ii) fishing, (iii) wildlife capture, (iv) bush-meat purchase, (v) plant collection, (vi) unauthorized vegetation burning, (vii) speeding, (viii) weapons possession (except by security personnel), (ix)working without Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), (x) inappropriate interactions with local people, (xi) disrespecting local customs and traditions, (xii)littering of the site and disposing trash in unauthorised places, (xiii) Use of alcohol by workers during working hours, (xiv) sexual harassment, or (xv)Building fires outside camp areas without being authorised.

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APPENDIX 1.6 PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLISTS FOR ASWAP-SP

1 Simplified initial screening checklists for highlighting possible environmental impacts of micro-projects and identifying steps to minimise them

Agricultural activities and Feeder roads improvement

The combined impact of all the agricultural activities, or feeder roads improvement, should be evaluated together on one of these sheets

Large negative impacts may indicate a need to comply with the EAD’s EIA Process

Project Name: District: Date:

Environmental Impacts of ASWAp-SP Components(s) Not in any particular order

Tick the magnitude of the impacts without any mitigation

measures

Mitigation Measures Not exhaustive - other measures are encouraged

Positive Negative

Tick mitigations chosen Land, soils and water contaminated by agro-chemicals Promote Integrated Pest

Management PlanAir quality degraded from sprays Provide technical advice on

proper use of agro-chemical

Damage to historical/cultural monuments or artefacts RelocationIncreased Deforestation AfforestationNuisance – dust, smell or noise Planning and sitingReduced water qualityIncreased wastewater generation Sensitise communities on

water conservation measures

Soil Erosion Provide and use approved storm water drainage

Siltation Promote contour bunds, ridges and vertiver grass to trap silt and enhance ground water recharge

Increase in HIV/AIDS spread as more people get disposable income

Conduct awareness campaigns on the risks of HIV/AIDS

Compulsory land acquisition Choosing route locations away from built-up areas and restricting the extent of road works to avoid interference with existing activities

Increased road traffic accidents to improved roads Conduct road safety awareness campaigns

Land degradation due to quarrying, burrow pits and gravel winning

Rehabilitate all quarry sites and burrow pits after civil works

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Reduced dilution of existing pollutants entering receiving waters

Address pollutants at source

Reduced recharge of groundwater Apply extraction and/or consumption limits

Failure to adopt new technologies by farmers Intensify field daysIncreased work load for already insufficient extension staff Provide and train adequate

extension staffLack of markets to sell farm products Promote formation of

farmer associations and cooperatives

Impacts on aquatic flora and fauna downstream Promote tree planting and limit bush clearing

General aesthetics degraded Promote sustainable land management

Changes in migration patterns of humans and animals Integrate with rural planning

Inundation of cultural or archaeological resources or artefacts

Consider alternative sitingRemove resources

Population migration to the area Integrate with rural planning

Relocation of people Community participation & buy-in

Global Sustainability CheckWill the project(s): Tick boxes if yes use irreplaceable natural resources or fossil fuels?result in an overall net loss of top soils?make increased use of natural resources for short rather than long term economic gains?impact negatively on national energy balance?have a net negative effect on the national carbon balance?be a hazard to any rare or endangered species?accelerate rural-to-urban migration?increase the gap between rich and poor people?If this project operated forever, would its natural resource base eventually be exhausted?

Completed by EDO or EO: Completed by Director EADIs this project likely to need an EIA (YES/NO)?

Signature:

List A/B paragraph numbers

Date:

Date forwarded to DEA Head Office:Date exempted:

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APPENDIX 1.7 SUMMARY OF WORLD BANK SAFEGUARD POLICIESOP/BP 4.01 Environmental Assessment

The objective of this policy is to ensure that Bank-financed projects are environmentally sound and sustainable, and that decision-making is improved through appropriate analysis of actions and of their likely environmental impacts. This policy is triggered if a project is likely to have potential (adverse) environmental risks and impacts on its area of influence. OP 4.01 covers impacts on the natural environment (air, water and land); human health and safety; physical cultural resources; and trans-boundary and global environment concerns.

Depending on the project, and nature of impacts a range of instruments can be used: EIA, environmental audit, hazard or risk assessment and environmental management plan (EMP).When a project is likely to have sectoral or regional impacts, sectoral or regional EIA is required. The Borrower is responsible for carrying out the EIA.

Under ASWAp-SP, the Government has undertaken an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment to assess the social and environmental impacts of the program.

OP/BP 4.04 Natural Habitats

This policy recognizes that the conservation of natural habitats is essential to safeguard their unique biodiversity and to maintain environmental services and products for human society and for long-term sustainable development. The Bank therefore supports the protection, management, and restoration of natural habitats in its project financing, as well as policy dialogue and economic and sector work. The Bank supports, and expects borrowers to apply, a precautionary approach to natural resource management to ensure opportunities for environmentally sustainable development. Natural habitats are land and water areas where most of the original native plant and animal species are still present. Natural habitats comprise many types of terrestrial, freshwater, coastal, and marine ecosystems. They include areas lightly modified by human activities, but retaining their ecological functions and most native species.

This policy is triggered by any project (including any sub-project under a sector investment or financial intermediary) with the potential to cause significant conversion (loss) or degradation of natural habitats, whether directly (through construction) or indirectly (through human activities induced by the project).

The policy is not triggered as it is not expected that there will be significant conversion of natural habitats since the project is targeting smallholder farmers within their existing agricultural lands.

Project activities that could negatively impact on protected areas will not be funded

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OP/BP 4.36 Forests The objective of this policy is to assist borrowers to harness the potential of forests to reduce poverty in a sustainable manner, integrate forests effectively into sustainable economic development and protect the vital local and global environmental services and values of forests. Where forest restoration and plantation development are necessary to meet these objectives, the Bank assists borrowers with forest restoration activities that maintain or enhance biodiversity and ecosystem functionality. The Bank assists borrowers with the establishment of environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable forest plantations to help meet growing demands for forest goods and services.

This policy is triggered whenever any Bank-financed investment project (i) has the potential to have impacts on the health and quality of forests or the rights and welfare of people and their level of dependence upon or interaction with forests; or (ii) aims to bring about changes in the management, protection or utilization of natural forests or plantations.

The policy is not triggered as it is not expected that there will be project activities impacting on forests.

Project activities that could negatively impact on forests will not be funded

OP 4.09 Pest Management

The objective of this policy is to (i) promote the use of biological or environmental control and reduce reliance on synthetic chemical pesticides; and (ii) strengthen the capacity of the country’s regulatory framework and institutions to promote and support safe, effective and environmentally sound pest management. More specifically, the policy aims to (a) Ascertain that pest management activities in Bank-financed operations are based on integrated approaches and seek to reduce reliance on synthetic chemical pesticides (Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in agricultural projects and Integrated Vector Management (IVM) in public health projects. (b) Ensure that health and environmental hazards associated with pest management, especially the use of pesticides are minimized and can be properly managed by the user. (c) As necessary, support policy reform and institutional capacity development to (i) enhance implementation of IPM-based pest management and (ii) regulate and monitor the distribution and use of

The policy is triggered if : (i) procurement of pesticides or pesticide application equipment is envisaged (either directly through the project, or indirectly through on-lending, co-financing, or government counterpart funding); (ii) the project may affect pest management in a way that harm could be done, even though the project is not envisaged to procure pesticides. This includes projects that may (i) lead to substantially increased pesticide use and subsequent increase in health and environmental risk; (ii) maintain or expand present pest management practices that are unsustainable, not based on an IPM approach, and/or pose significant health or environmental risks.

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pesticides.Under ASWAp-SP, the policy will be triggered as the ASWAp-SP will support post-harvest integrated pest management and therefore pesticides may be used.

A pesticides management and monitoring plan has been prepared for the ASWAp-SP

OP/BP 4.11Physical Cultural Resources

The objective of this policy is to assist countries to avoid or mitigate adverse impacts of development projects on physical cultural resources. For purposes of this policy, “physical cultural resources” are defined as movable or immovable objects, sites, structures, groups of structures, natural features and landscapes that have archaeological, paleontological, historical, architectural, religious, aesthetic, or other cultural significance. Physical cultural resources may be located in urban or rural settings, and may be above ground, underground, or underwater. The cultural interest may be at the local, provincial or national level, or within the international community.

This policy applies to all projects requiring a Category A or B Environmental Assessment under OP 4.01, project located in, or in the vicinity of, recognized cultural heritage sites, and projects designed to support the management or conservation of physical cultural resources.

The policy is not triggered as it is not expected that physical cultural resources will be affected.

Project activities that could negatively impact on physical cultural resources will not be funded

OP/BP 4.10 Indigenous Peoples

The objective of this policy is to (i) ensure that the development process fosters full respect for the dignity, human rights, and cultural uniqueness of indigenous peoples; (ii) ensure that adverse effects during the development process are avoided, or if not feasible, ensure that these are minimized, mitigated or compensated; and (iii) ensure that indigenous peoples receive culturally appropriate and gender and inter-gene rationally inclusive social and economic

The policy is triggered when the project affects the indigenous peoples (with characteristics described in OP 4.10 para 4) in the project area.

The policy is not triggered as it is not expected that indigenous peoples will be affected.

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benefits.Project activities that could negatively impact on indigenous peoples will not be funded

OP/BP 4.12 Involuntary Resettlement

The objective of this policy is to (i) avoid or minimize involuntary resettlement where feasible, exploring all viable alternative project designs; (ii) assist displaced persons in improving their former living standards, income earning capacity, and production levels, or at least in restoring them; (iii) encourage community participation in planning and implementing resettlement; and (iv) provide assistance to affected people regardless of the legality of land tenure.

This policy covers not only physical relocation, but any loss of land or other assets resulting in: (i) relocation or loss of shelter; (ii) loss of assets or access to assets; (iii) loss of income sources or means of livelihood, whether or not the affected people must move to another location.This policy also applies to the involuntary restriction of access to legally designated parks and protected areas resulting in adverse impacts on the livelihoods of the displaced persons.

The policy is not triggered as no involuntary resettlement will take place under ASWAp-SP.The policy is triggered since ASWAp-SP activities under component 4 will result in either physical relocation or loss of land, loss of shelter, loss of income sources or means of livelihood and loss of assets or access to assets.

Any investments involving involuntary resettlement will not be funded.

OP/BP 4.37 Safety of Dams

The objectives of this policy are as follows: For new dams, to ensure that experienced and competent professionals design and supervise construction; the borrower adopts and implements dam safety

This policy is triggered when the Bank finances: (i) a project involving construction of a large dam (15 m or higher) or a high

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measures for the dam and associated works. For existing dams, to ensure that any dam that can influence the performance of the project is identified, a dam safety assessment is carried out, and necessary additional dam safety measures and remedial work are implemented.

hazard dam; and (ii) a project which is dependent on an existing dam. For small dams, generic dam safety measures designed by qualified engineers are usually adequate.

The policy is not triggered as no dams are involved under ASWAp-SP.

Any investments involving dams will not be funded

OP 7.50 Projects in International Waters

The objective of this policy is to ensure that Bank-financed projects affecting international waterways would not affect: (i) relations between the Bank and its borrowers and between states (whether members of the Bank or not); and (ii) the efficient utilization and protection of international waterways.

The policy applies to the following types of projects: (a) Hydroelectric, irrigation, flood control, navigation, drainage, water and sewerage, industrial and similar projects that involve the use or potential pollution of international waterways; and (b) Detailed design and engineering studies of projects under (a) above, include those carried out by the Bank as executing agency or in any other capacity.

This policy is triggered if (a) any river, canal, lake or similar body of water that forms a boundary between, or any river or body of surface water that flows through two or more states, whether Bank members or not; (b) any tributary or other body of surface water that is a component of any waterway described under (a); and (c) any bay, gulf strait, or channel bounded by two or more states, or if within one state recognized as a necessary channel of communication between the open sea and other states, and any river flowing into such waters.

The policy is not triggered as the ASWAp-SP will not have activities in international waters.

Any investments involving international waters will not be funded

OP 7.60 Projects in The objective of this policy is to ensure that projects in disputed This policy is triggered if the proposed project

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Disputed Areas areas are dealt with at the earliest possible stage: (a) so as not to affect relations between the Bank and its member countries; (b) so as not to affect relations between the borrower and neighbouring countries; and (c) so as not to prejudice the position of either the Bank or the countries concerned.

will be in a “disputed area”. Questions to be answered include: Is the borrower involved in any disputes over an area with any of its neighbours. Is the project situated in a disputed area? Could any component financed or likely to be financed as part of the project be situated in a disputed area?

The policy is not triggered as no project activities will take place in disputed areas under ASWAp-SP.

Any investments involving disputed areas will not be funded

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