The Japanese Ambassador to Malawi, Youichi Oya, has urged farmers in the country to embrace contemporary agricultural methods that will foster socioe-conomic empowerment and enable climate change adaptation.
Oya made this statement while inspecting Agriculture extension workers at Bvumbwe research station, Mafuwa Solar Irrigation scheme and Mikuyu Prison Biogas plant. These projects are being financed by the Japanese Government through UNDP.
Through the Japanese Supplementary Budget (JSB), Japan and UNDP are executing initiatives aimed at eradicating extreme poverty, reducing inequality, expediting structural changes, enhancing resilience and contributing towards achieving objectives outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as well as MW2063.
In the framework of this enduring collaboration, the Government of Japan pledged approximately $2 million in 2022 and $3.8 million in 2021.
These funds have been allocated towards supporting UNDP’s initiatives with the Government of Malawi which focus on mitigating climate change effects and promoting socio-economic empowerment as well as peace promotion.
Some of these initiatives are being implemented at Bvumbwe Research Station, Mafuwa solar irrigation scheme, Solar home system households and Mikuyu Prison Biogas Plant.
During an interview after touring some of these projects sites, Oya stated that he was very impressed with their progress so far. He believes that they will help small holder farmers increase their income thereby improving their livelihoods before project completion.
“I hope that each one present here today will contribute towards the improvement of livelihoods alongside maintaining peace and stability within Malawi,” said Oya.
UNDP Resident Representative Fenella Frost also commented on how these projects would assist local communities build resilience against adverse effects caused by climatic conditions while also ensuring food security.
Director in Department of Agricultural Extension Services Kenneth Chaula said such initiatives will help small holder farmers develop skills needed for crop production based on market research findings.
