Department of irrigation, Malawi

18/11/2025

15/11/2025

The inspection visit to the Nkopola (Mlambe) Irrigation Scheme brought together local leaders, government officials and partners to appreciate progress in maize production and rehabilitation works. The programme featured key remarks underscoring the importance of coordinated efforts in strengthening irrigation. Farmers at the scheme are currently harvesting maize from the 48 hectares planted during the irrigation season and are preparing for the upcoming rain-fed season. In her keynote address, the Honourable Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development Hon. Roza Mbilidzi, MP, stressed the need for collective action among communities, government and stakeholders to boost production and end hunger in Malawi.

30/10/2025

You are all invited.

27/05/2025

"2025 National Irrigation Season and Catchment Conservation Campaign Officially Launched in Dedza"

The Department of Irrigation successfully joined the launch of the 2025 National Irrigation Season Catchment Conservation and Management Campaign at Chinkhumbe Primary School Ground in Mtakataka EPA, Dedza District. The event was held under the theme: "Transforming the Agriculture Sector through Irrigation and Integrated Catchment Conservation for Improved Food Security and Economic Prosperity."

The campaign launch was graced by the Guest of Honour, Honourable Sam Kawale, MP, Minister of Agriculture, who commended the efforts of local communities in conserving land and water resources to build a resilient agricultural sector.
The event brought together stakeholders from the agriculture and natural resources sectors to promote sustainable land and water management practices. Participants toured the surrounding catchment area where farmers have planted trees and implemented gully reclamation measures to combat soil erosion and restore degraded land.

A key highlight of the day was the visit to Tchanga Irrigation Scheme, covering 154 hectares, where farmers are actively practicing irrigation farming. Crops under cultivation demonstrated the value of integrating land and water conservation practices to boost productivity and enhance food security.

The launch also featured vibrant pavilions hosted by various organizations and institutions. These showcased innovative technologies and interventions that support sustainable agriculture, climate-smart practices, and long-term food system resilience. The pavilions served as a platform for sharing knowledge and fostering partnerships aimed at transforming Malawi’s agriculture landscape.

Honourable Sam Kawale, MP, handed over bags of fertilizer, seeds and solar powered pumps for irrigation to farmers of Tiphunzire irrigation scheme and Nsunduzeni irrigation scheme of Mtakataka EPA, as part of the launch.

The Department of Irrigation reaffirms its commitment to working alongside partners, including the Department of Land Resources, to champion sustainable catchment conservation practices that ensure long-term environmental health, food security, and economic prosperity.

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20/05/2025

Hon. Sam Kawale Hands Over Solar Pumps to Boost Smallholder Irrigation Farming in Dowa

The Honourable Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Sam Kawale, visited Mkudziwaduka Irrigation Scheme in Traditional Authority Mponela, Dowa District, to officially hand over solar-powered irrigation pumps donated by Auction Holdings Limited to smallholder farmers.

The donation is part of a broader initiative aimed at strengthening irrigation farming in Malawi, spearheaded by the Department of Irrigation under the Ministry of Agriculture. This development underscores the government’s continued commitment to enhancing climate-resilient agriculture and improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers across the country.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Hon. Kawale commended the collaboration between the private sector and government institutions in supporting the agriculture sector. He emphasized the importance of irrigation in mitigating the impact of climate change and reducing overreliance on rain-fed farming systems.

“The provision of these solar pumps is a timely intervention that will enable smallholder farmers to irrigate their crops throughout the year, increase productivity, and improve food security at the household and national levels,” said Hon. Kawale.

Mkudziwaduka Irrigation Scheme has 60 hectares of arable land, of which only 30 hectares have been actively used due to limited access to reliable irrigation technologies. With the introduction of the solar-powered pump, farmers are now better positioned to expand their cultivated area, diversify crop production, and increase income generation.

The Department of Irrigation continues to implement similar interventions across Malawi, facilitating access to irrigation equipment through various support mechanisms including the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF), Mega Farm initiatives, and the Agricultural Commercialisation Project (AGCOM).

Local farmers expressed gratitude for the support and pledged to make full use of the new technology. Plans are underway to bring all 60 hectares under cultivation, growing crops such as maize, beans, tomatoes, and potatoes for both consumption and sale.

This milestone reflects ongoing efforts to modernize the agriculture sector and transform smallholder farming into a more sustainable and profitable enterprise

11/03/2025

In a ground breaking intervention led by the Minister of Agriculture, Sam Dalitso Kawale, MP, frontline agricultural officers are engaging in a nationwide series of meetings across all ADDs. This platform fosters collaboration on key reforms, including commercial farming, mechanization, and irrigation-driven resilience. The Department of Irrigation(DoI), alongside NeeF, AGCOM, and the Department of Agriculture Planning Services, is contributing expertise to ensure sustainable, year-round productivity for Malawi’s farmers. These discussions are shaping a future where agriculture is more profitable, efficient, and climate-resilient. Together, driving transformation.

06/03/2025

"Reviving Hope: Strengthening Food Security Through Irrigation in Malawi"

In the wake of prolonged dry spells from December 2024 to January 2025, Malawi has faced significant challenges in food availability and household food security. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Malawi Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, is taking decisive action to boost maize production via irrigation farming.
To support this initiative, the Department of Irrigation (DoI) is working together with the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) to provide irrigation input loans to farmers. These loans will enable farmers to access essential resources, including maize seeds, fertilizers, and crop protection products, ensuring a more resilient agricultural sector.
Earlier today, the DoI convened a National Irrigation Planning Meeting at Chikho Hotel in Dowa, bringing together key stakeholders to map out the way forward. The discussions focused on identifying priority sites for rehabilitation, supplemental irrigation, the upcoming irrigation season, and the deployment of solar-powered irrigation pumps. Agricultural Development Divisions (ADDs) presented detailed reports, and a comprehensive roadmap for supplemental irrigation and irrigation season was developed.
With irrigation at the forefront, Malawi is poised to restore hope and strengthen food security for its people. As the country embraces this strategic intervention, farmers can look forward to increased productivity and resilience against climate change.

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NB: Below are some of the photos taken during the meeting

28/01/2025

Training on Irrigation Scheme Design under FAO TCP: Improving Capacity for Irrigated Agriculture

The Department of Irrigation, with funding from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) under the Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) - Improving Capacity for Irrigated Agriculture in Malawi, conducted a training program aimed at strengthening the skills of irrigation officers across the country.
The training, which brought together 55 officers from various regions, focused on key areas such as:
• The use of modern data collection equipment,
• Designing irrigation schemes,
• Conducting environmental impact assessments, and
• Developing actionable plans for irrigation scheme design at the participants' respective duty stations.
The five-day training was held at Chikho Hotel in Mponela. The program equipped participants with hands-on experience and practical knowledge essential for enhancing irrigation practices in Malawi.
Below are some photos captured during the training sessions.

15/12/2024

The Honourable Minister Of Agriculture, Sam Kawale inspecting damaged irrigation infrastructure at Chilingali and Bua Irrigation schemes in Nkhotakota.

15/12/2024

10/10/2024

03/10/2024