Providing guidance on feasibility, project structure, investment and financing, preparation of the business plan, and introductions to investors Presenting investors projects that have been screened for commercial viability, sustainability, and environmental and social benefits Bringing together private sector companies with experience in financing climate-friendly projects and technologies Supporting PPPs for agricultural processing, agricultural production, and value chains. Fostering public-private partnerships and identify lead firms to add value to agricultural processing Facilitating PPPs with local and international companies throughout the value chain mitigation and management measures that are required when USAID directly undertakes the activity. Where possible responsibilities include: Any partnership promotion will integrate and promote general awareness of the environmental, health and safety risks presented by agriculture, natural resource, or livestock activities, and appropriate choices and measures to manage these risks. Ensure that companies, investors, or firms have a functional environmental due diligence processes in place for their investments and beyond this, an ability to comply with host country requirements. Partnerships in high risk activities will not be supported unless the firm can demonstrate capacity to develop and implement environment safeguards through a track record on similar projects or via a recognized certification process. High risk activities include: processing plant expansion (versus construction), abattoirs, large-scale aquaculture, and construction and operation of CAFOs. Supporting commodity exchanges, auctions, and/or contract farming Negative Determination subject to the following conditions:
women producers, and women-owned SMEs; 1.1.8 Create, protect, and preserve disaster response assets through Food for Assets (FFA) increasing commodity yields and acquiring loans from financial institutions. These examples of current activities targeting the beneficiaries of Outcome 1.1 show that USAID funded activities will be complementary in improving beneficiaries' capacity to adapt to Malawi's climate risks. agricultural extension services to increase the access of communities to these services to more rapidly roll out the adoption of climate resilient crops by at-risk communities. Include climate risk management language in solicitations and awards. shifting times for planting and growing seasons, destruction of agricultural infrastructure, and food shortages. becomes less economically sustainable. When encouraging linkages between smallholder farmers, traders, and input suppliers, offer trainings in how an smallholder farmer could transition into other livelihoods than production to trading, transportation, etc. Ensure
provide trade and market services (finance, transport, value addition, storage, etc.) to value chain actors; 1.2.5 Increase access to finance to support trade, marketing, processing, and SME development; 1.2.6 Promote product differentiation (e.g., use of premium prices for quality product); 1.2.7 Decrease transaction costs and improve efficiency while building commercial relationships among actors, including Long-term Years) activities include improving government sanitary standards for export markets and the expedition of trade. Adoption rates of mobile banking are rapid and growing every year. Since 2011, Malawi has had an approved Public Private Partnership Policy Framework that encourages partnerships in a variety of sectors including Agriculture and Food Security and Integrated Rural Development. The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Institute is a government organization seeking to promote the development and growth of SMEs that donors are providing cash distributions to affected parties in times of emergency. Financial services also facilitate other coping strategies such as smallholder trading, which diversifies incomes and reduces dependency on rainfed crop systems. businesses, and improve use of information technology via Mobile Money for financial transactions that will facilitate farmers access to their funds. Outcomes 3.1 and 3.2 will establish complimentary adaptation actions for these activities. Include climate risk management language in solicitations and awards. spell lengths. These direct threats will lead to decreased rainfed crop yields, increased risk of aflatoxin contamination in groundnuts, degradation of soil quality and productivity, shifting times for planting and growing seasons, destruction of agricultural infrastructure, and food shortages. molds, bacteria, or pests may thrive. Investigate what molds, bacteria, or pests may move into Malawi from neighboring countries when temperatures increase and droughts are prolonged. Increase the availability of insurance schemes to protect farmers and SMEs from the eventualities of climate change.
smallholders; 1.2.8 Increase use of information and communications technology (ICT) for financial transactions; 1.2.9 Facilitate partnerships in the agriculture sector. provide them with business training and financial support services. Multiple actors, including the Government of Malawi, are in the sphere of improving financial services to SMEs in the agricultural sector showing that there is already capacity within the country to absorb additional services. The expansion of financial services should emphasize the need of farmers to diversify and introduce climate resilient crops. Encourage the creation of markets for drought tolerant crops through promotional campaigns. Establish storage facilities that can withstand foreseen
encouraging saving and financial planning through models such as VSLs; 2.1.2 Stimulate production of nutritious products that poor households can afford (e.g., appropriate packaging sizes); 2.1.3 Provide emergency food assistance, as necessary, to prevent backsliding of nutritional status; 2.1.4 Strengthen capacity of agriculture extension workers to effectively communicate nutrition messages. Medium-term (0-10 Years) activities include facilitating women's involvement in business groups and using agricultural and nutrition interventions to stimulate nutritious product production Security Policy put in place in 2007. The National Nutrition Policy and Strategic Plan developed from the NSP implements programs that improved maternal nutrition, improved infant and young child feeding practices, promotion of micronutrients, and improved management of acute malnutrition. Between 2012 and 2017, a 1,000 Special Days of National Nutrition Education and Communication Strategy prioritized reducing child stunting. The World Food encouraging savings programs, provide emergency food assistance during food insecure times to allow for a longer period for communities to adapt to their changing climate, and strengthen the capacity of agriculture extension workers to effectively communicate nutrition messages. Outcomes 3.1 and 3.2 will establish complimentary adaptation nutritional products that are cost-effective for at-risk communities to purchase. Include climate risk management language in solicitations and awards. These activities are expected to improve nutrition and have minimal physical interventions. However, there are indirect risks to these activities as they rely on the production of nutritious foods, particularly for Input 2.1.2. Lower rainfall and droughts will decrease agricultural production, extreme weather events will disrupt food production and transportation creating shortages and increasing costs, and will contribute to increased food insecurity and higher malnutrition. Conduct research on a variety of packaging sizes and styles that are acceptable to mothers providing nutritious foods to their children while at the same time keeping the contents viable with increasing temperatures. Create linkages between activities that provide nutrition information to community organizations
Programme has multiple programs in Malawi reaching rural communities to improve nutrition: the Community Management of Acute Malnutrition and the Nutrition Care Support Treatment programmes. Such efforts show that there are several initiatives in Malawi already working to build the nutritional capacity of rural communities. actions for these activities. and all activities that encourage the adoption of climate resilient agriculture. Invest in scientific projects that increase the nutrients in crops grown by subsistence farmers. OUTCOME 3.1 ADAPTIVE IMPROVED: 3.1.1 Increase use of 0-10 Years: Short-term activities (0-5 years) include capacity building, support of and Malawi - Rural Areas Activities not physical in nature and serve as adaptation and mitigation opportunities for climate risk have minimal climate risks directed associated with them. These activities promote and improve the adaptive capacity of institutional and farmer groups' ability to specified climate risks. Low The promotion of technologies that build the capacity of smallholder farmers to be more resilient in their respective livelihoods via climate smart agriculture, heat and drought resistant crop There are no climate risk management options for activities that are not physical in PERFORM, FISH, PaMawa, and the New Environment Activities will implement activities that Link promotion of technologies to other programs and consider where those technologies can influence design of other activities. Not applicable
capacity in climate adaptation e.g. ecosystems restoration technologies, risk reducing practices, and natural resources management for GOM, communities and other stakeholders; 3.1.6 Support technical assistance (short or long term) to relevant GOM institutions for more effective policy formulation and implementation on climate adaptation; 3.1.7 Support technical assistance to nongovernmental actors e.g. communities, civil Climate Change and Meteorological Services and the Department of Water Resources. This will help agricultural extension services, fisheries, and farmer agencies receive tailored weather and climate based agricultural advisories. With activities already providing information to Malawian farmers about the weather, there is the foundation for farmers to now learn to adapt to the information they are currently receiving. communities impacted by El Nino to retain development gains post-disaster improves the chances of communities to remain resilient to negative impacts from climate change. generating incomes in communities, build the government's capacity to adapt to climate change via natural resource management, and support to nongovernmental actors in formulating policies and strategies for their constituents to adapt to climate change. drought conditions and dry spell lengths. These eventualities will lead to decreased rainfed crop yields, increased risk of aflatoxin contamination in groundnuts, degradation of soil quality and productivity, shifting times for planting and growing seasons, destruction of agricultural infrastructure, and food shortages. The promotion of technologies (climate smart agriculture, drought resistant crops, watershed to smallholder farmers to become more resilient to climate change are at risk to extreme weather events that could destroy agricultural improvements and decrease yields from newly introduced crop safety net to subsistence farmers in times of drought or financial hardships due to extreme weather events. Create communication plans to influence science-based decision making on climate risks by government and community stakeholders. Involve academics in collecting and risks to the program's activities are acceptable as the benefits of the planned activities outweigh the risk. Risks associated with vulnerabilities outside of the Project areas may also need to be accepted as they are outside the zone of influence. For example, inefficient storm water management may flood or damage upstream surface water systems which then flow down and cause greater risks for downstream communities where USAID is working.
structures; 3.2.5 Support forest conservation, forest landscape restoration, afforestation, natural regeneration and agroforestry in degraded and deforested areas; 3.2.6 Foster/promote sustainable livelihood and income generation opportunities in/around forest and other landscapes; 3.2.7 Build partnerships to mobilize investment from the private sector and other development partners (DPs) to advance forestry functions to district levels. already in place for many sustainability activities which can be utilized to build acceptance and community buy-in. REDD+ activities have received investments in Malawi since 2012 reflecting the understanding by the government and stakeholders as to the importance of the linkages between forest resources, food security, economic development, and climate change in regard to providing livelihoods for Malawians. market linkages foster sustainable livelihoods that diversify the income of smallholder farmers making them more economical resilient to droughts and impacts from severe weather events. Places where pesticides are heavily used should also consider potential damage to these afforestation projects and tree plantings targeted at reducing greenhouse gas emissions could also help diversify in mono-cropping areas and therefore reduce susceptibility to pests on a single crop. Pestilence may become a greater problem where vegetation dies from lack of water or when plants are heat or water stress and more susceptible to disease and wilting. drought or extreme weather conditions. In dryer or drought conditions or during intense storms, fire threats is higher, and therefore, forestry activities may have increased climate risk. impacts of severe weather events. Where possible, create agreements to provide additional funds to local government offices to implement and enforce the regulations that come with having power devolved to them. Examine local preferences for forest
policy to generate advocacy and champions. Moderate risk activities are included in 3.2.3, 3.2.5, 3.2.6. Activities that focus on afforestation, farmer managed natural regeneration, agroforestry practices, beekeeping, commodity production, and other natural resources based enterprises are at risk due to Malawi's rising temperatures, greater fire danger, erratic rainfall, and increased drought conditions as forest productivity and associated services decline, intense and frequent forest fires occur, altered animal reproductive systems and increased animal mortality occur, drying of wetlands Moderate When planting trees, ensure ample operations and maintenance funds are available for preserving saplings through drought and extreme weather conditions. When encouraging agroforestry, encourage the planting of crops with high nutrient Climate stressors will need to be prioritized due to the broad range of planned activities. It is likely that due to changing climate conditions, the effectiveness of agriculture and natural resource management interventions will be less than anticipated due to the financial constraints farmers and rural community members may find themselves in, especially during and after droughts, floods, and extreme weather events. Overall, the
encouraging beekeeping, train beekeepers in the types of flowering plants that bees are accustom to and encourage the planting of climate resilient flowering varieties. OUTCOME 3.3 BIODIVERSITY CONSERVED: 3.3.1 Support deeper understanding of drivers and threats to biodiversity and propose options for conservation within terrestrial and 0-10 Years: Short-term activities (0-5 years) include capacity building, provision of technical assistance, conducting research, and Malawi - Rural Areas Activities not physical in nature and serve as adaptation and mitigation opportunities for climate risk have minimal climate risks directed associated with them. These activities promote and conserve biodiversity seeking to improve institutional and community groups' ability to adapt to specified climate risks. Malawi has a history of implementing Low Monitoring biodiversity is the first step in mitigating the effects of climate change on wildlife by understanding the extent to which any species is adapting to new climatic conditions. Partnerships across Outcomes 3.1-3.3 will reinforce the adaptive capacity of communities and will reduce other pressures such There are no climate risk management options for activities that are not physical in nature and serve as adaptation and/or PERFORM, FISH, PaMawa, the New Environment Activities, and the Wildlife Trafficking - Combating Wildlife Crimes in Create funding opportunities for civil society organizations and/or local government offices to improve the management of protected areas and sensitive ecosystems. Explore non-traditional livelihoods that communities on the Not applicable
freshwater ecosystems; 3.3.2 Enhance enabling environment for biodiversity conservation and management of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems; 3.3.3 Improve biodiversity conservation through training, utilization of science, technology, and information for effective decision making and sustainable in protected areas; 3.3.4 Implement sustainable terrestrial supporting coordination activities; Medium-term (0-10 Years) activities include implementing sustainable biodiversity activities, adopting new approaches to combating wildlife crime, and implementing income generating opportunities in/around protected areas. community-based conservation activities from Lake Malawi to Mount Mulanje to the Nyika Plateau. The Department of National Parks and Wildlife already works alongside NGOs, Interpol, and other international government agencies and organizations to reduce wildlife crime. This department also includes a Wildlife Crime Investigations Unit. as environmental degradation. Improvements to the preservation of protected areas (terrestrial or freshwater) supply an avenue for government officials or civil society organizations to implement measures that will mitigate the impact of climate change on sensitive ecosystems. The introduction of sustainable livelihoods that generate income for communities in/around protected areas provides a means for communities to have more financial security during and after drought conditions and severe weather events. mitigation opportunities for a changing climate Transboundary Landscape will implement activities that enhance the government management of conservation areas and sensitive ecosystems that would be at-risk from direct and indirect impacts of climate change and promote sustainable livelihoods that would produce diverse means of income generation for communities of negative climate change impacts around periphery of a protected area or sensitive ecosystem could adopt that would reduce their risks to climate change. Fund programs that help communities adapt to increasingly severe wildfires and means to mitigate their formation. Examine existing biodiversity assessment work plans and past assessments to determine the level of climate change integration and examine recommendations. Include climate risk management language in solicitations and awards. Activities that focus on coordination of biodiversity conservation at community and district levels and empower local communities and private sector stakeholders to engage in wildlife management may have their effectiveness at risk due to likelihood of increased drought conditions that will impact livelihoods in rural forested communities that will stress the impact of coordination and local empowerment efforts as new demands for economic growth are put on forested areas. Low When supporting the devolution of power to local government offices and organizations, insist that equivalent financial resources follow the devolution of powers to ensure local offices can respond to the impacts of severe weather events. Not applicable
threats to biodiversity. Moderate risk actions include Input 3.3.2, 3.3.4, 3.3.6, 3.3.7. Activities that focus on biodiversity activities, implementing sustainable livelihoods, managing wildfires, and tsetse fly control are at risk due to Malawi's rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and increased drought conditions as forest productivity and associated ecological services decline, intense and frequent forest fires occur, altered animal reproductive systems and increased animal mortality occur, drying of wetlands and the destruction of important habitats, and the loss of livelihoods dependent on forest and wetlands shift to poaching and charcoal production. When promoting new livelihoods, ensure that a diverse range of livelihoods are presented to all members of a community to allow for the maximum exposure to alternative livelihoods that could provide a financial safety net to subsistence farmers in times of drought or financial hardships due to extreme weather Climate stressors will need to be prioritized due to the broad range of planned activities. It is likely that due to changing climate conditions, the effectiveness of agriculture and natural resource management interventions will be less than anticipated due to the financial constraints farmers and rural community members may find themselves in, especially during and after droughts, floods, and extreme weather events. Overall, the risks to the program's activities are acceptable as the benefits of the planned activities
events. Conduct studies to examine local or regional effects of climate on ecosystems of interest and on the potential implication for meeting biodiversity objectives. For example, if water temperatures increase from increased insolence and long hot spells, can surface water still support aquatic life due to decreased outweigh the risk. Some areas may be completely unsuitable for some endemic species due to climate change; therefore, the historical range of species as well as the climate thresholds for those species should be carefully considered. New invasive species able to colonize degraded or stressed environments due to extreme climate conditions may pose a threat to biodiversity objectives.
4 Leverage private sector and other development partner (DP) investments in clean energy; 5 Promote the use of clean energy technologies; 6 Support policy, pricing, and other studies and analyses for clean energy options; 7 Expand private sector participation in the power sector. attract investment in the power sector; Long-term years) activities include improving efficiencies in conventional energy. (ESCOM). Solar energy development and distribution companies already exist in Malawi providing solar technology. The Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy, and Mining is responsible for the promotion and utilization of natural resources and energy for socio-economic growth and development. dissemination provide alternative livelihoods for rural communities and increase the resiliency of a community's livelihoods by supplying alternative energy sources in case of negative impacts from severe weather events or other disruptions in energy transmission lines. Improvements on the efficiencies of conventional or renewable energy transmission lines diminishes the overall demand on the current energy infrastructure and decreases the need for expanding conventional energy supplies that have larger negative impacts due to the changing climate (increasing emissions or installing more dams that inundate forested lands). climate mitigation opportunities that are amenable to the changing climate but may have risks associated with rising temperatures impacting infrastructure (e.g. transmission lines), disruption of energy services and reduce hydropower production due to increased intensity and frequency of heavy rainfall events, and decreasing supply of biomass for any biomass reliant energy production due to increasing demands for biomass. screening into applications for funding and encourage green design and emission reduction components to the project. Consider carbon credits and GHG emission trading aspects for project financing. Require USAID backed loan guarantees for CE projects include a screening for climate risks. are acceptable as the benefits of the planned activities outweigh the risk. The reach of USAID to request risk screening as details of financing projects go forward may be limited and therefore some climate risk may require acceptance based on the lack of ability to comment.
3.4 Build capacity for MoAIWD staff in crop and soil science, plant breeding, human nutrition and agriculture economics/policy analysis; 3.5 Support targeted research to inform key agricultural, nutritional, and environmental policy actions; 3.6 Promote improved donor coordination to strengthen policy and systems; 3.7 Provide policy assistance to reform the extension service systems. the agricultural extension service. Supply funds to district agricultural extension offices to implement the activities that have been devolved to them. Include climate risk management language in solicitations and awards. change due to its high reliance on rainfed crops. Rising temperatures, increased intensity and frequency of heavy rainfall events, and increased drought conditions and dry spell lengths will lead to decreased rainfed crop yields, increased risk of aflatoxin contamination in groundnuts, degradation of soil quality and productivity, shifting times for planting and growing seasons, destruction of agricultural infrastructure, and food shortages. of rural livelihoods in case farming becomes less economically sustainable. Train farmers in use of drip and techniques for more efficient irrigation. Provide farmers with new cultivars that are drought and heat-tolerant. When agricultural extension services, insist less than anticipated due to the financial constraints farmers may find themselves in, especially during and after droughts, floods, and extreme weather events. Overall, the risks to the program's activities are acceptable as the benefits of the planned activities outweigh the risk.