The general objective of Land Governance for Sustainable Agriculture Project is to improve livelihoods of the population, particularly in the rural areas of Malawi, through sustainable agricultural development.

The project has two components. The first component aims at strengthening capacity at all levels, especially the ministry responsible for land matters (Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development), to implement land policies and laws efficiently and effectively. The second component is aimed at implementing a pilot project at local level and to ensure that smallholder farmers, especially women, have improved land rights due to responsible land governance.

In December 2014 a Financing Agreement of the project was signed between the Malawi Government and the European Commission. With a total estimated cost of €3 million, the project was to be implemented in 72 months (six years).

However, in June 2016, the Financing agreement was amended to allow extension of period of execution and period of operational implementation. In the amended agreement, the execution period shall be 84 months.

Expected results

• Strengthening of institutional framework and capacity for an efficient and effective land reform programme. The review of the country’s land laws is one of the areas of focus towards achievement of this goal.
• Improvement of smallholder farmers’ land rights particularly those of women, due to responsible land governance at local level.