(Ecofin Agency) - Norway has just allocated 40 million Norwegian Kroners ($4.4 million) to Malawi for the second phase of the Agriculture Sector Wide Approach Support Project (ASWAp SPII). Funds will be channeled through the Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) managed by the World Bank.

This framework program aims to increase and diversify the country’s agricultural production with the promotion of climate-resilient technologies, new agricultural varieties and improved agricultural practices. It runs from 2018 to 2021 and is expected to benefit 350,000 people in 12 districts across the country.

“The collective effort of development partners in supporting ASWAp SPII in Malawi continues to show impact and good outcomes in nutrition and women empowerment, leading to more inclusive economic growth and increased resilience in Agriculture,” said Greg Toulmin, World Bank’s Country Manager for Malawi.

In Malawi, the agricultural sector provides nearly one-third of GDP according to the AfDB.

Espoir Olodo