IFAD, OFID Empower Rural Farmers through Value Chain Commercialization
In a bid to contribute to improving sustainable livelihoods of rural people through value chain commercialization and resilience of rural and smallholder producers, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Opec Fund for International Development (OFID) have encouraged farmers to sign a memorandum of understanding for a gateway to success.
Speaking during the first day of the 20th Agriculture Fair on Thursday in Blantyre, IFAD Country Representative for East and Southern Africa Division, Bernadette Mazarura Mukonyora, said, “We are fully geared to support Malawi to fulfill the 2063 vision through Agribusiness. Our goal is to empower rural farmers and improve their livelihoods through sustainable agriculture practices.”
“We are committed to supporting Malawi’s agricultural sector and improving the livelihoods of rural farmers,” added Mukonyora.
The program has facilitated a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Chakala Farmers Cooperative and Kwinthu Kitchen, worth K122,500,000.00.
In her remarks, Linda Magombo, Agribusiness and Value Chains Specialist in the country, under Trade, said, “I am pleased to see the amazing interest local farmers have shown towards this initiative. We expect a further increase in numbers in all involved areas, making it easier for the Trade program to develop livelihoods as intended.”
IFAD is funding four programs, including FAMSE and TRADE, through the Government, via the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Finance, in a six-year contract initiative. Partners in this initiative include the World Food Program (WFP), UNDP, European Union, and locally, NBS and FDH banks.
This year’s Agricultural Fair under the theme “Driving towards export-orianted agriculture through commercialisation and innovation ” has convened over 170 exhibitors, comprising both local and international businesses, a development considered higher than last year’s 116 exhibitors.
