6. Malawi National Irrigation Policy (2024)

The Malawi National Irrigation Policy (2024) provides a strategic and regulatory framework for the sustainable expansion, modernization, and governance of irrigation in Malawi. Recognizing irrigation as a critical lever for agricultural transformation, food security, and climate resilience, the policy seeks to shift irrigation from a subsistence safety net to a driver of inclusive economic growth and commercialization.

It addresses systemic challenges such as poor infrastructure, weak coordination, limited private sector engagement, and underutilization of Malawi’s water resources. The policy promotes integrated water resource management, public-private partnerships, gender equity, digitalization, and alignment with national development strategies (MW2063, MIP-1, NAP). It aims to optimize productivity per drop of water, ensure environmental sustainability, and increase incomes for smallholders and agribusinesses alike.

• Roadmap of Contents

  1. Introduction

  • Rationale for the revised policy

  • Review of the 2016 National Irrigation Policy

  • Contribution of irrigation to national development

  2. Vision, Mission, and Objectives

  • Vision: Sustainable and inclusive irrigation for national transformation

  • Mission: Promote irrigation development through efficient, climate-resilient, and commercially viable systems

  • Core Objectives:

    • Improve access to irrigation technologies and infrastructure

    • Strengthen irrigation governance and institutional frameworks

    • Enhance investment and financing for irrigation development

    • Mainstream climate-smart practices and environmental safeguards

  3. Policy Context and Alignment

  • Linkages with MW2063, National Agriculture Policy (NAP), and MIP-1

  • National Water Policy and Sustainable Development Goals

  • Climate change response frameworks

  4. Strategic Policy Areas

  1. Governance and Institutional Coordination

  2. Sustainable Irrigation Development and Management

  3. Financing and Investment

  4. Private Sector Participation

  5. Capacity Building and Human Resource Development

  6. Technology, Innovation, and Research

  7. Gender, Youth, and Social Inclusion

  8. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)

  5. Implementation Arrangements

  • Roles of key actors: Ministry of Agriculture (Irrigation Services), local authorities, NGOs, farmer organizations, and private sector

  • Establishment of District and National Irrigation Platforms

  • Legal and regulatory support systems

  6. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning

  • M&E framework with indicators and targets

  • Data systems, feedback loops, and policy adaptation mechanisms

  Annexes

  • Definitions and glossary

  • Policy development and consultation process

  • Key references and supporting legislation

The following multiple choice, short answer, and scenario-based questions are required for certification and must be completed in full.