Ministry of Agriculture ENVIRONMENTAL and SOCIAL

Government of Malawi

Ministry of Agriculture

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT FOR THE PROPOSED MATOPONI IRRIGATION SCHEME; ZOMBA

Ministry of Agriculture Department of Irrigation P.O. Box 30797 Lilongwe 3 Malawi

August, 2020

Contents

List of Abbreviations/Acronyms ...... vi Executive Summary ...... ix Chapter 1: Introduction ...... 1 1.1 Background and Introduction ...... 1 1.2 Rationale for conducting an ESIA for the project ...... 1 1.3 Justification for implementing Matoponi Irrigation Scheme Project ...... 2 1.4 Nature of the Proposed Project ...... 2 1.5 ESIA Objectives ...... 3 1.6 Project Location ...... 3 1.7 Project Proponent ...... 4 1.8 Potential users of the ESIA report ...... 4 1.9 Methodology for carrying out an ESIA ...... 6 1.9.1 Literature Review ...... 6 1.9.2 Field Visits ...... 6 1.9.3 Stakeholder Consultations ...... 7 Chapter 2: Description of Project Activities ...... 8 2.1 Planning Phase ...... 8 2.2 Construction Phase ...... 9 2.2.1 Water Intake ...... 9 2.3 Operational and Maintenance Phase ...... 21 Chapter 3: Bio-physical and Socio-economic environment ...... 24 3.1 Physical Environment ...... 24 3.1.1 Topography ...... 24 3.1.2 Geology and Soils ...... 24 3.1.3 Climate...... 26 3.1.4 Water Resources ...... 34 3.2 Biological Environment...... 36 3.2.1 Fauna ...... 36 3.2.2 Flora ...... 41 3.3 Socio-economic Environment ...... 42

3.3.1 Administrative Structures ...... 42 3.3.2 Population ...... 42 3.3.3 Ethnic Groups ...... 43 3.3.4 Religion ...... 43 3.3.5 Culture ...... 43 3.3.6 Current Land use and Land Tenure ...... 44 3.3.7 Agriculture ...... 45 3.3.8 Education...... 45 3.3.9 Health ...... 46 3.3.10 Water Supply ...... 48 3.3.11 Communication ...... 48 3.3.12 Economy ...... 49 3.3.13 Security ...... 49 Chapter 4: Legal and Policy Framework ...... 50 4.1 Policy framework ...... 50 4.1.1 The National Environmental Policy (2004) ...... 50 4.1.2 National Land Policy (2002) ...... 50 4.1.3 National HIV Policy (2012) ...... 51 4.1.4 National Gender Policy (2015) ...... 51 4.1.5 National Water Policy (2005) ...... 52 4.1.6 National Forest Policy (2016) ...... 53 4.1.7 National Agriculture Policy (2016) ...... 53 4.1.8 National Irrigation Policy (2016) ...... 54 4.1.9 National Fertiliser Policy (2018) ...... 55 4.1.10 The National Climate Change Management Policy (2016) ...... 55 4.1.11 The National Cultural Policy (2005) ...... 56 4.1.12 National Sanitation Policy (2008) ...... 57 4.1.13 National Youth Policy (2013) ...... 58 4.1.14 Food and Nutrition Security Policy (2005) ...... 59 4.1.15 National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy (2001) ...... 60 4.2 Legal framework ...... 60 4.2.1 The Constitution of the Republic of Malawi, 1995 ...... 60 4.2.2 Environment Management Act (2017) ...... 61

4.2.3 Water Resources Act (2013) ...... 62 4.2.4 Land Act (2016) ...... 62 4.2.5 Land Acquisition Act (2017) ...... 63 4.2.6 Local Government Act (1998) ...... 63 4.2.7 Forest Act, (1997) ...... 63 4.2.8 Occupational Safety, Health and Welfare Act (1997) ...... 64 4.2.9 Fisheries Conservation and Management Act (1998) ...... 64 4.2.10 Irrigation Act (2001) ...... 65 4.2.11 Gender Equality Act (2012) ...... 65 4.2.12 Pesticides Act (2000) ...... 66 4.2.13 Employment Act (2000) ...... 66 4.2.14 Monuments and Relics Act (1991) ...... 67 4.2.15 Amended Public Health Act, 1992 ...... 67 4.2.16 Fisheries Conservation and Management Act (1998) ...... 68 4.2.17 Public Health (Corona Virus and COVID -19) Prevention, Containment and Management) Rules, 2020 ...... 68 4.2.18 HIV and AIDS (Management and Prevention) Act, 2018 ...... 69 4.3 IFAD Guidelines and Procedures ...... 69 4.3.1 Social, Environment and Climate Assessment Procedures for IFAD ...... 69 4.3.2 IFAD Sexual Harassment and SEA Policy (2018) ...... 70 4.4 ESIA Administrative framework ...... 71 4.5 Regulatory licences and approvals...... 72 Chapter 5: Public Consultations ...... 73 5.1 Purpose of holding public Consultations ...... 73 5.2 Stakeholder Engagement during the ESIA Process ...... 75 5.2.1 Identification of Stakeholders ...... 75 5.2.2 Main issues raised during consultations ...... 77 Chapter 6: Analysis of Project Alternatives ...... 78 6.1 Do-nothing ...... 78 6.2 Develop the proposed irrigation scheme ...... 78 6.2.1 Analysis of alternatives technologies ...... 79 6.2.2 Analysis of alternative irrigation sites ...... 84 Chapter 7: Impact Identification and Analysis ...... 85

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7.1 Impact identification ...... 85 7.1.1 Methodology of impact identification ...... 85 7.2 Analysis of Predicted Impacts ...... 91 7.2.1 Approach and Methodology of Impact Analysis ...... 91 7.3 Evaluation of main impacts and their management measures ...... 98 7.3.1 Planning Phase ...... 98 7.3.2 Construction Phase ...... 98 7.3.3 Operation and Maintenance Phase ...... 105 7.3.4 Demobilisation Phase ...... 109 Chapter 8: Environmental and Social Management and Monitoring Plans ...... 112 8.1 Environmental and Social Management Plan ...... 112 8.2 Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan ...... 129 Chapter 9: Conclusions and Recommendations ...... 137 9.1 Conclusion ...... 137 9.2 Recommendations ...... 137 References ...... 139 Annex 1: Draft ToRs for ESIA studies for Matoponi Irrigation Scheme ...... 141 Annex 2: List of People/Institutions Consulted ...... 144 Annex 3: Main issues raised during consultations ...... 150 Annex 4: Plant Inventory for Matoponi Irrigation Scheme ...... 158 Annex 5: Land Ownership Agreement Forms ...... 160 Annex 6: Grievance Redress Mechanism for PRIDE/ERASP...... 161 Annex 7: Cultural Heritage Chance Find Procedure ...... 170 Annex 8: Names of Experts that carried out the ESIA Study ...... 172

List of Figures

Figure 1.1 Topographic Map of Matoponi Irrigation Scheme 5 Figure 2.1 Sectional view of the intake according to the detailed 12 design Figure 2.2 Plan view of the Intake works 13 Figure 2.3 Layout of the Scheme 15 Figure 2.4 Cross-sectional views of proposed main canals 17 Figure 2.5 Cross-sectional views of proposed main canals 18 Figure 2.6 Layout Plan of Matoponi Irrigation Scheme 20

Figure 3.1 Soil Map for Matoponi and its catchment 26 Figure 3.2 Minimum and Maximum temperatures for Masaula 27 EPA Figure 3.3 Monthly Rainfall from 2013/2014 to 2018/2019 28 Figure 3.4 Baselimne and annual projecttions of precipitation at 30 Mlooka Irrigation Scheme Figure 3.5 Part of Matoponi Irrigation Scheme 42 Figure 3.6 Enrolment per Class at Matoponi Primary School in 46 December 2019 Figure 3.7 Common Diseases at Chilipa Health Centre (Jul-Dec 47 2019) Figure 3.8 One of the boreholes in the project area 48 Figure 5.1 Consultation meeting with members of Matoponi 74 Irrigation Scheme Figure 5.2 Consultation meeting with community leaders 74 Figure 5.3 Consultation with Vulnerable Groups (Women) 75 Figure 7.1 Severity of impacts 92

List of Tables

Table 1.1 GPS Coordinates for Matoponi Irrigation Scheme 4 Table 2.1 Hydraulic Parameters of Main Canals 15 Table 3.1 Mlooka climate risk assessment criteria 31 Table 3.2 Mlooka Scheme (Climate Hazards and Risks–Enhancement, 32 Mitigation and Adaptation Measures) Table 3.3 Water Quality Analysis Results for Shire River Water at Kamuzu 35 Barrage Table 3.4 Malawi’s Guidelines for Irrigation Water Quality 36 Table 3.5 Checklist of bird species recorded in Matoponi Irrigation Scheme. 37 Table 3.6 Checklist of Mammals recorded. 39 Table 3.7 Checklist of insect species recorded in Matoponi Irrigation 41 Scheme. Table 5.1 Categories of Stakeholder Groups identified 76 Table 7.1 Impacts identified 86 Table 7.2 Impact scoring matrix with significance levels 93 Table 8.1 Proposed Environmental and Social Management Plan for 113 Matoponi Irrigation Scheme Table 8.2 Proposed Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan for Matoponi 130 Irrigation Scheme

List of Abbreviations/Acronyms

AGRMC Area Grievance Redress Mechanism Committee AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome ASWAp Agriculture Sector Wide Approach CAADP Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Programme CDSS Community Day Secondary School CEC Cation Exchange Capacity CFP Chance Find Procedure CGRMC Community Grievance Redress Mechanism Committee CHAM Christian Health Association of Malawi DADO District Agriculture Development Officer DAO District Agriculture Office DGRMC District Grievance Redress Mechanism Committee DoI Department of Irrigation EC Electrical Conductivity EPA Extension Planning Area ERASP Enhancing the Resilience of Agro-ecological Systems Project ESIA Environmental and Social Impact Assessment ESMF Environmental and Social Management Framework ESMP Environmental and Social Management Plan ESP Exchangeable Sodium Percentage ESR Environmental Scoping Report GBI Green-Belt Initiative GBV Gender Based Violence GCM General Circulation Models GEF Global Environment Facility GHG Greenhouse Gas

GoM Government of Malawi GPS Global Positioning System GRM Grievance Redress Mechanism Ha Hectare HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus ICH Intangible Cultural Heritage IEC Information, Education and Communication IFAD International Fund for Agricultural Development ILO International Labour Organisation IMPIF Irrigation Master Plan and Investment Framework IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change ISD Irrigation Services Division IUCN International Union for the Conservation of Nature l/s/ha Litres per second per hectare masl metres above sea level MGDS Malawi Growth and Development Strategy MPRSP Malawi Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper NAIP National Agriculture Investment Plan NAP National Agriculture Policy NAPA Malawi National Adaptation Programmes of Action NBT Northern Balancing Tank NES National Export Strategy NFP National Fertiliser Policy NGOs Non-governmental Organisations NIP National Irrigation Policy NRS National Resilience Strategy NSO National Statistical Office

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NSP National Sanitation Policy NSR Night Storage Reservoir PAPs Project Affected Persons PCO Project Coordination Office PFGRMC Project Facilitation Grievance Redress Management Committee PRIDE Programme for Rural Irrigation Development PSC Project Steering Committee RCM Regional Climate Model SAR Sodium Adsorption Ratio SBT Southern Balancing Tank SEA Sexual Exploitation and Abuse SECAP Social, Environmental, and Climate Change Management Procedure SMU Soil Mapping Unit STIs Sexually Transmitted Infections TA Traditional Authority TDS Total Dissolved Solids VNRMC Village Natural Resources Management Committee WGRMC Workers Grievance Redress Mechanism Committee WUA Water Users Association

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Executive Summary

1.0 Introduction This is an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) report for the proposed construction of 115 hectares of Matoponi Irrigation Scheme located in Group Village Head (GVH) Kapitaapa in Traditional Authority Mlumbe in Zomba District. Matoponi Irrigation Scheme project is being implemented by the Department of Irrigation in the Ministry of Agriculture under Programme for Rural Irrigation Development (PRIDE) and Enhancing the Resilience of Agro- ecological Systems Project (ERASP) with financial support from the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) and Global Environment Facility (GEF), respectively. The project is expected to cost approximately One million and Nine Hundred Thousand United States Dollars (1,900,000 USD). 2.0 Nature of the Proposed Project Matoponi Irrigation Scheme project, designed to serve 115 hectares, is intended to benefit 1,250 farmers out of which 650 are women. These farmers will come from Group Village Heads (GVH) Kapitaapa, Balamanja, Masaula, Chiwele, and Gwaza. Crops to be cultivated in the scheme include maize, rice, mustard, leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, egg plants and beans. Key infrastructure planned for construction include: 8 water intakes; a pumping station that will include a pump house and a pump; canals; 2 storage reservoirs; culverts; division structures; footbridges; flood protection bunds; and foot bridges.

3.0 Methodology for carrying out an ESIA The ESIA study was carried out in accordance with the Terms of Reference provided in Annex 1 by a team of experts presented in Annex 8. The strategies for executing this assignment followed the steps outlined below: a. Examination of existing conditions of the project site; b. Examination of implementation approach and processes for the activities of the project; c. Identification and analysis of potential environmental and social impacts associated with the implementation of project activities which are likely going to be triggered and generated within and around project impact area; and d. Identification of appropriate mitigation measures for the predicted impacts and preparation of a management plan for addressing the environmental and social impacts during implementation and operation. In order to achieve the above objectives, the following activities were undertaken: Literature review, Field Visits and Stakeholder Consultations.

4.0 Rationale for conducting an ESIA for Matoponi Irrigation Project The environmental impact assessment study was conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Environment Management Act (2017), which requires that an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) study should be conducted before implementation of certain prescribed projects such as development of irrigation schemes which cover an area of over 10 hectares (ha). The ESIA is a tool that enables identification and assessment of a project’s environmental and social impacts and proposes measures to manage the impacts before the project is implemented. An Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) has further been developed for the project to be used as a tool to systematically integrate environmental and social concerns into the activities of the project.

Further, the approved Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) for the PRIDE has categorized the programme as Category A. Category A Projects are those that may have significant adverse environmental and/or social implications that: (i) are sensitive, irreversible or unprecedented; (ii) affect an area broader than the sites or facilities subject to physical interventions; and (iii) are not readily remedied by preventive actions or mitigation measures. All Category A projects must have an ESIA at the design stage (or relevant stage of implementation). The ESMF was developed as part of the requirements under IFAD's Social Environment and Climate Assessment Procedures (SECAP). 5.0 ESIA Objectives Specific objectives of carrying out this Environmental and Social Impact Assessment are to: i. identify and evaluate potential environmental and social impacts that may be caused by implementation of Matoponi Irrigation Scheme Project; ii. identify and propose measures that will mitigate/enhance the anticipated impacts of the proposed planning, construction, operation and decommissioning activities on the environment as well as on people of all gender categories; iii. identify natural hazards, climate change, HIV and AIDS, youth and all gender categories elements that may affect and be affected by the irrigation project; iv. review relevant policies and legislation related to the proposed irrigation project; v. consult with key stakeholders, interested and affected parties as well as relevant Government Departments on issues relating to the proposed irrigation project to ensure compliance with existing policies, legislation, and regulations, and to accommodate public views including the youth, women, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups expressed during the consultation process; and vi. identity required licenses and permits for the proposed Matoponi Irrigation Scheme from relevant Government agencies.

6.0 Key Environmental issues identified The implementation of Matoponi Irrigation Scheme Project is expected to have environmental and social impacts both positive and negative. This study has therefore identified positive and negative impacts that may arise in the course of project implementation. These have been summarised as follows:

6.1 Summary of positive impacts The summary of main positive impacts that are anticipated during project implementation and their enhancement measures are as follows:

i. Improved crop production; Enhancement Measures  Use of water saving irrigation technologies to ensure that there is efficiency in the use of water; and  Use improved hybrid seeds to maximise productivity.

ii. Improved nutrition status of surrounding people due to availability of food; Enhancement Measures  Encourage farmers to plant different types of crops; and  Train irrigation farmers on good agriculture practices (GAPs).

iii. Skill transfer to farmers in value chain addition, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), and water saving technologies; Enhancement Measures  Facilitate the formation of farmer field schools through which farmers will learn GAPs, water saving irrigation technologies and value chain addition.

iv. Linkage of farmers to markets; and Enhancement Measures  Identify good markets for farmers so that farm produce is sold at a profit as this will incentivise farmers to cultivate more crops; and  Assist farmers to form cooperatives.

v. Improved community economic empowerment. Enhancement Measures  Train irrigation farmers on good agriculture practices (GAPs) as a way of empowering them economically.

6.2 Summary of negative impacts and their mitigation measures The summary of negative impacts that are anticipated during project implementation and their proposed mitigation measures are as follows:

xi i. Increased risk of water pollution by agrochemicals and human excreta Mitigation Measure(s)  Provide portable water to farmers by constructing boreholes;  Promote Integrated Pest Management (IPM);  Restrict the use of pesticides to those recommended by Pesticides Control Board;  Improve tail water management by allowing re-use of irrigation water through the use of a tail water recovery system;  Improve water use efficiency to reduce the discharge volume of tail water from the system; and  Promote the use of organic farming. ii. Reduced access to grazing and drinking areas for livestock Mitigation Measure(s)  Identify alternative sites for drinking and grazing; and  Provide crossing points over canals to enable livestock to access grazing areas. iii. Increased risk of water related diseases such as malaria and bilharzia Mitigation Measure(s)  Ensure that water does not stagnate by properly designing the canals;  Encourage farmers to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when working in water logged areas especially during rice farming; and  Encourage surrounding communities to sleep under insecticide treated mosquito nets which can be bought from local shops as well as accessing them from health facilities including antenatal clinics. iv. Increased risk of crocodile attacks Mitigation Measure(s)  Use pipes in areas that are closer to the Shire River so as to limit passage of crocodiles from the River;  install gates/grills to limit passage of crocodiles in areas where canals have been used; and  Encourage farmers to clear bush around their plots to deter crocodiles from hiding in such places. v. Increased risk accidents due to drowning in canals by children and livestock Mitigation Measure(s)  Service irrigation plots located close to residential areas through pipes not open canals;  Sensitise parents to discourage their children from swimming in the canals; and  Draft bylaws discouraging children from swimming in the canals.

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vi. Risk of increased incidences of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) including HIV and AIDS. Mitigation Measure(s)  Recruit much of the labour force from the surrounding communities to reduce influx of migrant workers;  Provide workers with free condoms;  Provide Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials on HIV and AIDS to workers and surrounding communities.

6.0 Conclusion From this study, it is concluded that there is no environmental or social obstacle to the implementation of the proposed Matoponi Irrigation Scheme Project, and it is recommended that the proposed mitigation/enhancement measures to the identified impacts be implemented. The construction of Matoponi irrigation scheme will guarantee all year crop production, thus ensuring household income for the local population in keeping with the National Agriculture Policy (2016). The irrigation project is likely to have a number of environmental, social and economic benefits that will improve the livelihoods of the households in terms of infrastructure development, stimulating economic development, creation of employment opportunities, improved nutrition status because of availability of food in the area. Despite these benefits, the project will likely have some negative environmental and social impacts and the ESIA has identified some mitigation measures which, when implemented, are expected to address such impacts. Key amongst the concerns include: increased risk of crocodile attacks because of the proximity of the Matoponi Irrigation scheme to Shire River which is heavily infested by crocodiles; and increased risk of water pollution by agrochemicals.

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Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1 Background and Introduction This is an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) report for the construction of 115 hectares of Matoponi Irrigation Scheme located in Group Village Head (GVH) Kapitaapa, Traditional Authority (TA) Mlumbe in Zomba District. Matoponi Irrigation Scheme is in Masaula Extension Planning Area (EPA) under Machinga Irrigation Services Division (ISD). The irrigation project is being implemented by Department of Irrigation (DoI) in the Agriculture under Programme for Rural Irrigation Development (PRIDE) and Enhancing the Resilience of Agro-ecological Systems Project (ERASP). PRIDE is being supported by financial resources from International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) while ERASP is being supported by Global Environment Facility (GEF). The project is expected to cost approximately One million and Nine Hundred Thousand United States Dollars (1,900,000 USD). PRIDE's aim is to support smallholder farmers to sustainably enhance their production levels to such a degree that they can provide for their household nutritional demands and deliver produce to viable markets. PRIDE does so by providing smallholder farm households a combination of (i) irrigation and soil and water conservation infrastructure; (ii) promotion of good agricultural practices; and (iii) linkage to improved value chains. ERASP's aim is to enhance the provision of ecosystem services to improve food and nutrition security of rural communities in the targeted catchment areas. This objective encompasses three sub-objectives of addressing land degradation, maintaining agrobiodiversity and climate change adaptation and mitigation. According to the EIA Guidelines for Malawi, all irrigation projects to be implemented on a piece of land 10 hectares and above in size require an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment. Considering that the proposed Irrigation Scheme is 115 hectares, this project is in the prescribed list of projects for which an ESIA is mandatory. Additionally, this is in line with the IFAD's Social Environment and Climate Assessment Procedures (SECAP).

1.2 Rationale for conducting an ESIA for the project The environmental impact assessment study was conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Environment Management Act (2017), which requires that an ESIA study should be conducted before implementation of certain prescribed projects such as development of irrigation schemes, which cover an area of over 10 hectares (ha). The ESIA is a tool that enables identification and assessment of a project’s environmental and social impacts and proposes measures to manage the impacts before the project is implemented. An Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) has further been developed for the project to be used as a tool to systematically integrate environmental and social concerns into the activities of the project.

1.3 Justification for implementing Matoponi Irrigation Scheme Project Malawi’s economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, employing nearly 80% of the population (World Bank, 2019). In addition, the sector supplies about 65% of the raw materials to the manufacturing sector and accounts for about 63.7% of all income generated by households. However, Agriculture is vulnerable to external shocks, particularly climatic shocks that include droughts.

The occurrence of droughts and their effect on crop production have however negatively affected crop production, as a consequence there has been increased emphasis on irrigable agriculture. Malawi has a large potentially irrigable land of about 400,000 hectares of land, however only 118,000 hectares of land is currently under irrigation. Further, high population rate estimated at 2.9% (NSO, 2018) requires increased agriculture production to meet increased demand for food. Irrigation therefore can enable local farmers increase the frequency of planting crops which can result into increased food production. As a way of promoting economic growth and improving food security, Government of Malawi has identified sustainable irrigation development as one of the interventions. The implementation of Matoponi Irrigation scheme project is therefore complementing government’s effort in improving food security. Approximately 100 people will be employed during construction phase and 30 percent of these will be women.

1.4 Nature of the Proposed Project The total number of potential beneficiaries for Matoponi Irrigation Scheme is estimated to be 1,250 farmers out of which 650 are women. The beneficiaries are expected to come from 29 villages belonging to GVH Kapitaapa, Balamanja, Masaula, Chiwele, and Gwaza. Crops to be cultivated will include maize, rice, mustard, leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, egg plants and beans.

The structures that are proposed for Matoponi Irrigation Scheme include:

i. Pump house (including pump installation)

ii. Culverts, iii. Division Structures, iv. Footbridges, v. Flood protection bunds and interceptor drains, vi. Road infrastructure, and vii. Canals.

1.5 ESIA Objectives The main objective of the ESIA is to ensure that environmental and Social considerations are integrated in the project planning and implementation. This will assist to ensure that the project does not have adverse effects on human health, the environment and social aspects. Specific objectives of this ESIA are to: i. identify and evaluate potential environmental and social impacts that may be caused by implementation of these projects; ii. identify and propose measures that will mitigate/enhance the anticipated impacts of the proposed planning, construction, operation and decommissioning activities on the environment as well as people of all gender categories; iii. identify natural hazards, climate change, HIV and AIDS, youth and all gender categories elements that may affect and be affected by the development project; iv. review relevant policies and legislation related to proposed irrigation development; v. consult with key stakeholders, interested and affected parties as well as relevant Government Departments on issues relating to the proposed irrigation development to ensure compliance with existing policies, legislation and regulations, and to accommodate public views including of the youth, women, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups expressed during the consultation process; and vi. identify required licenses and permits for the proposed irrigation scheme from relevant Government agencies.

1.6 Project Location The proposed Matoponi irrigation site is located to the western side of Zomba City; about 35 km by road from Zomba City through Changalume Road. The proposed irrigation scheme stretches over about 2.2 km along the left bank of a new arm of the Shire River, some 37.4 km downstream of the Kamuzu Barrage in Liwonde. The proposed irrigation scheme borders to the north with the triangular-shaped small depression area between the Shire River, the railway on the flood embankment, and the higher grounds of the area. To the northeast the site is bordered by the railway, while to the south the site is bordered by village and settlement areas situated on higher ground (Figure 1.1). Global Positioning

System (GPS) Coordinates for Matoponi Irrigation Scheme have been provided in Table 1.1 below. Table 1.1: GPS Coordinates for Matoponi Irrigation Scheme Eastings Northings M1 722766 8304787 M2 722178 8305104 M3 722205 8305242 M4 723464 8306808 M5 724067 8306554 M6 723813 8305997

1.7 Project Proponent The proponent of the proposed project is Ministry of Agriculture. The following are the details of the project proponent:

Postal Address: Ministry of Agriculture Department of Irrigation P.O. Box 30797 Lilongwe 3 Malawi

Contact Person: Secretary for Irrigation

1.8 Potential users of the ESIA report The ESIA report and the associated ESMP has been prepared for use by stakeholders to be involved in the planning, implementation and management of the project. Key ones include: a) PCO for PRIDE; b) Contractors; c) Designers; d) Staff from Zomba District Council; e) Department of Irrigation f) Front line Staff from other line departments such Department of Water Resources, Department of Forestry, Environmental Affairs Department etc; g) District Environmental Subcommittee for Zomba; h) Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and community based organizations involved with the activities of the program; i) Members of the VRNMC and WUA; and j) Community leaders in the project area.

1.9 Methodology for carrying out an ESIA The ESIA study was carried out in accordance with the Terms of Reference provided in Annex 1. The strategies for executing this assignment followed the steps outlined below: a. Examination of existing conditions of the project site; b. Examination of implementation approach and processes for the activities of the project; c. Identification and analysis of potential environmental and social impacts associated with the implementation of project activities which are likely going to be triggered and generated within and around project impact area; and d. Identification of appropriate mitigation measures for the predicted impacts and preparation of a management plan for addressing the environmental and social impacts during implementation and operation. In order to achieve the above objectives, the following activities were undertaken:

1.9.1 Literature Review This involved the review of existing literature related to the project. The literature that was reviewed included the Project’s Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF); Social, Environment and Climate Assessment Procedures for IFAD; Environment Management Act; Forestry Act; Water Resources Act; Irrigation Act; Pesticides Act; Public Health Act; Occupational Safety, Health and Welfare Act; Irrigation Policy; National Water Policy; National Environment Policy; Malawi National Land Policy; Agriculture Policy; Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (III), and other relevant policies and pieces of legislation. In addition, a review of other Environmental and Social Impact Assessment reports related to irrigation development was done.

1.9.2 Field Visits A number of field visits were conducted to the project site between December 2019 to April 2020. This was done to enable specialists to acquaint themselves with the project area and surrounding communities. Specialists in different fields engaged under the project conducted field surveys in the project area to observe and capture baseline data on the existing environment of the proposed project area. During this period specialist studies were conducted and these included archaeology and heritage, landscape and visual, ecology (flora and fauna), agriculture and socio-economic environment, climate change studies, among others. These specialist studies assisted in identifying and assessing environmental and social impacts that might occur as a result of project implementation.

1.9.3 Stakeholder Consultations Consultations are an important component of an ESIA process because they reduce anxiety and concerns likely to be brought about by a project so that the project is more acceptable by people and Government Authorities. Consultations also help to incorporate views of local communities, government officials and different stakeholders on ways of avoiding or mitigating adverse/negative impacts and enhancing the positive impacts.

There are a number of methodologies for conducting consultations. However, it is essential to note that no one method is sufficient by itself. As such during the consultation programme more than one method was used in order to ensure that there is adequate input in the ESIA process. The list of key stakeholders consulted has been attached (Annex 2) while Annex 3 presents a summary of key issues raised during public consultations. A brief description of how each of methods for conducting public consultations was carried out is presented below:

 Key Informant Interviews (KII): Because of its ability to complement questionnaire survey and Focus Group Discussion (FGD), KII were also used in data collection. Key informants were purposively selected based on their knowledge of, participation, and role in the project. The key informants included: Department of Irrigation (DoI), Irrigation Services Division (ISD), Project Coordination Office for PRIDE, District Irrigation Officers, Community Leaders, Members of the Water Users Association (WUA), Members of Village Natural Resources Management Committee (VNRMCs); and ordinary men and women benefiting from the project, among others.

 Household Questionnaire A questionnaire survey was used to collect data on demographic and socio- economic characteristics surrounding communities and their perceptions on the project’s impact. The draft questionnaire for data collection was reviewed and approved by the client; and pretested before it was administered.  Focus Group Discussions FGDs were conducted and comprised purposively selected participants. FGD as a method was chosen for its ability to provide a relatively less intimidating environment for the participants to effectively discuss their views and experiences. This method allows a reflection of participants’ viewpoints thus clarifying issues and enabling the study team gain more insights into issues.

Chapter 2: Description of Project Activities This chapter gives a detailed description of the project activities that will be undertaken and are likely going to impact on the environment. Firstly, general project activities will be highlighted followed by activities for specific phases of the project namely Planning Phase, Construction Phase and finally Operation and Maintenance Phase. These have been presented as follows:

2.1 Planning Phase i. Initial consultations with stakeholders Consultations were done with some of the project beneficiaries from Group Village Headmen (GVH) Kapitaapa, Balamanja, Masaula, Chiwele, and Gwaza who surround Matoponi Irrigation Scheme; and various stakeholders with the aim of incorporating their views on ways of avoiding or mitigating adverse/negative impacts and enhancing positive impacts when implementing the project.

During the consultations, questionnaires and interviews were used to collect information. The stakeholders consulted included beneficiary communities, local leaders, District Environmental Sub Committee (DESC) for Zomba, Department of Irrigation (DoI), Project Coordination Office, Department of Occupation Safety and Health, Environment Affairs Department and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).

ii. Feasibility studies and designs Feasibility studies of the proposed irrigation scheme, including detailed designs, were conducted during the planning phase of the project. Pre-feasibility studies for the Scheme were conducted in 2014 by the Department of Irrigation. The studies, among other things, looked at such issues as suitability of the site for an irrigation scheme. iii. Formation of Water Users Association and Village Natural Resources Management Committees Water Users Association (WUA) and Village Natural Resources Management Committees (VNRMCs) were formed before implementation of the irrigation scheme. The WUA was formed to ensure that issues of Land and water distribution among farmers are effectively dealt with. The VNRMCs were formed to ensure that there is good management of the environment including planting of trees to replace those that were affected by the irrigation project.

iv. Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Studies Environmental and Social Impact Assessment studies were carried out during this phase of the project. The main objective of the studies was to identify environmental and social issues that are anticipated during the design, construction and operation phases of the project and propose measures to manage them.

2.2 Construction Phase According to the feasibility study and detailed design reports for Matoponi Irrigation Scheme, key infrastructure planned for construction include: water intake; a pumping station that will include a pump house and a pump; canals; 2 balancing tanks; culverts; division structures; footbridges; flood protection; and foot bridges. The Design Engineer estimated the design flow using a 10-year rainfall return period. New culverts for road crossings within the scheme have also been proposed and have been checked for this flow, under uniform flow conditions. In cases where the existing streambeds are in poor condition or do not suffice to transport the flood flows, suitable realignment works have been proposed. A storm water drainage system between sections of plots has also been designed, to drain the spills of possible excess water during irrigation. Following the submission of the draft detailed designs, the general location (coordinates not provided) and materials to be used have been determined to an extent. However other key issues like Right of Way, Bills of Quantities and cost estimates have not yet been shared with the consultant. The detailed design proposed that the pumps will be electrical and will be supplied by a system of solar panels placed in two areas near the pumping station. A back up of the solar system of approximately 30% of the maximum energy capacity needed for the operation of the pumping station, is provided to secure full operation even in medium cloud conditions. The energy system will be also connected to the National grid. When the solar system is not able to provide the required power for the operation of the pumps, supply will be supported by the grid. The Construction works of the project are expected to employ about 100 people in different categories out of which 30 percent will be women. Key infrastructure considered at detailed design have been discussed as follows:

2.2.1 Water Intake Water intake from Matoponi Irrigation Scheme will be constructed at approximately 468 masl according to the detailed design. Water intake works include a pump house, a head race, pump sump and other features. Contrary to what was proposed during the Feasibility Study, that there would be four pumping stations, the detailed design suggests that the scheme will only have one pumping station to house 4 pumps. The other elements of the pumping station are presented below:

I. Pumping Station The pumping station will be surrounded by a wire fence that is covering a total minimum area of about 225m2. This essentially represents the extent to the site that needs to be prepared through clearing and excavation. The following are the

9 specifications for the pumping station according to the feasibility report and detailed designs which do not provide much detail.

Head race and Pump Sump  There will be a headrace without any form of regulation and it will be more than 8m leading into a pump sump and will contain a manhole, trash rack, siltation basin, with a fixed crane and chain block, stop log among others;  The Headrace will be a trapezoidal channel constructed in cut to allow for lowest design level flow of 469.6 masl, and will be of riprap, according to the detail design;  The pump sump will be constructed to allow for some water from the river to stagnate and settle all the silt in an approach chamber before being pumped through a suction side of the pump station;  The suction pipe will be anchored by a stone masonry support along the length of the suction line.

Pump sets The pump house will house two pump sets (specifications not yet determined at feasibility study) placed 1.2m from each other according to the feasibility study with the following specifications:

 The 4 pumps will be separated into 2 sets to be supplied by two High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes, one of which has a diameter of 355mm and the other 400mm;  The set supplied by the 400mm pipe will deliver to 355mm HDPE pipes each going into a pump for one set and second set will join two separate 250m HDPE pipe to the second set;  From the detailed design, details of a pump house are not shown;  The pumping station is protected only by a perimeter fence with an area of 225m2;  The fence has three access gates, one on the discharge side of the station and two on opposite sides of a pumping sump;  The fence also houses solar panel inverters that are expected to augment power supply to the pumps;  The second set of pumps is discharging water to the northern balancing tank through two HDPE pipes with diameters of 160mm which are then joined one HDPE pipe of diameter 355mm;  The first set of pumps is discharging water to the southern balancing tank through two HDPE pipes with diameters of 280mm which are then joined by one HDPE pipe of diameter 560mm;  The discharge pipes are connected to two separate flow meters that will measure the flow across the system.

Figure 2.1 and 2.2 shows the sectional views of the intakes as per detailed design. The feasibility study estimated a peak demand of 1.06 l/s/ha, occurring in August, while in the detail design, as per consultation with the design engineer and based on the improved irrigation system and the updated cropping pattern and climate parameters, it is estimated that a peak demand of 1.29 l/s/ha will be considered and will occur in September. II. Balancing Tanks From the intake works, water will be pumped to two balancing tanks that will be erected at two highest positions in the northern and in the southern zone. The tanks to be constructed at a height of about 475.45 masl for the northern tank and 477 masl for the southern tank.

The detailed designs show that the total area for construction of both tanks (16.5m by 17.5m) plus its peripherals is about 307m2. The tanks will be excavated to a minimum depth of 1.2m below original ground level. This is the minimum area that would need to be cleared during construction for both tanks.

Figure 2.1: Sectional view of the intake according to the detailed design

Figure 2.2: Plan view of the Intake works

Northern Balancing Tank 1 (NBT) Balancing tank 1 will be constructed at the highest place of the entire area and the centre of the tank will be at an elevation of 475.5 masl and has a capacity of about 108m3. The following are the specifications:

 The tank has one inlet and 2 outlets;  The inlet is an HDPE pipe sized at 355mm at is conveying water from the Pumping station;  The two outlets are HDPE pipes of 500mm and discharge water into the main canal, one further north of the pumping station and the other the southern part;  It also has an overflow pipe of cast iron with a diameter of 400mm which will be installed within the tank;  There will also be a flashing out facility that will have a flashing valve connecting to a flashing pipe of cast iron with a diameter of 150mm which will be connected to drain into a perforated Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipe (DN 160mm) that will drain from the tank surroundings by cast Iron cross fittings;  Inlet, outlet and washout pipes will all be encased in concrete.

Southern Balancing Tank (SBT) The southern balancing tank will be constructed at an elevation of 477.0 masl and has a capacity of about 108m3. The following are the specifications:

 The tank has one inlet of HDPE pipe of diameter 560mm from pumping station;  The two outlets that discharge to the main canal have diameters of 500mm;  It also has an overflow pipe of cast iron with a diameter of 400mm which will be installed within the tank;  There will also be a flashing out facility that will have a flashing valve connecting to a flashing pipe of cast iron with a diameter of 150mm which will be connected to drain into a perforated PVC pipe (DN 160mm) that will drain from the tank surroundings by cast Iron cross fittings  Inlet, outlet and washout pipes will all be encased in concrete.

The detailed designs indicate that there are works that would need to be done on the site in the construction of the balancing tanks. Predominantly these will be earth works which will include excavations to required depths and extents. There will need to be considerable earth works to improve the bearing capacity of the soils and proper disposal of the excavated material.

Figure 2.3 shows the general layout of the scheme showing the pumping house and related balancing tanks.

Figure 2.3: Layout of the Scheme

I. Conveyance System  Canals According to the detailed design report the site will have a network of main canals, secondary canals, field canals and drains. The Scheme is proposed to have one main canal connected to the two balancing tanks.

Main Canals: An open concrete rectangular canal will run from the northern tank to the Shire River to the left and right from the northern tank (canals CN1 and CN2) along the north command area, and another open concrete rectangular canal will run from the southern tank parallel to the Shire River to the left and right from the southern tank (canals CS1 and CS2) along the south command area. The main canals will be in cut and constructed on compacted embankments of suitable fill material.

Table 2.1: Hydraulic Parameters of Main Canals North Discharge Width Normal Depth Velocity (m3/Sec) (m) (m) (m/s) CN1 0.09 0.50 0.33 0.54 CN2 0.09 0.50 0.33 0.54 South Discharge Width Normal Depth Velocity (m3/Sec) (m) (m) (m/s) CS1 0.27 0.80 0.47 0.71 CS2 0.27 0.80 0.47 0.71

Secondary Canals: The distribution (secondary) canals are laid vertically to contours. The distance between the secondary canals is variable depending on ground morphology and the existence of trees and settlements. Wherever possible, a distance of 100m approximately between two secondary canals is maintained. The total distance for the secondary canals is 14km.

The proposed canals are trapezoidal, unlined with a design minimum slope of 10m/km (equal to the average ground slope) and side slopes horizontal: vertical is 1.5. Calculations take into account a Manning coefficient of n = 0.033. A freeboard of 25% of the canal height was considered.

Field Canals: The command area has been divided into plots of rectangular shape 50m x 50m on average for surface irrigation through field channels. The field channels are placed at the top of the plot along the 50m width (parallel to the Shire river) while the furrows are along the 50m length (vertical to the Shire river).

Non- typical shaped plots have been also used to cover the irrigable area. The area of the plots ranges from about 0.14 to 0.47ha. The water will be released from the field channel into the irrigation plot through gate structures called plot outlets.

The selection of the furrow length depends on several parameters such as the soil type, the slope, the field channel flow and the required irrigation depth.

Figure 2.4: Cross-sectional views of proposed main canals

The canal lip/berm will be extended into a well compacted gravel fill on either side of the canal which will be further bound by un-compacted fill on the outer most part. The canals will mostly be in cut and wherever a canal is crossing a stream or gully, it is expected that provisions of small crossings will be provided including inverted siphons and bridges.

Other structures

(a) Culverts: Matoponi scheme has 4 culverts that will be concentrated along the main canal. There will be a total of six culverts within the scheme area (refer to Figure 2.5). The culverts will be constructed across roads and canals as follows:  Culvert 1 is a 1,000mm culvert and is crossing a road and the upper main canal over a span of 10m;  Culvert 2 is a 1,000mm culvert and is crossing an existing gravel road, pumping main DN 560 and a main canal over a span of 5.8 m;  Culvert 3 is a 1,000mm culvert and is crossing a gravel road and pumping main pipe DN 560;  Culvert 4 is a 1000mm culvert crossing a gravel road and pumping main over a span of 5.8m.

Figure 2.5: Layout of the culverts across the Scheme

Division Structures: Division structures are proposed for this system to enable higher level canals supply water to lower level canals. These structures will be equipped with sluice steel gates to regulate the flow. Staff gauges to monitor the discharges will be installed at the division structures of the main canal.

 Drains The drains in the system were designed in order to protect Matoponi Scheme from outer and inner flows. The drains are designed to catch water from small streams and runoff from the site in general.

The following principles were considered during the detailed design: a. A drainage system has been designed upstream of the perimeter of the command area, adjacent to the main canal and discharging mainly into existing small streams and low- lying areas or into drainage ditches and stream alignments between plots. The system is proposed to protect the command area from the sediment transferred and flooding problems during heavy rains and follows the alignment and slope of the conveyance system. This type of the drainage protection is applied along the parts of the main canals that are not adjacent to the parallel railway line;

b. All existing small streams, creeks and low-lying flow paths will be maintained and will be the receptors of the command area’s catchments and external catchments. In cases where the existing streambeds and flow lines are in poor condition or do not suffice to transport the flood flows, suitable realignment works are proposed. The design is based on calculations for the 1:10 return period rain; c. A storm water drainage system between sections of plots has been designed, draining also the spills of possible excess water during irrigation. The drains are designed as trapezoidal earthen ditches with minimum bottom width 0.30 m, height 0.30 m and side slope 1:1.5

 Field application technique In the canalisation system, farmers will use water lifting devices such as treadle pumps, buckets and pails to get water out of the channels to the basins or furrows in their plots directly or through field canals.

Siphons will be used as conduits to draw water from the earthen field canals to the furrows. The siphon head within the recommended ranges of 10-15cm is proposed. The pipe diameter for the siphon is 60 mm.

Figure 2.6 is the Layout Plan of Matoponi Irrigation Scheme and ancillary infrastructure.

Figure 2.6: Layout Plan of Matoponi Irrigation Scheme

2.3 Operational and Maintenance Phase

i. Demarcation of plots and clearing the land This will involve the demarcation of land and clearing of existing vegetation on the land. In plots that have never been cultivated before, there will be wide variety of perennial grass and herbaceous plants. When clearing the land, consideration will be given to the following: a) Buffer strips for stream bank protection; b) Leguminous trees for improved soil fertility; c) Off season cover to hold nutrients or provide bulk for compost; d) Protection of fragile or endemic ecosystems; and e) Retention of existing mature fruit and shade trees.

ii. Cultivating the ground Cultivating the ground enables compost to be incorporated into the soil where plant roots can access the nutrients. However, soil management should maintain and improve soil fertility by minimizing losses of soil, nutrients, and agrochemicals from erosion, runoff, and leaching into surface or ground water, and surrounding natural vegetation and wildlife.

Cultivating the ground should be made bearing in mind the principles of conservation agriculture. As much as possible avoid mechanical soil disturbance, avoid soil compaction beyond its elasticity, maintain or improve soil organic matter during rotations until reaching an equilibrium level, maintain organic cover through crop residues and cover crops to minimize erosion loss by wind and/or water, maintain balanced nutrient levels in soils and avoid contamination with agrochemicals, organic and inorganic fertilizers and other contaminants by adapting quantities, application methods and timing to the agronomic and environmental requirements. iii. Water Management There is a Water Users Association (WUA) established during the planning phase of the project and will be responsible for the management of irrigation water. The WUA will also be responsible for developing, implementing and enforcing an irrigation schedule which will be followed by all farmers in respective blocks. The WUA will also be responsible for management and disposal of drainage water.

iv. Maintenance of Infrastructure As was the case with water management, the WUA will also be responsible for the operation and maintenance of key infrastructure. The WUA key personnel will have received hands on training on operation and maintenance of the infrastructure from the Department of Irrigation. It is recommended that the WUA will, through the trainings, develop operation and maintenance manuals and guidelines.

v. Planting of crops The type of crops to be grown will depend on a number of issues including the overall PRIDE goals and objectives. Crops will be planted to boost productivity through introduction of high-yielding, short-maturing, drought-resistant varieties. In addition, availability and correct use of inputs such as seeds (e.g. inoculated legumes), fertilisers, natural herbicides/pesticides and agrochemicals will be promoted. Smallholder farmers will be engaged as contract farmers for seed multiplication, in cooperation with a qualified seed companies. Agro-dealers will be trained on the correct use (quantity, handling and timing) of inputs. Micro-packaging of inputs and timely procurement and delivery will also be considered. Training of agro-dealers would enable these to train smallholder farmers, as and when inputs are purchased.

vi. Compost Making Compost making aims at enhancing productivity. This can start before any seed is sown. Materials cleared from gardens, swept up from around the house or litter from crop wastes all form the bulk of compost. Droppings from chickens, goats, rabbits or cattle can be added to speed the decomposition process and add nutrients. Each type of waste material can be added in various layers, which are mixed when the heap is turned. Good compost takes 6 - 8 weeks to mature.

vii. Fertilizer Application In addition to compost, application of fertilizer also improves crop production. This can be in the form of basal dressing followed by top dressing. Fertiliser application will be done in a controlled way to avoid over-fertilisation which can cause water pollution. Use of organic fertilisers over chemical products will be promoted as one of the measures to minimise pollution due to use of agrochemicals. Furthermore, soil organic matter and judicious choice of crops and cover crops would play a key role in soil fertility management, and especially soil organic matter provided by root decomposition. viii. Controlling pests and diseases Pests and diseases in the irrigation scheme will be controlled by using a number of methods. These will include: the use of ‘Bury or Burn’ of plants attacked by aphids and other pests and diseases; Practicing good crop rotation to reduce the transfer of pests and diseases; Use of chemical sprays according to manufacturer instructions; Use of Integrated Pest management (IPM); Use of organic pesticides; use of biological pest/disease control method etc.

Water hyacinth is likely going to be one of the invasive plant species that will infest irrigation canals in Matoponi Irrigation Scheme if control measures are not put in place. This is due to the fact that Shire River is one of the rivers in Malawi that is heavily infested by water hyacinth. When designing the intake for the scheme, there should be a mechanism to control water hyacinth from getting into the canals as the plants could spread into other surrounding rivers thereby threatening aquatic life in those rivers.

ix. Harvesting of crops After crops have ripen, they will be harvested. Crops that are easily perishable will immediately be transported to markets to minimise post-harvest losses. Crops that are meant for consumption will be consumed before they deteriorate in quality.

Furthermore, post-harvest losses are generally high at about 30% on average, while figures differ per crop. Rather than increasing pressures on soils, investment in post-harvest management would contribute to enhancing the marketable yields. Existing tailor-made knowledge for each crop will be transferred to improve timing of harvest, grading of produce, good storage practices and timing of collection, in order to help reduce losses. Low cost improved storage facilities for smallholders will also be demonstrated and promoted.

Chapter 3: Bio-physical and Socio-economic environment

3.1 Physical Environment

3.1.1 Topography The site for the proposed Matoponi Irrigation Scheme has generally a flat terrain. The left bank of the Shire River constitutes a river levee with about 3% slope up to the irrigable area (SMEC, 2015). The land along the river levee constitutes a long depression where flood flows and waterlogging occurs with inflows from the natural streams draining the low hill range on the left side of the Upper Shire Valley, particularly the Kalambo in the south. The proposed Matoponi irrigation Scheme lies between 472m and 477m above the sea level.

3.1.2 Geology and Soils The lower part of the site lies in the floodplain of the Shire River while the higher part constitutes an outwash plain of fluvial and colluvial deposits originating from the low hill range south of Chinduzi Hill (Namizimu Escarpment) where soils are derived from intermediate metamorphic rock (gneiss or granulite). Soils have developed from sub-recent fluvial and lacustrine sediments of the upper Shire Valley. They are very deep, imperfectly to moderately well drained, and medium to fine textures soils. Due to high sodicity the soils are classified by FAO as Sodic Luvisols. The proposed site for irrigation was subdivided into two soil mapping units (SMU) depending on soil properties. The properties of each SMU have been described as follows: SMU-1 The area covered by SMU-1 is 40.5 ha. The topsoil comprises brownish black, sandy clay, weakly developed sub-angular blocky, slightly sticky and non-plastic (wet), abundant reddish mottles, and many fine roots. The topsoil is slightly alkaline (pH=7.87) indicating the presence of excessive sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), which limits the availability of Ca and Mg and possibility of boron toxicity. The hydraulic conductivity is moderately slow (K =131.76 cm/day). The sub-soil (30 cm–60 cm) is light brownish gray, sandy clay loam, fine to medium columnar structure, sticky and plastic (wet), and with common fine roots. The soil has neutral acidity (pH=6.84) falling within the preferred range of most crops. The hydraulic conductivity is moderately slow (K = 87.84 cm/day). Generally, the soils have medium to very high cation exchange capacity (CEC=32 me %) that will be able to retain nutrients from fertilizers without losing them by leaching and have moderate response to fertilizer application. The base saturation level (BS=100+ %) is high, indicating a high chemical fertility. Electrical conductivity is moderately high (EC=6.53 mS/cm), indicating moderate salinity, which affect the most sensitive crops. The exchangeable sodium percentage is medium to high (ESP=14.8 % to 22.80 %).

Concentrations of sodium (3.64 me% to 4.73%) are high. With ESP near 15% and above and pH<8.5 the soils qualify as saline-sodic. Saline-sodic soils can negatively affect crop production. However, such soils can be treated by applying lime or gypsum and application of organic manure can also assist to reduce the sodicity. Application of good quality water for irrigation can also assist to reduce sodicity. SMU-2 The area of SMU-2 is 81.3 ha. The topsoil consists of brownish black, sandy clay loam, weakly developed sub-angular blocky structure, friable (moist), slightly- sticky and slightly-plastic (wet), and abundant reddish mottles. The soil acidity is moderately acid (pH=6.04), which falls in the range preferred by most crops. Some soil erosion occurs.

The sub-soil (30cm–60cm) is very dark reddish brown, clay, moderately to strongly developed subangular blocky structure, friable (moist), sticky and slightly-plastic (wet), with very few brownish mottles and is neutral (pH=7.11). The SMU-2 soil unit has moderate cation exchange capacity (CEC=14 me % to 17 me %), giving moderate response to fertilizer. The base saturation (BS=100+) is high, which indicates high chemical fertility although this function is actually depressed by nutrient fixation due to very low organic carbon (OC=1.50%). Electrical conductivity is low (EC=1.93 mS/cm) and nontoxic. The exchangeable sodium percentage is high (ESP=27.5% to 34.1%), showing sodicity of this soil which may impede infiltration, water availability, and ultimately plant growth. Sodicity of the soils can be managed by applying lime or gypsum and adding organic manure. Figure 3.1 shows the distribution of the SMUs in the site.

Figure 3.1: Soil Map for Matoponi and its catchment

: 3.1.3 Climate Like many parts of Malawi, Matoponi Irrigation Scheme and surrounding areas have two seasons, namely the Dry Season and Rain Season. Dry season starts from the May/June to October/November. Figure 3.2 shows minimum and maximum temperatures recorded at Masaula Extension Planning Area (EPA) for the past 5 years. According to Figure 3.2, the hottest months are October and November during which temperatures can reach as high as 300C (Degrees Celsius). During winter, which is usually experienced in May/June, temperatures can be as low as 100C.

Figure 3.2: Minimum and Maximum Temperatures for Masaula EPA 35.0

30.0

25.0

20.0

15.0 Degrees Celcius

10.0

5.0

0.0 Ma Mi Ma Mi Ma Mi Ma Mi Ma Mi Ma Mi Ma Mi Ma Mi Ma Mi Ma Mi Ma Mi Ma Mi x n x n x n x n x n x n x n x n x n x n x n x n Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2013/2014 27. 18. 26. 18. 27. 18. 25. 16. 25. 14. 23. 23. 23. 12. 25. 13. 27. 15. 29. 16. 30. 18. 30. 19. 2014/2015 25. 18. 26. 18. 27. 18. 27. 16. 26. 13. 24. 23. 23. 11. 25. 12. 28. 15. 30. 18. 30. 18. 30. 19. 2015/2016 28. 18. 29. 19. 28. 19. 26. 16. 24. 13. 23. 21. 22. 12. 25. 12. 28. 15. 31. 17. 31. 19. 28. 19. 2016/2017 27. 19. 28. 18. 26. 17. 25. 16. 25. 14. 23. 23. 23. 10. 25. 11. 29. 14. 31. 18. 29. 18. 27. 18. 2017/2018 28. 17. 27. 18. 28. 18. 26. 16. 25. 14. 23. 22. 22. 11. 27. 13. 29. 16. 28. 15. 28. 17. 27. 18. 2018/2019 27. 19. 27. 18. 27. 17. 26. 16. 24. 13. 23. 21. 24. 10. 26. 13. 27. 13. 30. 18. 30. 19. 28. 19. Month

2013/2014 2014/2015 2015/2016 2016/2017 2017/2018 2018/2019

According to Figure 3.3, for the past 5 growing seasons i.e. from 2018/2019 to 2013/2014, the highest total amount of rainfall was registered in 2018/2019 season where up to 1,309 mm of rain was recorded. 2014/2015 registered the least total amount of rainfall of 775 mm. The data further shows that the highest monthly rainfall figure ever recorded in the past 5 years was 481mm which was recorded in January in 2013/2014 growing season.

Figure 3.3: Monthly Rainfall from 2013/2014 to 2018/2019 Monthly Rainfall for Masaula EPA from 2013/2014 to

2018/2019

onthly Rainfall onthly M

Month

2013/ 2014 2014/ 2015 2015/ 2016 2016/ 2017 2017/ 2018 2018/ 2019

Source: Masaula EPA, 2020; NB: Units are in millimetres (mm)

3.1.3.1 Climate Change The climate change assessments for Mlooka Irrigation Scheme were done based on General Circulation Models (GCMs). Projections for climate change included changes in mean precipitation and mean temperature from the General Circulation Models (GCMs). A GCM is a mathematical model that represents the physical, chemical and biological processes of the climate system (IPCC, 2007). By changing parameters of these processes, the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) atmospheric concentration, and the initial conditions of the model, GCMs can project potential changes in future global climate. However, many of the processes that control local climate, e.g., topography, vegetation, and hydrology are not included in coarse-resolution GCMs. The development of statistical relationships between the local and large scales may include some of these processes implicitly (Viner, 2012). Statistical downscaling was applied to generate high‐resolution regional climate models. The gridded Climatic Research Unit (CRU) Time-series (TS) data of month-by-month variations in climate over the period 1987 to 2016 from University of East Anglia was used for statistical analysis of GCM data during downscaling. Downscaling is a way to obtain higher spatial resolution output based on GCMs. Statistical downscaling involves the establishment of empirical relationships between historical and/or current large- scale atmospheric and local climate variables. GCMs are not reliable in their timing of El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events, which have a periodicity of between 2 and 11 years. ENSO is an irregularly periodical variation in winds and sea surface temperatures in the Pacific, affecting much of the tropics and subtropics. The ocean warms or cools in response to strength of trade winds. The

28 changing ocean alters rainfall patterns. It is uncertain how ENSO will change in future climate scenarios. Since models have their own inherent uncertainties regarding how they represent the various physical processes that drive the climate; a collection of models for temperature projections was applied for comparative purposes and cross tabulation of results. Different emission scenarios describe potential future changes in CO2 and these are driven by different socio-economic developments and technological changes. Each GCM works slightly differently and therefore each gives a slightly different outcome for future climate and hence selection of the final adopted model was based on experience and professional judgment. The particular data that were used for impact analysis for the schemes were not from a collection, or ‘ensemble’, of GCMs rather than a single model was selected. For impacts modelling, it is important to select actual climate model output rather than an ensemble, average or median; this is because it is necessary for the different climate variables across the different seasons and time-slices to be physically consistent. Perturbing the variables independently with a central estimate or minimum/maximum from the ensemble would not give a physically realistic balance between the different changes – an issue that is avoided by using projections from the models themselves. Each GCM works slightly differently and therefore each gives a slightly different outcome for future climate (‘structural uncertainty’). When using climate model output in assessments, it is recommended to take account of this uncertainty by considering more than one model. Therefore, rather than use all different model outputs from the ensemble in the assessment, an average model was selected. Specifically, NASA/GISS GCM models were applied for precipitation prediction under the assumption of dry rainfall conditions in future. Annual projections for the NASA/GISS GCM models are shown in Figure 3.3. It should be noted that 2006 to 2019 data was used as baseline.

Figure 3.4: Baseline and annual projections of precipitation at Mlooka Irrigation Scheme 1600

1400

1200

1000

800

600 Rainfall(mm)

400

200

Year

Figure 3.4 indicates that generally there will be a downward trend in rainfall amount from 2006 to 2050. However, the trend line is not linear as there will be some years that will have higher rainfall than the preceding years. Further, the model predicts an increase in the length and intensity of dry spells i.e. mild and moderate dry spells; increase in temperature; and flooding in some years. These have a bearing on the type of crops that farmers should cultivate and amount of water to be used for irrigation. It is worth noting that although the GCM is making these predictions, the Shire River which is the source of water for Mlooka Irrigation Scheme, takes longer to respond to changes in climate than other rivers in Malawi. This is due to the connection and buffering capacity with Lake Malawi. This means the Shire River is less vulnerable to seasonal variations and short droughts. However, the Shire River also takes longer to recover in extended, multi-year, droughts which can cause long periods of no flow in the upper Shire as lake levels must build up to overtop the sand bar before flow can recommence. The Lake acts as a buffer and smoothens the Shire River’s reaction to seasonal variations or single year droughts, however, multiple year droughts have a cumulative impact on lake levels and, as observed in 1915, this can have serious consequences for flows in the Shire River. The Shire River has enough water to supply irrigation water to the proposed scheme in the absence of multiple year severe droughts. In September and October, the water level in the river drops by a relatively small amount (0.2 m to 0.3m). The discharge in the river, which is largely regulated by the Kamuzu Barrage at Liwonde, is kept usually between 166 m3/s and 280 m3/s, limiting

30 river water level fluctuation to only about 0.2 m near the project site. The Mlooka site, similar to two other irrigation feasibility study sites downstream (Nkawinda in Blantyre District and Matoponi), will not be able to get water supply by gravity from a free river offtake upstream. Irrigation by canalisation and motorized pumping has been considered for the Mlooka site.

3.1.3.2 Climate Proofing for Mlooka Irrigation Scheme Mlooka Irrigation Scheme has a “moderate” climate risk classification based on the fact that the interventions are expected to be vulnerable to floods and droughts which are likely to increase in frequency and could impact on agriculture production, irrigation infrastructure. The climate risk classification was based on results in Table 3.1 This could further impact on the farming communities’ livelihoods. The proposed interventions were analysed with regard to the current and future challenges and opportunities presented by climate change.

Table 3.1: Mlooka climate risk assessment criteria Criteria Findings and Indicators Water availability Excellent Quality of soils Low (due to saline sodic soils in some areas) Quality of water Excellent Appropriateness of the proposed water Moderate management technology Road access to the project area Good Road access in the project area Good Water source Run-on-river from Shire through canalization and pumping Flood risk Very High Drought risk 1. Incipient dry spell-Potentially up to 19 Months 2. Mild drought-Potentially up to 16 Months 3. Moderate drought-Potentially up to 14 Months Proposed critical irrigation Pump station, pumping systems, infrastructure canals, access roads and storage reservoirs/tanks

3.1.3.3 Climate risk mitigation and adaptation measures Several measures were identified and targeted actions were prioritized, carried out or proposed as part of climate proofing interventions in order to adapt

31 planning, design and operation of the irrigation scheme with due consideration of climate change risks. Some of these actions have already been applied at the planning and design stage of the project, while some actions have been planned for the implementation period. The following specific mitigation and adaptation measures for Mlooka Irrigation Scheme in Zomba were considered based on the climate risk assessment results (Table 3.2). Table 3.2: Mlooka Scheme (Climate Hazards and Risks–Enhancement, Mitigation and Adaptation Measures) ID Climate Hazards and Climate Proofing Interventions, Risks Enhancement, Mitigation and Adaptation Measures 1 Incipient dry spell - Use of drought tolerant crop varieties and Potentially up to 19 improved agronomic practices. Months of mild drought and up to 14 months of Conduct the agricultural modelling of the moderate drought could effect of water shortage in the root zone on result in plants wilting crop/grassland as part of decision making beyond regeneration on drought tolerant crops

Develop early warning systems and apply indigenous knowledge practices and strategies

2 Surface water reliability Develop comprehensive contingency plans for potential extended, multi-year, droughts in the upper Shire and the Lake Malawi

Design intake and abstraction works for dealing with low and high flows optimally including Shire River water level fluctuations as well as sedimentation 3 Flood damage to critical Development of climate resilient irrigation irrigation infrastructure systems head works, irrigation canals, irrigation flood embankment, electrical connections used for solar pump-based irrigation schemes, solar PVC panels and systems, irrigation system pumping station, irrigation drainage canals, pipelines, outlets, turnouts, inlets, dykes and through optimum geological, geotechnical, structural, hydrological and

hydraulic designs, specifications and provisions.

Develop climate resilient irrigation infrastructure through adherence to irrigation standards, code of practice and irrigation development guidelines

 Flood frequency analysis was conducted for the design of hydraulic structures in order to determine design floods and flood lines.  Pump stations to be located above 100-year flood level;  Pumping systems to be located away from flood prone areas;

4 Flood destruction and Developing and growing of crops away loss of crop land by due to from flood prone areas as guided by flood crops along Shire River risk assessment results and flood lines being submerged, washed determination results. away and prolonged water logging 5 Hail storms Develop storm resilient infrastructure and plant resilient crops

6 Heat waves Enhance tree cover, use adapted construction materials for roads 7 Flash floods from No irrigation infrastructure in flood prone Chimbiya and Kalambo flood plains streams 8 Flood destruction of Do not construct in locations that are houses highly exposed to flood risk. In other instances, land use plans are not in use resulting in increased exposure to flood risk. Apply the standards that guide the development of shock-resistant infrastructure according to the principle of “building back better and smarter.” 9 Sedimentation in Shire Control erosion from upper catchment of River, sand deposit on river through integrated catchment irrigated area, erosion of management practices. arable soils River bank protection interventions

Promote community catchment conservation for the rivers that will be frequently flooding the irrigation site 10 Poor soils Practice integrated soil fertility management techniques 11 Flood destruction to Apply the standards that guide the scheme access roads and development of shock-resistant and bridges climate resilient road and bridge infrastructure 12 Sediment ingress, Harvest the weeds invasive weeds and water quality 13 Flood induced nutrients Practice flood based farming systems

3.1.4 Water Resources Shire River is the major water body in the project area and will be the source of raw water for irrigation. Shire River catchment covers the southern part of East African Rift valley, stretching from headwaters in Tanzania through Lake Malawi and then flowing to the Zambezi River in Mozambique, a total distance of 980km.

Data from two gauging stations on the Shire River, located upstream of the proposed Irrigation Scheme, Liwonde (1B1) gauging station, and downstream of the irrigation scheme area, Matope (1P2) gauging station, were used to analyse the availability and relative level of water. The analysis of the data collected from these two gauging stations indicate that there is adequate water for the irrigation scheme. The minimum flow release at Kamuzu Barrage located in Liwonde (1B1) is about 170 cubic metres per second during dry season and 350 cubic metres per second during the rain season.

The quality of any body of surface or groundwater is a function of either or both natural or anthropogenic influences. Without anthropogenic influence, water quality is a function of weathering of bedrock minerals, by the atmospheric processes of evapotranspiration and deposition of dust by wind, by the natural leaching of organic matter and nutrients from soil, by hydrological factors that lead to runoff and by biological processes within the aquatic environment that can alter the physical, biological and chemical composition of water. As a result, water in the natural environment contains many dissolved substances and non- dissolved particulate matter. Dissolved salts and minerals within certain permissible limits are necessary components of good quality water to sustain health and vitality of microorganisms in an aquatic system and to support downstream users.

Water samples were collected in December 2019 and analysed at Central Laboratory in Lilongwe. The parameters that were analysed have been presented in Table 3.3.

Table 3.3: Water Quality Analysis Results for Shire River Water at Kamuzu Barrage Parameter Sample Source Shire River Shire River with conversions where appropriate pH, unitless 7.67 7.67 Temperature, оC 27.1 27.1 Electrical conductivity, µS/cm 240 0.24dS/m Total Dissolved Solids, mg/L 148 148 me/L Carbonate, mg/L 10 0.33 me/L Bicarbonate, mg/L 102 1.67 me/L Chloride, mg/L 9.80 0.28 me/L Sulphate, mg/L 6.67 0.14 me/L Nitrate, mg/L 0.14 0.002 me/L Phosphate, mg/L 0.008 ---- Sodium, mg/L 11.2 0.49 me/L Potassium, mg/L 2.3 0.06 me/L Calcium, mg/L 23.5 1.17 me/L Magnesium, mg/L 9.5 0.78 me/L Iron, mg/L 0.19 0.0068 me/L Boron <0.001 ----- Copper, µg/L 0.01 ----- Total Hardness as CaCO3, mg/L 98 ----- Total Suspended Solids, mg/L 11 ------SAR= 0.49 Soluble Sodium Percentage 0.22

The results of the laboratory analyses reveal that Shire River water is suitable for irrigation purposes. Application of the water from Shire River cannot lead to salinization of the soils. Table 3.4 presents Malawi’s guidelines for Irrigation Water Quality for comparison with the laboratory analyses.

Table 3.4: Malawi’s Guidelines for Irrigation Water Quality

Water Class SAR EC TDS Boron, mg/l (µS/cm) (Gravimetric Sensitive Semitolerant Tolerant ppm) Crops Crops Crops

Class 1, 1-10 <250 175 <0.33 <0.67 <1.00 Excellent

Class 2, 10-18 250-750 175-525 0.33-0.67 0.67-1.33 1.00-2.00 Good

Class 3, 18-26 750-2000 525-1400 0.67-1.00 1.33-2.00 2.00-3.00 Permissible

Class 4, >26 2000-3000 1400-2001 1.00-1.25 2.00-2.50 3.00-3.75 Doubtful

Class 5, >26 >3000 >2001 >1.25 >2.50 >3.75 Unsuitable

The laboratory results show that the pH, Sodium, Chloride, Boron and Nitrate parameters are within the acceptable levels according Malawi standards for irrigation water. However microbiological tests were not carried out to determine the risks associated with bacterial, viral and helminth contamination which have potential to impact on the health of irrigation workers and safety of edible raw vegetables.

3.2 Biological Environment

3.2.1 Fauna 3.2.1.1 Birds Generally, birds are the best known of Malawi’s vertebrates with publications such as Benson and Benson (1977) and Dowsett-Lemaire and Dowsett (2006). About 650 species are known to be found in the country. There are 107 species which are non-breeding migrants or vagrants, leaving more than 500 species which breed in the country. Under current taxonomy, Malawi has no endemic bird species but does have four endemic subspecies which may eventually be treated at species level. The country is also a home to a number of near endemics with ranges that include southern Tanzania or north-western Mozambique. Malawi is important ornithologically at cross-roads between eastern and Southern Africa. Many east African species reach their southern limits in Malawi, while many others typical of Southern Africa also reach their northern limits in Malawi. This unique position makes Malawi very important to studies of the bio- geographical history of the whole continent of Africa. According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, Malawi has 11 species of birds that are listed as endangered, threatened and vulnerable

(Birdlife International 2004), as well as several additional species of particular concern (Dowsett-Lemaire, Dowsett & Dyer 2001). Sixty-two bird species were recorded in Matoponi Irrigation Scheme using three main methods namely: literature review to obtain secondary data, field visits and semi-structured questionnaires. None of the bird species that were observed are endemic nor endangered. Table 3.5 shows a checklist showing the distribution of these species across various taxonomic categories. Table 3.5: Checklist of bird species recorded in Matoponi Irrigation Scheme.

FAMILY NAME COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME

Accipitridae White backed Vulture Trigonoceps occipitalis Longcrested Eagle Lophaetus occipitalis Yellow billed Kite Milvus migrams Lizard Buzzard Kaupifalco monogrammicus African Goshawk Accipiter tachiro Phasianidae Common Quail Coturmix coturmix Rednecked Francolin Francolinus afer Numididae Helmeted Guinea fowl Numida meleagris Columbidae Redeyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata Green Pigeon Treron calva Capeturtle Dove Streptopelia capicola Blue spotted Dove Turtur tympanistria Green spotted Dove Turtur chalcospiloss Musophagidae PurplecrestedLourie Tauraco porphyreolophus Grey Lourie Carythaixoides concolor Cuculidae Red-chested Cuckoo Cuculus solitaries Strigidae Wood Owl Strix woodfordii Coliidae Red-faced Mousebird Colius striatus Halcyonidae Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis Woodland Kingfisher Halcyon senegalensis Meropidae Little Bee-Eater Melops pusillus Bucerotidae Ground Hornibill Bucorvus leadbeateri Indicatoridae Greater Honeyguide Indicator indicator Lesser Honeyguide Indicator minor Picidae Bearded Woodpecker Thripias namaguus Hirundinidae Black saw-wing Swallow Psalidoprocne holomelas Dicruridae Folktailed Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis Oriolidae African golden Oriole Oriolus auratus Blackheaded Oriole Oriolus larvatus Corvidae Pied Crow Corvus albus Pycnonotidae Blackeyed Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus Terrestrial Bulbul Phyllastrephus terristris Turdidae Heuglins Robin Cossypha heuglini Sylviidae Tawnyflanked Prinia Prinia subflava Muscicapidae Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis

Fantailed Flycatcher Myioparus plumbeus Malaconotidae Blackcrowned Tchagra Tchagra senegala Three streaked Tchagra Tchagra australis Puffback Dryoscopus cubula Motacillidae African Pied Wagtail Motacilla aguimp Prionopidae White Helmetshrike Prionops plumatus Red-billed Helmetshrike Prionops retzii Sturnidae Greater Blue-eared Glossy- Starling Lamprotornis chalybaeus Nectariniidae Black Sunbird Nectarinia amethystine Yellowbellied Sunbird Nectarinia venusta Zosteropidae Yellow White-eye Zosterops senegalensis Ploceidae Spectacled Weaver Ploceus ocularis Red Bishop Euplectes orix Golden Bishop Euplectes afer Yellow Bishop Euplectes capensis RedbilledQuelea Quelea quelea Estrildidae Red-billed Firefinch Lagonosticta senegala Jameson’s Fire Finch Lagonosticta rhodopareia Blue Waxbill Uraeginthus angolensis Red-throated Twinspot Hilpargos niveoguttatus Green Twinspot Mandigoa nitidula Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild Bronze Mankin Spermestes cucullatus Fringillidae Yellow-eyed Canary Serinus mozambicus Cape Bunting Emberiza capensis Golden breasted Bunting Emberiza flaviventris

3.2.1.2 Mammals Due to the fact that the natural habitat for mammals was heavily disturbed by human activities such as farming, most of the mammals were observed in areas that were close to wetlands. Observed species in the project area included Common slit-faced bat (Nycteris thebiaca), Lander’s horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus landeri), Bocage’s hairy bat (Myotis bocagii), Butterfly bat (Glauconycteris variegatia), Elephant shrew (Elephantulus fuscus), Black rat (Rattus rattus) and African dormice (Graphiurus microtis). Implementation of this project on the proposed site will have minimum impact on the mammals due to the fact that natural vegetation was already disturbed.

In Zomba District most large mammals occur on the side of Zomba Mountain. The large mammals that are found in the mountain include hyenas and antelopes. However, the site under proposed development does not have these types of mammals.

In general, there are 187 species of mammals listed in Malawi, 124 are small mammals, i.e. bats, rodents and shrews. The small mammals recorded include

59 species of bats, 52 species of rodents and 13 species of shrews (Happold and Happold 1997, Ansell and Dowsett 1988).

During the ESIA study, twenty mammal species were recorded in Matoponi Irrigation Scheme. This was done using three methods, namely: literature review to obtain secondary data, field visits and semi-structured questionnaires. None of the mammal species that were observed were either endemic nor endangered. Table 3.6 shows a checklist showing the distribution of these species across various taxonomic categories

Table 3.6: Checklist of Mammals recorded. FAMILY NAME ENGLISH NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME

Pteropodidae Wehlberg’s fruit bat Epmophorus wehlbergi Nycteridae Common slit-faced bat Nycteris thebiaca Rhinolophidae Lander’s horseshoe bat Rhinolophus landeri Vespertilionidae Schreibers’ long-fingered bat Miniopterus schreibersii Vespertilionidae Bocage’s hairy bat Myotis bocagii Vespertilionidae Butterfly bat Glauconycteris variegatia Molossidae Little free-tail bat Tadarida pumila Soricidae Lesser red-musk shrew Crocidura hirta Macroscelidae Four-toed elephant shrew Petrodromus tetradactylus Macroscelidae Elephant shrew Elephantulus fuscus Bovidae Common duiker Sylviapra grimmia Sciuridae Sun squirrel Heliosciurus mutabilis Bathyergidae Silvery mole rat Heliophobius argenteocinereus Hystricidae Porcupine Hystrix africae australis Muridae Fat mouse Steatomys pratensis Muridae Spiny mouse Acomys spinosissimus Muridae Woodland mouse Grammomys dolichurus Muridae Multimammate rat Mastomys natalensis Muridae Black rat Rattus rattus Myoxidae African dormice Graphiurus microtis

3.2.1.3 Reptiles During the ESIA Study, there were a number of reptile species that were recorded in the project area using literature review, observation and semi-structured questionnaires. These included 7 lizard species that included Flap-necked chameleon (Chamaeleo dilepis), Flat-headed short-tailed (Rhampholeon platyceps), Common house gecko (Hemidactylus mabouia), Flat-headed tropical house gecko (Hemidactylus platycephalus), Striped skink (Mabuya striata), Variable skink (Mabuya varia) and Monitor lizard (Varanus niloticus).

There were also 10 snake species that were recorded and these include Herald snake (Crotaphopeltis hatamboeia), Brown house snake (Lamprophisfu liginosus), Cape wolf snake (Lycophidion capensis), Mozambique’s spitting cobra (Naja

39 mossambica), Snouted cobra (Naja annulifera), Vine snake(Thelotornis capensis), Eastern tiger snake(Telescopus semiannulatus), Olive grass snake (Psammophis mossambicus), Spotted bush snake (Philothamnus emivariegatus), Cape file snake (Mehelya capensis).

Countrywide there are 124 reptile species listed in Malawi. These include snakes, lizards, chameleons and tortoises. The Nile crocodile Crocodylus niloticus, is generally wide spread in the Shire River and Lake Malawi with an estimated population of 100 individuals around this part of the Shire River (2009 Census by Parks and Wildlife). Reptiles play a very important role in nutrient cycling within the ecosystems and population control of their prey. Due to low diversity of habitat in the area of proposed development there is lower diversity of reptile fauna. Endemicity in Malawian reptiles is low and most endemic species associated with montane habitat are not found in Matoponi area. To avoid the crocodiles swimming to the scheme area, barriers should be erected at the intake which will prevent the crocodiles accessing the site thus preventing them from attacking people.

3.2.1.4 Amphibians About 4 species of amphibians were recorded in the project area using semi- structured questionnaires, observation and literature review. These included Guttural toad (Bufo gutturalis), Flat-backed toad (Bufo maculatus), Mueller’splatanna (Xenopus muelleri) and Gray tree frog (Chiromantis xerambelina).

There are 74 amphibian species recorded in Malawi and about 33 species occur in southern Malawi and which may also occur in the area of the proposed development. Twelve threatened species occur mainly in the highlands. There are four endemics, all four of which are threatened namely Phrynobatrachus astewartue in Rumphi near Nyika Plateau, Hyperolius mertensi on Nyika Plateau, Ptychadena broadleyi in Mount Mulanje, and Zomba and Arthloleptis francei in Mount Mulanje. Six genera are restricted to Malawi (Channing, 2001). However, several frog species have restricted ranges although all extend into the other regions.

3.2.1.5 Insects (Invertebrates) Eleven insect species were recorded in Matoponi irrigation scheme using semi- structured questionnaires, observation and literature review. These are presented in Table 3.7.

Table 3.7: Checklist of insect species recorded in Matoponi Irrigation Scheme.

FAMILY NAME COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME

Apidae Common bee Apis mellifera Cicadidae Cicada Monomatapa insignis Elateridae Click beetle Calais similis Mantidae Praying mantis Afrothespis rhodesia Pieridae White butterflies Catopsilia florella Aeshnidae Open winged Dragon fly Anaciaeschna triangulifera Papilionidae Swallowtail butterfly Graphium antheus Termittidae Termites Naustititermis usambarensis Lentulidae Wingless grasshoppers Nyassacris uvarovi Tettigoniidae Longhorn grasshoppers Phaneroptera nana Gryllidae Cricket Pseudolebinthus whellani

3.2.1.6 Fish Shire River is one of the rivers in Malawi that is endowed with a number of fish species. The common fish species found downstream Kamuzu Barrage include Clarias ngamensis (Mlamba), Synodontis njassae (Nkholokolo), Mormyrus longirostris (Samwamowa), Oreochromis mossambicus (Makakana), Oreochromis shiranus chilwae (Chambo), Otopharynx tetrastigma (Kambuzi), Brycinus imberi (Nkhalala), and Chilotilapia rhoadesii (Gundamwala). Information on fish species found on this part of the Shire River was obtained by interviewing fishing communities living within the project area and observing the type of fish that was caught by fishermen.

3.2.2 Flora The proposed site for Matoponi Irrigation scheme was stripped of its natural vegetation due to farming activities as seen in figure 3.5. Indigenous trees are very few in number and comprises Euclea racemose, Securida longepedunculeta, Echnochloa pyramidalis, Eragrostis and Albizia anthunesiana. During the ESIA Study an inventory of all plant species was prepared and this has been provided in Annex 4 of the report.

Figure 3.5: Part of Matoponi Irrigation Scheme

3.3 Socio-economic Environment

3.3.1 Administrative Structures Zomba District comprises both formal and informal administrative structures. Government Institutions, Non-Governmental Organizations, Political Parties and Traditional Authorities are regarded as formal structures. On the other hand, there are Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), Faith Based Organizations (FBOs), support groups such as Association of young people living with HIV and AIDS as informal structures.

Zomba District Council is responsible for promoting infrastructural and economic development in the local government area through the approval and execution of the District Development Planning Framework and the District Development Plan.

3.3.2 Population Matoponi Irrigation Scheme is in Traditional Authority Mlumbe which is the second highly populated Traditional Authority in Zomba. Using Intercensal Annual Growth Rate of 2.5%, the estimated population of TA Mlumbe is currently 133,745 up from 127,300 recorded during the 2018 population and Housing Census conducted by the National Statistical Office of Malawi. Out of 133,745 about 70,203 are female representing 52.5%, a percentage that is higher than the national figure of 51%.

Traditional Authority Mwambo has the highest population in the district which is currently estimated at 159,692. The smallest number of people in the district is found in TA Mkumbira which currently has an estimated population of 6,525.

Zomba District has an estimated population of 784,527 with a population density of 316 per square kilometre.

3.3.3 Ethnic Groups Traditional Authority Mlumbe is predominantly Yao seconded by Nyanja tribe. Other tribes that are found in the area but are in minority include the Chewa and Lomwe. Zomba District has a population composed of different ethnic groups, cultures and languages. The dominant ethnic groups are the Mang’anja/Nyanja, Yao and Lomwe. There are also the Chewa, Ngoni, Tumbuka and many other minor ethnic groups. The Yao are mainly found in the Traditional Authorities Mlumbe, Malemia and Kuntumanji and STA Nkagula. Mang’anja/Nyanja and Lomwe, on the other hand, are largely in TA Chikowi, TA Kuntumanji, TA Mwambo and TA Mkumbira.

3.3.4 Religion Being a predominantly Yao tribe, most people in TA Mlumbe are of Islamic faith (Muslims). However, there are also other religious groups that exist in the area. These include Catholics, Presbyterians, Anglicans and Pentecostals. According to NSO (2018). In Zomba District Christians are the major religious group at 76.8%, subdivided in various denominations, such as Catholics, Anglicans, Presbyterians, Pentecostals, Baptists and Adventists. Islam is the second major religion practised in the district at 18% while 4.4% of the people have no religion and 0.8% believe in other religions. Religious institutions and organizations are very important stakeholders in the development of the district because they provide education, health services and other important public facilities. They are also involved in relief and agricultural development activities that benefit the people. In Matoponi area almost 45% people are Moslems and 54% are Christians while the rest (1%) have no religion. Most of the Christians are Catholics seconded by Presbyterians. Diversity in religious beliefs in the project area does not affect how people relate to each other within the community.

3.3.5 Culture 3.3.5.1 Intangible Cultural Heritage In Traditional Authority Mlumbe, marriage practice is predominantly matrilineal, where the husband moves to the wife’s house/village. Chieftainship is handed down from one generation to another with the heir being a nephew or niece usually coming from one of the chief’s sisters. Children are made to undergo

43 initiation ceremonies at puberty, known as Jando for boys and Nsondo for girls. Such ceremonies cover subjects on morality, adult life, norms, customs and marriage. A wide variety of traditional dances are performed during such initiation ceremonies, however, there were no initiation sites recorded in the project site.

Overall, the observation of cultural rites has been slowly diluted by modernization as more people inter-marry across tribes and get access to better education.

3.3.5.2 Historical/Archaeological Cultural Heritage During the study period a systematic screening of the surface area, natural gullies cut by rivers and rivulets, eroded pedestrian pathways, cultivated fields, and bare premises around the people’s homes was conducted. Two (2) heritage sites located in Chiwere and Kapitaapa villages were identified. Both of these are historical/archaeological sites of variable ages. The presence of these sites is not surprising considering that banks of Shire River have always been preferred places of human habitation because apart from being a line of defense they were sources of food, water and transport. These findings also give light to the dispersion of early settlements in the area, their material culture and their affinities. The most common field work findings that point to settlement of early people are pottery fragments. Analysis of these fragments has shown that there were distinct types during different time periods (stone age and iron age). The Nkope, Nkhudzi and Mawudzu pottery were prevalent objects observed.

Since the survey did not include subsurface testing, materials that might have pointed the team to the existence of sites may thus lie below the 30cm plough zone. Therefore, during the construction stage there is a possibility of chance finds of objects.

The team also noted one graveyard within the study area (Kapitaapa Village). No sacred tree species or shrines were recorded in Matoponi Irrigation scheme. Annex 7 provides ‘Chance Find Procedure(CFP)’ that has been prepared to provide appropriate mitigation measures of potential archaeological disturbance during project implementation. The CFP will be disseminated to all relevant stakeholders involved in the project implementation.

3.3.6 Current Land use and Land Tenure The land Earmarked for the irrigation scheme is customary land. The administration of customary land falls within the jurisdiction of traditional leaders. On average land holding size in the scheme is 0.3 hectares per family. This figure is lower in the scheme than the area outside the scheme where land holding size is almost double.

The community members inherited the agricultural land from their parents and the land has been passed on from one generation to another without interference from the traditional authority. It is at the household’s discretion to sell the land or rent it out to others, and no one can take away or grab it. Moreover, the owner can decide whether or not to rent it out without seeking permission from anyone.

Before multiparty democracy came in Malawi, village headmen had rights to allocate idle land to farmers in need of it but not now. These days if a farmer fails to farm, the village headman cannot grab the land and give it to someone else.

People who will be participating in the scheme/agricultural activities will be those who currently own land within the proposed Matoponi Irrigation Scheme Area. To make sure that there is no confusion or that things are happening in an orderly manner, a land use agreement was signed between the scheme and owners of gardens and has been attached in Annex 5. The ownership of land is traditionally passed on within family members. The Land use agreement also forms part of the Water Users’ Association Agreement.

3.3.7 Agriculture Agriculture is the lifeline of the economy of the project area. The mostly cultivated crop in the project area during rainy season is maize which is mainly cultivated for food. Other crops that are grown in the area include rice, cotton, sorghum, millet and vegetables. During the dry season, maize is also cultivated through irrigation and usually sold green as a snack as it fetches more money than when dried.

Because of its proximity to Shire River, a lot of people keep livestock which feed on grass that grows in the buffer zone of the river. The type of livestock commonly found in the project area include goats, sheep and cattle. Most households in the project area also keep chickens and ducks for food and sale.

3.3.8 Education Matoponi Full Primary School is the closest school to the proposed Matoponi Irrigation Scheme (1 kilometre). During the ESIA study period, the school had a total enrolment of 741 pupils. Out of these pupils, 393 were girls representing 53%, and 348 were boys. Figure 3.6 shows the enrolment per class for boys and girls at Matoponi Primary School in 2019.

Figure 3.6: Enrolment per Class at Matoponi Primary School in December 2019

200 180 96 160 140 74 120 63 56 100 88 51

Enrollment 80 65 60 57 59 40 39 23 28

20 16 16 82 0 Std 1 Std 2 Std 3 Std 4 Std 5 Std 6 Std 7 Std 8 Standard

Boys Girls

Figure 3.6 shows that Standard 1 has the highest population of pupils of 184 representing 24.83% of the total enrolment rate. It is also apparent from the figure that enrolment rates decline for both girls and boys from Standard 2 up to 4. There is a slight increase in enrolment for boys in Standards 5 and 7 and for girls in Standard 5. Standard 8 has the fewest numbers of girls and boys (10 in total). The drop out rate increase as you move from junior classes to senior classes. This is due to the fact most pupils get married and others quit school and engage in income generating activties that include fishing, selling merchandise, operating bicycle taxis, etc.

3.3.9 Health Health care services in Zomba District are provided at primary, secondary and tertiary level. Tertiary level health care services are provided at Zomba Central Hospital (ZCH) in Zomba City. ZCH is the referral hospital for Zomba, Mangochi, Balaka and Machinga Districts. It offers a range of curative, preventive and support services (both medical and non-medical) to peripheral health units, rural health centres owned by Ministry of Health which provide primary health care facilities. It is also important to note that government introduced optional health service charges to those who can afford such services.

People in the district also seek medical services from traditional healers and traditional birth attendants. Traditional healers are widely recognized practitioners by community members who rely on rituals and beliefs in healing diseases. Traditional birth attendants on the other hand, are trained local residents who assist pregnant women in child delivery.

Government provides primary health services free of charge. District and Christian Health Association of Malawi (CHAM) hospitals provide primary and secondary health care.

Most of the people from the project area access healthcare from Chilipa Health Centre which is located about 6 kilometre from the scheme. Chilipa Health Centre has a catchment population of 19,676 and is under Zomba District Health Office. Figure 3.7 presents common diseases reported at Chilipa Health Centre. Malaria is the commonest disease followed by sexually transmitted infections. However, at Zomba Central Hospital, Malaria and Acute Respiratory Infection are commonest diseases1.

Figure 3.7: Common Diseases at Chilipa Health Centre (Jul-Dec 2019) Most Prevalent Cases at Chilipa Health Centre 300 265 240 250

200

150

100 80 51 50 33 24 17 0 Malaria- (5 & Malaria – Sexually Diarrhoea Non - Common Skin infections - Ear Infections - Above) (under 5) Transmitted Bloody - Injuries and Infections- (under5) Wounds (except RTA)

According to 2015-16 Malawi Demographic Household Survey, the national2 HIV prevalence rate stands at 8.8%. The HIV prevalence rate in Zomba District is 14.7%. This indicates that the district has higher prevalence rate than the national rates.

In terms of the proposed project, there is need to address the concern of people on malaria by ensuring that there is no water logging on the canals and that the canals are cleared of debris and grass to ensure that mosquitoes do not breed in the canals.

1 Zomba District Socio-Economic Profile 2017-2022 2Malawi Demographic Household Survey, pp237, National Statistics Office 2019

Generally, the ratio of health personnel to population is very high in the area considering that this is a remote rural area. The shortage of staff is attributed to health workers who shun isolated health centres with no electricity, no piped water and/or no telephone and transport to and from such facilities which is often difficult because of poor road conditions.

3.3.10 Water Supply Groundwater is the main source of domestic water supply in the area. It is found mainly in the quaternary alluvial and fractured aquifers. There are a number of boreholes and protected shallow wells in the area and most of these are in drilled in the Quaternary alluvial aquifer. According to boreholes data from MoIWD, average depth for boreholes sunk in the area is 40 meters. Average yield is 0.5 litres per second. Figure 3.8 below shows one of the boreholes in the project area that is used to supply potable water to local communities.

Figure 3.8: One of the boreholes in the project area

3.3.11 Communication Various types of transportation are used by the communities surrounding project area. Bicycles are the cheapest mode of transport followed by motorbikes. Oxcarts are also commonly used in the area to transport produce from the gardens. There is a gravel road for vehicles which connects the project area both from Zomba and Liwonde. However, during rainy season the roads get slippery as such connectivity becomes a problem. The project area is serviced by both Airtel and TNM; however, connectivity is intermittent. This could probably be due to long distance from the Airtel and TNM Towers.

People in the project area can also tune in to different Television and Radio Stations. Among these are Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) Television and Radio Station, which is state owned; and Zodiak Radio and TV, which are privately owned.

3.3.12 Economy The majority of people in the project area rely on agriculture for their livelihood. This is so because the project area has alluvial soils which is brought by floods from Shire River. People from the project area cultivate such crops as maize, cotton, groundnuts, cassava, sweet potatoes and different types of vegetables. beans, rice, sunflower. They also rear animals such as cattle, goats and chicken. Because of its proximity to Shire River, fishing is the second most economic activity in the area.

3.3.13 Security The proposed Matoponi Irrigation Scheme is serviced by Masaula Police Unit which has 7 Police Officers. All cases that are criminal in nature are reported to Masaula Police Station while civil cases are handled by Traditional or local leaders. People that are convicted of criminal offences are arrested and kept at Zomba Central Prison to serve their jail terms.

Chapter 4: Legal and Policy Framework This chapter reviews the Legal and Policy Framework that will be applicable during the implementation of the irrigation scheme. In addition, the chapter reviews Social, Environment and Climate Assessment Procedures for IFAD. Some of the pieces of legislation and policies that will be reviewed include: National Environmental Policy, National Land Policy, National Forest Policy, National Water Resources Policy, Environment Management Act, Water Resources Act, Land Act, Local Government Act, Forestry Act and the Public Health Act.

4.1 Policy framework

4.1.1 The National Environmental Policy (2004) The Policy was adopted by the Government in June 2004. The mandate of the policy is derived from Section 13 of the Malawi Constitution. In the policy, it is noted that Malawi has a diversified natural resource base and if properly utilized, the resources may provide the basis for sustainable socio-economic development of the country. The policy also takes note of the fact that the resources are subject to increasing pressure and there is serious degradation of the environment. There are strategies on environmental planning and environmental impact assessment, audits and monitoring, among others. On environmental planning, the objective is to ensure that national and district development plans integrate environmental concerns, in order to improve environmental management and ensure sensitivity to local concerns and needs. On ESIAs, the objective is to regularly review and administer the guidelines for ESIAs, audits, monitoring and evaluation so that adverse environmental impacts can be eliminated or mitigated and environmental and social benefits enhanced. In line with the environmental policy (on planning and ESIAs, among others), the developer of the irrigation scheme must integrate environmental concerns during the whole cycle of the project i.e. planning, design, and implementation. 4.1.2 National Land Policy (2002) The National Land Policy of 2002 focuses on land as a basic resource common to all people of Malawi. It provides the institutional framework for democratizing the management of land and outlines the procedures for protecting land tenure rights, land-based investments and management of development at all levels. It ultimately seeks to promote optimum utilization of Malawi’s land resources for development. The policy provides opportunities for the people of Malawi to embark on a path of socially and environmentally sustainable development. In addition, the policy highlights a number of approaches for addressing problems facing the land resources sector. The policy requires that an environmental and social impact assessment be undertaken for all big land development projects and those planned in fragile ecosystems in order to protect biodiversity and water resources. In addition, the policy:

i. Recognizes several sectoral policies and strategies in physical planning, fisheries, environment, forestry and mining and for this reason, it encourages multi-sectoral approach in land use and management at local and district level; ii. Recognises social actions that influence and control people’s use of land and realises that the rights of women, children and the disabled are usually denied on the basis of customs and traditions; or disregarded due to prejudice and lack of effective presentation. In view of this and of the increasing land pressure due to population growth, the policy calls for clear consideration of gender and the rights of children and the disabled (including those affected by the HIV and AIDS pandemic) in planning and implementation strategies of land-based investments.

The Land Act, among other things, deals with issues of ownership, land transfer, use of land, and compensation. It is expected that the construction of Matoponi Irrigation Scheme may not affect people’s property as this project will be implemented in an area where both irrigated and rain-fed agriculture are currently being practiced. In addition, most of the individuals who farm in the irrigation scheme are the ones who already have gardens in the scheme. 4.1.3 National HIV Policy (2012) The Policy highlights that HIV and AIDS impact on the country is quite significant and affects a range of socio-economic activities be it in agriculture, fisheries, public sector, private sector, tourism, urban areas, rural areas, among others. HIV and AIDS prevalence in the country varies from one region to the other and from rural to urban areas. The highest rate is in the southern region and the lowest in the northern region. The prevalence rate is high in urban areas as compared to the rural areas. National HIV and AIDS Policy identifies migrant workers and women among highly vulnerable people to transmission of HIV and AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. In addition, increased disposal of income from migrant workers may enhance some workers to indulge in extra-marital affairs within the surrounding villages. These sexual activities would enhance the spread of HIV and AIDS among workers and local people. It is therefore proposed that during implementation of the project, workers as well as surrounding communities should be sensitised on the dangers of HIV and AIDS. Further, Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials on HIV and AIDS should be distributed. It is also recommended that during Construction Phase of Matoponi Irrigation Scheme much of the labour force should be sourced from the surrounding communities to reduce the influx of migrant workers who may exacerbate the situation. 4.1.4 National Gender Policy (2015) The National Gender Policy, which is currently undergoing review, calls for integration of gender responsiveness in planning and implementation of

51 development projects and programmes. It is understood that consideration of gender needs and benefits enhance poverty reduction in both rural and urban environments. This project has to integrate consideration of needs of both males, females and other vulnerable groups in project activities. The potential considerations could be equal employment opportunities to both male and female during the implementation of the project in order to enhance income for both. In addition, membership for various committees, such as VNRMC and WUA, advocates for 50% representation for both sexes to ensure that concerns of all sexes are taken into consideration. According to the 2018 Population and Housing Census, about 52% of Malawi’s population are women. Approximately 97% of women in Malawi participate in subsistence agriculture and women make up 70% of the country’s cash crop labour (ADF, 2005). Although this is the case, in Malawi men are predominantly in charge of finances and financial decisions although much of the labour force is provided by women.

The Government of Malawi has made efforts to improve gender equality, for instance in 2002 the Ministry of Gender, Child Welfare and Community Services created a Multi-Sector Country Gender Profile in order to identify the areas of society that need the most attention in regards to gender inequities. Despite governmental efforts, women in Malawi face many challenges when it comes to household and everyday decision-making.

4.1.5 National Water Policy (2005) The policy aims at providing comprehensive and integrated water resources conservation and management. It addresses all aspects of water including resource management, development, and service delivery conforming to the current global and regional trends and the requirements as reflected under the Millennium Development Goals. The overall policy goal is sustainable management and utilization of water resources in order to: a) Provide water of acceptable quality and of sufficient quantities; b) Ensure availability of efficient and effective water and sanitation services that satisfy the basic requirements of every Malawian; and c) Enhance the country’s natural ecosystems. One of the objectives of the policy is promotion of public and private sector participation in water resources management, development, supply and conservation. The principles that will guide the implementation of the proposed project in relation to the policy include the following: i. Management, protection and conservation of water resources to be undertaken in an integrated manner;

ii. Water resources shall be optimally, equitable and rationally allocated and regulated to ensure sustainable optimal economic returns and social enhancement; iii. Water resources management will be based on the concept of decentralization and will promote local participation with the catchment as the unit of water management; iv. Promote the empowerment of user communities to own, manage and invest in water resources development; and v. Pollution of water resources shall follow the “Polluter Pays” principle in order to ensure water user responsibility. During operation phase of the project, there is risk of polluting the Shire River and other surrounding streams due to use of agrochemicals. In line with the Policy, the Department of Irrigation will ensure that farmers at Matoponi Irrigation Scheme do not use agrochemicals that have the potential to pollute water resources. Further, the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) will be promoted. Water abstraction activities during project implementation also have potential to negatively affect downstream users. The use of water efficient technologies will therefore be promoted as one of the mitigation measures. 4.1.6 National Forest Policy (2016) The policy aims at promoting sustainable contribution of national forests, woodlands and trees towards the improvement of the quality of life in the country by conserving the resources for the benefit of the nation and to the satisfaction of diverse and changing needs of Malawi population, particularly rural smallholders. The policy prevents unnecessary changes in land-use that promote deforestation, or endanger the protection of the forests which have cultural, biodiversity or water catchment values. It also discourages development activities in gazetted forests unless proven to be environmentally friendly for which suitable inter-sectoral and local consultations will be conducted. Above all, the policy advocates for carrying out of environmental and social impact assessment where actions are likely to have significant adverse impacts on important forests and other resources. This Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for the project is in line with provisions of the policy. The developer therefore will be required to take advantage of provisions under this policy to prevent unnecessary destruction of forest resources and related resources in the project area.

In addition, the Department of Irrigation in collaboration with the Forestry Department has supported the formation of VNRMCs which have established tree nurseries to promote afforestation programs in the project area. 4.1.7 National Agriculture Policy (2016) Government developed the National Agriculture Policy (NAP) in order to provide clear and comprehensive policy guidance in agriculture. This policy framework addresses current challenges and attends to future

53 challenges facing the sector. The specific objective of the NAP is to guide Malawi to achieve transformation of the agriculture sector. More specifically, this policy guides us towards increasing production, productivity, and real farm incomes. The NAP is aligned to Malawi’s Vision 2020 and the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy, which are the overarching long-term and medium-term development strategies, respectively. The policy will inform the agricultural content of the next medium-term development strategy. The NAP is designed to transform the lives of ordinary Malawians. The NAP guides through a process by which individual farm households shift their economic activities from being strongly subsistence-oriented towards more specialized and market-oriented production. The implementation of Matoponi Irrigation Scheme is in line with the NAP as individual farm households will be oriented towards market-oriented agricultural production rather than subsistence agricultural practices.

4.1.8 National Irrigation Policy (2016) The National Irrigation Policy (NIP) of 2016 provides guidance to all stakeholders in Malawi in the implementation and provision of irrigation-related goods, works and services. The NIP is intended to attain food security, nutrition and economic growth as aspired for in the Sustainable Development Goals; the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy; the Irrigation Master Plan and Investment Framework (IMPIF); the Green-Belt Initiative (GBI); the National Export Strategy (NES); and, the Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) compact. The overall NIP goal is to contribute to sustainable national economic growth and development through enhanced irrigated agriculture production and productivity.

The NIP objectives are:  Increase land under sustainable irrigation farming;  Facilitate crop diversification and intensification;  Create an enabling environment for irrigated agriculture;  Optimize investments in irrigation development taking into account climate change;  Enhance capacity for irrigated agriculture; and  Promote a business culture in the small-scale irrigated agriculture sector.

The NIP focuses on three priority areas which include: Sustainable Irrigation Development; Sustainable Irrigation Management; and Capacity Development. The construction of Matoponi Irrigation Scheme is in line with one of the three priority areas for the NIP which is ‘Sustainable Irrigation Development’ which entails construction of new irrigation infrastructure to put more land under irrigation. In addition, the NIP also supports the strengthening of WUAs. In the

54 proposed Matoponi Irrigation Scheme, a WUA has been created to ensure that there is good management of the water resources.

4.1.9 National Fertiliser Policy (2018) The National Fertiliser Policy (NFP) seeks to enhance performance of the fertiliser industry by sustainably increasing profitable access to and use of soil- and crop- appropriate fertilisers by farmers. This will contribute to increased sustainable agricultural production and productivity, a key priority area under the National Agriculture Policy (NAP). As such it will be a cornerstone for transforming the agriculture sector from subsistence to market orientation. The principal focus of NFP is to increase access to affordable and use of quality fertilisers in a profitable manner. However, the NFP recognises that there are different types of farmers in Malawi, and if all are to increase their use of high- quality fertiliser products, different strategies will have to be implemented to meet the needs of these different types of farmers. In particular, smallholder farmers continue to face significant constraints to accessing high-quality fertiliser products from the market; therefore, while the overall long-term goal will be to encourage increases in quality fertilisers accessed through the commercial channels, the Government of Malawi will continue to support farmers through a reformed fertiliser subsidy programme and through new innovative loan-based fertiliser programmes that integrate the private sector in order to encourage development of a commercial fertiliser industry. Most of the farmers that will be cultivating in Matoponi are small holder farmers. As such, use of fertilisers will improve crop productivity. Improved productivity of crops will entail having excess harvest that will be sold to markets thereby improving their socio-economic status, which is one of the key priority areas of the National Fertiliser Policy. The NFP is aligned to Malawi’s Vision 2020 and the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy III, which are the overarching long-term and medium-term development strategies, respectively. The Policy is also aligned to the National Resilience Strategy (NRS). Within the sector, the NFP is aligned to the NAP and will be implemented through the new National Agriculture Investment Plan (NAIP), which is a follow up to the Agriculture Sector Wide Approach (ASWAp) Investment Plan. 4.1.10 The National Climate Change Management Policy (2016) The goal of the National Climate Change Management Policy is to create an environment for the development of a country-wide, coordinated and harmonized approach to climate change management, which attends to the needs and concerns of all sectors of society, while ensuring continued sustainable development. The Policy seeks to guide programming of interventions for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere, as well as adapting to the adverse effects of climatic change and climate variability.

The policy is linked with a series of legislative sectoral frameworks and strategies to integrate environment and climate change management in socio-economic developmental activities. These include the Malawi Irrigation Policy and Development Strategy (2000), National Land Resources Management Policy and Strategies (2000), National Land Policy (2002), Food Security Policy (2006) and National Water Policy (2005), among others. The policy has six priority areas for climate change management in the country and one key priority area is climate change adaptation. The policy reiterates that as a developing country, adaptation to climate change is a priority area for Malawi due to its vulnerability to adverse effects of climate change and limited adaptive capacity. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the policy commits to reduce vulnerabilities of populations in Malawi and promote community and ecosystem resilience to the impacts of climate change as well as ensuring that communities are able to adapt to climate change by promoting climate change adaptive development in the long term. In a related strategy, the Malawi National Adaptation Programmes of Action (NAPA) identifies agriculture and food security as one of the key adaptation needs for Malawi. The NAPA states that agriculture and food security serves as a key adaptation need as climate change effects continue to reduce food availability through its effect on food production. The NAPA further emphasises that interventions such as climate smart agriculture, promotion of irrigated farming systems, introduction of reliable early warning systems and others would be ideal to address the impacts of climate change in the agricultural sector. This implies that undertaking irrigation farming is consistent with one of the key priority areas in the National Climate Change Management Policy which is climate change adaptation. 4.1.11 The National Cultural Policy (2005) The National Cultural Policy formally establishes the mechanism that the Malawi Government must follow to adequately fulfil its program to deliver Cultural Services to all Malawians in line with the need to strengthen our cultural identity in the face of foreign influences. It takes into account the need to support poverty reduction initiatives as developed in the Malawi Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (MPRSP) and the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS III). The National Cultural Policy also takes into account the need to preserve the natural environment and protect it from further degradation. Like most other developing countries, Malawi realises that she can no longer ignore the role of culture in sustainable economic development. Obviously, Malawi’s economic development will, for a long time to come, continue to depend on imported technology and skills. The nation, however, realises that it will not achieve satisfactory economic development particularly in the rural areas if it ignores the fundamentals of culture. Past examples do exist where the

56 successful implementation of some projects was hampered because project planners ignored cultural factors in their planning. One of the objectives of the National Cultural Policy is to promote environmental and biodiversity conservation and preservation methods that are in harmony with cultural beliefs. Strategies to achieve this objective include: i. Facilitate the introduction of community based land use programs whose benefits shall accrue to the local communities themselves; ii. Encourage traditional and environment friendly architectural designs that use less plant material; iii. Facilitate the provision of well-maintained open spaces and parks in urban areas to encourage mental relaxation, and the erection of sculptures by Malawian artists; iv. Provide civic education on environmental conservation from the cultural point of view. For these strategies to be achieved, the project has created a platform through which these strategies can be achieved. These include creation of Village Natural Resources Management Committees (VNRMCs) which advocates for conservation of environment through tree planting and promotion of natural regeneration; and Water Users Association (WUA) through which water conserving technologies can be implemented. 4.1.12 National Sanitation Policy (2008) The goal of the National Sanitation Policy (NSP) is to promote effective coordination and develop mechanisms for the delivery of sanitation and hygiene promotion at national level. The NSP aims at providing a framework for development of programmes and initiatives that shall address sanitation and hygiene challenges as cited in the policy. These programmes will contribute to improving the health and quality of human life, a better environment and a new way for sustainable wealth creation.

The NSP is linked with other relevant government policies and programmes, among them the Constitution of Malawi revised in 1995 which enshrines responsible management of the environment to provide a healthy living and working environment for all the people of Malawi; also linked to the NSP is the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy, which was developed in 2006, and among other things seeks to increase access to clean water and sanitation, improve the nutritional status of children and ensure food security; furthermore the NSP is linked to the National Environmental Policy, adopted in 2004 which outlines the need for pollution control and the proper disposal of wastewater, solid waste and the protection of water bodies, with the general principle of ‘polluter pays’. In addition, the NSP is linked to the National Irrigation Policy and Development Strategy of 2000 which among other things advocates addressing specific problems that women face in irrigated agriculture in order to achieve greater participation of women in small scale irrigation sector.

Among other policy directions, the policy spells out that all sectors of the economy shall be obliged to address issues of improved sanitation and hygiene promotion in their development agenda and that enforcement of responsible disposal of litter, human waste including excreta or urine in public places shall be enhanced.

The implication of the policy is that the developer should among other obligations regulate pollution control in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders and oversee the water quality adherence from the irrigation activities to ensure that water quality standards established in the Water Act and related legislation are not violated especially with regard to effluent from irrigated fields and groundwater pollution resulting from irrigated fields in line with the policy strategies. Further, the project will ensure that Matoponi Irrigation Scheme has adequate sanitation facilities, such as toilets, to ensure that human excreta is properly disposed of.

4.1.13 National Youth Policy (2013) The National Youth Policy (2013) defines youth as all persons from age 10 to 35 years regardless of their sex, race, education, culture, religion, economic, marital and physical status. It recognizes that youth is a definitive social entity that has its own specific problems, concerns, needs, and aspirations. The policy further notes that the definition of youth has continuously changed variably in response to political, economic and social perspectives, hence uses the word “youth” and “young people” interchangeably.

The goal of the National Youth Policy is to create an enabling environment for all young people to develop to their full potential in order to contribute significantly to personal and sustainable national development. The overall objective of the policy is to provide a framework that guides youth development and implementation of all youth programmes that contribute to the improvement in the welfare of the youth in Malawi.

The policy provides for a number of rights to the youth including the right to participate in all decision-making processes relating to the welfare of the youth, including governance issues, the right to social and economic services and the right to gainful decent employment opportunities either in any sector on completion of formal or non-formal education and/or when entering the legal working age in the country. The policy has placed economic, social and cultural responsibilities on the youth such as to actively take part in all national development processes and to undertake initiatives for their own economic development.

Considering that youths are energetic, strong, industrious, innovative and healthy and constitute a significant proportion of the country’s population, the implication of the policy on the project is that the developer should ensure the

58 youth do not only actively participate in the key decision making processes but that they are also given leadership roles. This will raise the status of youth and visibility of their contribution to the growth and development of the country. Furthermore, realising that the formal employment sector is unable to absorb all employable young people (Welfare Monitoring Survey, 2011), and that the agriculture sector with its diverse value chains offers particularly high opportunities for job creation compared to other sectors of the economy, the developer should consider involvement of the youth in the project to improve the socio-economic status of youths through increased incomes. In addition, promotion of young people’s participation in the project is a necessity for economic growth and sustainable national development.

4.1.14 Food and Nutrition Security Policy (2005) The long-term goal of the Food and Nutrition Security Policy (2005) is to significantly improve the food and nutrition security of the population. The goal implies a rapid and substantial reduction in the degree and severity of malnutrition, in all its forms, i.e., chronic and acute malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies among the men, and women, boys and girls, especially under-fives, expectant and lactating mothers of the population.

The policy tackles sustainable food availability in the context of food availability and ensuring availability of food in sufficient quantities, adequate quality and variety through production, purchase, trade and donations to meet demands of all Malawians at all times. According to the policy, food availability refers to food that is sufficient in appropriate quantities and qualities supplied through domestic production or imports (including food aid). Thus, factors determining food availability include, available food stocks of the Malawi Six Food groups (farm level, commercial, and government stocks), the volume and stability of the production of foods based on the Malawi Six Food Groups (subsistence and market oriented production) and food imports (commercial and food aid).

In order to ensure availability of food, the policy among other strategies promotes irrigation development and integrated water resources management, environmental and land management for sustainable agriculture and development and adoption of appropriate technologies.

The policy further spells out the need to consider the issue of food utilisation. In this regard it states that to achieve satisfactory nutritional status, food must be effectively utilised. This encompasses the quality of the food allocated for consumption and the biological utilization of nutrients in the body. There are a number of crucial factors which need to be taken into account when considering food utilisation and these include adequate knowledge in food and nutrition to make healthy food choices that lead to good health and satisfactory nutritional status, food choices, combinations, preparation and equitable distribution in the household so that all members are able to meet their dietary and nutrient

59 requirements, provision of safe water and adequate sanitation, and hygiene to prevent diseases and availability and access to services and time to prepare adequate and nutritionally balanced and culturally acceptable diets.

The implication of this policy is that the developer should consider aspects of the policy such as sustainable food availability and food utilisation in order to significantly improve the food and nutrition security of the target population.

4.1.15 National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy (2001) The goal of the fisheries sectoral policy is to maximize the sustainable yield from the national waters of Malawi and man-made water bodies. The policy aims at improving the efficiency of exploitation, processing and marketing of quality fish products, promoting investment in the fishing industry, rural fish farming units and exploiting all opportunities to expand existing and developing new aquatic resources. Particular care will be taken to protect endemic fish fauna, not only because these are scientific and educational assets, but also because they represent a major economic resource.

Among numerous other provisions the policy provides for fisheries riverine and floodplain management. It spells out the commitment to promote sustainable utilisation of fish resources in the riverine and adjacent floodplains and wetlands in recognition of the commitment of Malawi to maintain biodiversity and the need for co-operation and coordination with other institutions.

The policy implication on the project is that riparian communities should be involved in the sustainable management of the riverine environment and adjacent floodplains and wetlands by, among other measures, involving riparian communities in the sustainable exploitation of the ecosystems.

4.2 Legal framework

4.2.1 The Constitution of the Republic of Malawi, 1995 The Constitution of the Republic of Malawi, 1995, is the supreme law of the land. It contains, among other things, principles of national policy in section 13. The section sets out a broad framework for sustainable environmental management at various levels in Malawi. Among other issues, the section provides for environmental issues under Principles of National Policy. Section 13 (d) of the Constitution provides that the state shall actively promote the welfare and development of the people of Malawi by progressively adopting and implementing policies and legislation aimed at managing the environment responsibly in order to:- i) Prevent the degradation of the environment; ii) Provide a healthy living and working environment for the people of Malawi;

iii) Accord full recognition to the rights of future generations by means of environmental protection and the sustainable development of natural resources; iv) Conserve and enhance the biological diversity of Malawi; and v) Enhance the quality of life in rural communities with the ultimate aim of attaining sustainable development.

The Constitution further provides for a framework for the integration of environmental consideration into any development programs. The implication of this provision is that Government, its cooperating partners and the private sector have a responsibility of ensuring that projects are undertaken in an environmentally responsible manner.

The Constitution Further provides the basis for and against land acquisition. Section 28 (2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi states that “No person shall be arbitrarily deprived of property” and section 44 (4) states that “Expropriation of property shall be permissible only when done for public utility and only when there has been adequate notification and appropriate compensation, provided that there shall always be a right to appeal to a court of law for redress.

4.2.2 Environment Management Act (2017) The Environment Management Act makes provision for the protection and management of the environment and the conservation and sustainable utilization of natural resources.3 The Act is the principal piece of legislation on the protection and management of the environment.4 Under Section 6, the Act states that ‘subject to the constitution, where a written law on the protection and management of the environment or the conservation and sustainable utilization of natural resources is inconsistent with any provision of the Act, the written law shall be invalid to the extent of the inconsistency.’ In order to integrate environmental and social considerations in projects, the Act provides for environmental planning and the need for Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA). The environmental planning is required to be done both at national and district levels. Section 31 of the Act is on environmental and social impact assessments. The Act stipulates that the Minister may, on the recommendation of the Malawi Environment Protection Authority, specify by notice published in the Gazette, the type and size of project which shall not be implemented unless an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment is carried out. It also specifies that a person shall not undertake any project for which an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment is required without the written

3 See the Long title of the Act 4 Section 7 of the Act

61 approval of the Authority, and except in accordance with any conditions imposed in that approval. Section 26 (3) of the Act provides that a licensing authority shall not issue any license with respect to a project for which an ESIA is required under the Act unless the Director has certified in writing that the project has been approved by the Minister or that an ESIA is not required under the Act. Guidelines for Environmental Impact Assessment were put in place in December 1997. These guidelines provide a list of projects for which an ESIA is mandatory and for the steps that must be followed when preparing an ESIA.

4.2.3 Water Resources Act (2013) The Water Resources Act (2013) provides for the management, conservation, use and control of water resources; for the acquisition and regulation of rights to use water; and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. Part VIII, Section 89 (1) prohibits any person who owns, controls, occupies or uses land on which an activity or process is or was performed to pollute water resources and which, unless authorized under this Part, causes, has caused or is likely to cause pollution of a water resource. The Act tasks all occupiers of a land to prevent pollution from occurring, continuing or recurring. As such it is an offence to alter the flow of or pollute or foul any public water. The Act defines pollution or fouling of public water to mean the discharge into or in the vicinity of public water or in a place where public water is likely to flow, of any matter or substance likely to cause injury whether directly to public health, livestock, animal life, fish, crops orchards or gardens to which such water is used or which occasions, or which is likely to occasion a nuisance. The Act further prohibits any person to divert, dam, store, abstract or use public water for any other purpose except in accordance with the provisions of this Act. In compliance with provisions of the Water Resources Act, Matoponi Irrigation Scheme through the WUA, will apply for a water abstraction permit issued under the provisions of Water Resources Act (2013) by National Water Resources Authority. 4.2.4 Land Act (2016) The Land Act of 2016 makes provision for land in Malawi and for all matters incidental or connected thereto. The Act, among other things, deals with issues of land ownership, land transfer, use of land and compensation. The issues of land tenure and land use are recognized as critical in sustainable environmental management in Malawi. The Act clearly defines security of tenure. This is essential as people are more inclined to properly manage land that belongs to them. In accordance with Section 18 of the Act, any person who suffers any disturbance of, or loss or damage to any interest which he may have or, immediately prior to

62 the occurrence of any of the events referred to in this section, may have had in such land, shall be paid such compensation for such disturbance, loss or damage as is reasonable. It is expected that the construction of Matoponi Irrigation Scheme may not affect land belonging to farmers outside the scheme. However, should such a thing happen, the affected persons shall be compensated in accordance with provisions of this Act and other related pieces of legislations, especially after finalisation of detailed designs. 4.2.5 Land Acquisition Act (2017) The Lands Acquisition Act provides procedures which have to be followed by developers when acquiring land of any tenure in the country. These procedures will be followed as provided under this Act. Section 3 of the Act provides for the payment of fair compensation on acquisition of land by compulsory or by agreement. The compensation can be paid as a lump sum or by instalments as has been provided in Section 9 of this Act. To ensure fair compensation, Section 9 provides that an assessment for compensation will have to be carried out taking into account the following aspects: a) The amount of money that the owner of the land paid when acquiring it; b) The value of the improvements on the land, standing crops and growing produce; and c) Appreciation in the value of the land since the date of acquisition.

The Act, in Section 5, provides that the owners of the land that is to be acquired should be given a notice of the intention to acquire their land which should be served on the people and also published in the Government Gazette. 4.2.6 Local Government Act (1998) The Act, as read with Section 146 of the Republican Constitution, provides the mandate to the Local Councils in planning, administration, and implementation of various development programmes in their areas. It further provides for environmental functions, which include urban management, local planning, local afforestation programmes, and control of soil erosion, among others. The District Environmental Sub-committee (DESC) for Zomba looks at all environmental issues in the District. During the Environmental and Social Assessment of the proposed Matoponi Irrigation Scheme, the consultant engaged with the committee to ensure that environmental and social issues are incorporated during the planning and implementation of the project. The District Environmental Officer for Zomba is mandated to coordinate all the environmental issues in the district and report to the DESC.

4.2.7 Forest Act, (1997) The Act guides the management of indigenous forests on customary and private land; forest reserves and protected forest areas; woodlots and plantation forestry.

The Act also deals with crosscutting issues including law enforcement and fire management. Part VI of the Act covers issues on afforestation. This section provides for the promotion of tree growing in forest reserves, public land, customary land and private land. In line with this Section of the Act, the Department of Irrigation will protect the Shire River by promoting natural regeneration of shrubs and trees through VNRMCs. Further, trees and grass will be planted as a way of reducing siltation load into the Shire River.

4.2.8 Occupational Safety, Health and Welfare Act (1997) The Act regulates work conditions with respect to safety, health, and welfare of workers. The duty of ensuring safety, health, and welfare of workers rests with the employer. However, every employee is required to take reasonable care for his/her own safety and that of other workers.5 In compliance to the requirements of the Act, the Contractor for the construction works will develop an Occupational Safety, Health and Welfare Policy and program. Furthermore, according to Section 58 (Part VI) all workers for the construction works will be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and these include work suits, industrial boots, hard helmets and gloves during the construction period. In addition, the Contractor shall ensure that a well-stocked First Aid Box is made available at the construction site for use by workers as provided for under Section 33 (Part IV) of the Act. The First Aid Box shall be under the charge of a well- qualified person. In line with Part II, Section 6 of the Occupation Safety, Health and Welfare Act, the contractor shall register the construction camp as a work place.

4.2.9 Fisheries Conservation and Management Act (1998) An Act to making provision for the regulation, conservation and management of the fisheries of Malawi and for matters incidental thereto or connected therewith. Section 9 (C) encourages District Councils, Non-Governmental Organizations, the private sector and other relevant institutions to contribute towards provision of fisheries extension services, as well as establishment and management of aquaculture, in accordance with guidelines provided by the Department of Fisheries. Part III under section 20 of the Act provides for the establishment and operation of aquaculture. In the section, no person shall establish or operate an aquaculture establishment to which the section applies and an application for an aquaculture permit shall be made to the Director in the prescribed form and shall be accompanied by the prescribed fees.

5 Section 18

The implication of this is that the Department of Irrigation has to consult the fisheries authorities to ensure that implementation of the project does not hamper fish production in the Shire River.

4.2.10 Irrigation Act (2001) This Act makes provision for the sustainable development and management of irrigation, protection of the environment from irrigation related degradation, establishment of the National Irrigation Board and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. Section 36 Part 2 (a) provides for development and management of irrigation and drainage; Part 2 (C) encourages District Assemblies, Non-Governmental Organizations, the private sector and other relevant institutions to contribute towards provision of irrigation extension services, in accordance with guidelines provided by the Government. Under 2(b), the Act further states that government may put in place such measures as may be necessary for preventing the failure or non-viability of irrigation farming. The management of the irrigation scheme will ensure that all these provisions in the Act are adhered to for the sustainability of the scheme.

4.2.11 Gender Equality Act (2012) An Act to promote gender equality, equal integration, influence empowerment, dignity and opportunities, for men and women in all functions of society, to prohibit and provide redress for sex discrimination, harmful practices and sexual harassment, to provide for public awareness on promotion of gender equality and to provide for connected matters. Section 6(1) of the Act states that a person who commits an act of harassment if he or she engages in any form of unwanted verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature in circumstances, would have anticipated that the other person would be offended, humiliated or intimidated, and (2) a person who sexually harasses another in terms of the foregoing subsection is liable to a fine and imprisonment specified under subsection (2). Section (7) of the Act makes provision for Government to take active measures to ensure that employees have developed and are implementing appropriate policy and procedures aimed at eliminating sexual harassment in the workplace. In line with the provisions of this Act, the PCO will ensure that it promotes gender equality in all of its operations. Further, the PCO will also encourage farmers to have fair representation of all sexes in all committees established for the smooth running of the irrigation schemes and these include WUAs and VNRMCs. Accordingly, the Department of Irrigation should ensure that the contractor that will be engaged during construction phase of the project should ensure that 30 percent of people engaged are women. This is so because this field (Construction Sector) is perceived as male denominated, as such it is difficult to find more women who have required skills for the works. The implication for the Gender Act to include that management of the scheme to ensure that women beneficiaries

65 are given same opportunities as their male counterparts and issues of gender based violence

4.2.12 Pesticides Act (2000) The Pesticides Act provides the legal and administrative framework for registration, procurement, distribution, export, importation, storage, usage and disposal of the pesticides and related materials. The administrative work is done by the Pesticides Control Board which is established under section 10 -11 of the Act. Main duties include: processing registration of pesticides and subsequent issue of certificates and permits for procurement, importation, export, storage distribution, usage and safe disposal of pesticides. The other duty is to conduct public campaigns on proper usage, storage, importation, export and safe disposal of pesticide containers in Malawi. By and large the provisions of the Pesticides Act are intended to minimise the potential adverse effects from pesticides to the people or non-target species and the environment in general. The Act, under Section 31 (2), states that the Minister under the regulation of the Pesticides Control Board and in consultation with the Minister responsible for Health and the Minister responsible for Environmental Affairs (a) prohibit or restrict the use of certain pesticides in any food products, feedstuffs or food by- products (b) prohibit or restrict the use of certain pesticides at any period in the growth of crops or food by-products. Bearing in mind that there will be use of pesticides in Matoponi Irrigation Scheme, the project will ensure that the pesticides used in its operations are the ones that are not prohibited under the provisions of this Act. In addition, management of Matoponi irrigation scheme will ensure that pesticides will not contribute to the contamination of water resources under the implication

4.2.13 Employment Act (2000) The legal framework for child labour in Malawi is contained in the Employment Act of 2000 (CAP 55:01). The Act sets the minimum age for admission of a child to employment at 14 years. The Act further prohibits children between the ages of 14 and 18 to work in hazardous work. The definition of "hazardous" fulfils at least one of the following work conditions: i. working in designated hazardous industries, namely tobacco, mining, quarrying and construction; ii. working in designated hazardous occupations, namely those listed in the Employment act of 2012 (Prohibited hazardous work, CAP 55:02); iii. working for more than 40 hours per week; iv. working in other hazardous conditions, namely working at night, being exposed to hazardous working environment, carrying heavy loads, operating any dangerous machinery/equipment at work or begging. In line with provisions of this Act, the Contractor for the construction of Matoponi Irrigation Scheme will ensure that under-aged people (less than 18 years old) are not employed in the construction works. Further, during operation phase of the

66 irrigation scheme owners of gardens within the scheme will be discouraged from engaging under aged people as casual labourers.

4.2.14 Monuments and Relics Act (1991) The Act makes provision for the, conservation, preservation and study of cultural heritage including places of distinctive natural beauty and of sites, buildings and objects of archaeological, palaeontological, geological, anthropological, ethnological, historical, prehistorical and other interests. The Act also provides for the declaration of protected monuments and relics and acquisition thereof by the Government and the acquisition by the Government of rights and trusteeship over monuments and relics and for the preservation thereof by agreement with the owners; and to provide for the listing of monuments and the registration of monuments and relics; and to provide for the procedure to be followed in relation to the discovery, excavation, removal, sale, exportation and importation of monuments, relics and collections of cultural heritage; and to establish an advisory council to advise the Minister on matters aforesaid; and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. During the construction of Matoponi Irrigation Scheme, excavation activities have potential to expose some archaeological remains such as cultural artifacts such as pottery and stone tools. When that happens, these will be recorded and Department of Museums and Monuments will be engaged. The Department will collect the remains for analysis at the Department of Museums and Monuments repository. According to Section 25 (1) of the Act, all monuments and relics, whether movable or immovable, lying on or beneath the surface of the ground or in a river, a lake or other waters will be declared to be the absolute property of the Government, except for privately-owned monuments whose owners establish title thereto and privately-owned monuments or relics which have been registered by the owners.

4.2.15 Amended Public Health Act, 1992 Public Health Act of 1948, as amended in 1992, amends and consolidates the law regarding the preservation of public health. Section 59 of the Act prohibits any person from causing nuisance on any land or premises owned or occupied by him. The developer should therefore not cause any nuisance during the construction and implementation of the project. The Act under Part X requires developers to provide adequate sanitary and health facilities to avoid harmful effects of waste on public health. Further, section 82 prohibits persons from disposing of certain matters into public waters. The matters include petroleum spirit and any substance that may cause injury to public health. The developer will have to comply with the requirements of this Act by providing for waste disposal facilities in accordance with the anticipated volumes of waste. The developer will further have to comply with the relevant provisions of the Act which are aimed at the preservation of public health.

The Act, in Sections 79, 87 and 88 empowers local authorities to enforce the provision of sewage works for large scale development projects. Section 87 stipulates the need for properly designed drainage works for new buildings so as to carefully drain out storm water and sub soil from building sites and cartilage. Section 88 stipulates the requirements for separate toilets for both male and female persons in public buildings. In order to comply with the requirements of the Act, the contractor for Matoponi Irrigation Scheme will ensure that adequate toilets for both men and women are provided during the construction phase of the project. 4.2.16 Fisheries Conservation and Management Act (1998) The Fisheries Conservation and Management Act (1998) is an Act to make provision for the regulation, conservation and management of the fisheries of Malawi and for matters incidental thereto or connected therewith. In the Act “fish” means any vertebrate fish or any aquatic crustacean, mollusc or other shellfish or other coldblooded aquatic animal, whether alive or dead, and their young, fry, eggs or spawn and shells and parts thereof but does not include any reptile.

The Act provides for local community participation in conservation and management of fisheries in Malawi; and provides for the Minister to make rules to facilitate the establishment of fisheries management authorities for the benefit of the local communities. It also encourages District Councils, Non- Governmental Organizations, the private sector, other relevant institutions to contribute towards provision of fisheries extension services, as well as establishment and management of aquaculture, in accordance with guidelines provided by the Department of Fisheries.

In line with the Act, the Department of Irrigation will ensure that the agrochemicals that will be used in Matoponi Irrigation Scheme do not pollute Shire River. Pollution in the Shire River has potential to negatively affect fish.

4.2.17 Public Health (Corona Virus and COVID -19) Prevention, Containment and Management) Rules, 2020 These rules may be cited as the Public Health (Corona Virus and COVID-19) Prevention, Containment and Management Rules, 2020. Part II of the rules is on general preventative measures on the spread of the Corona Virus. This part of the rules is subdivided into two divisions i.e. Division I and II. Division I covers rules to prevent spread of corona virus by individuals while division II covers measures by Government to prevent, contain and manage the spread of COVID 19. According to Fourth Schedule of the rules which is on Workplace Guidelines, the contractor for Matoponi Irrigation Scheme shall ensure that workers are provided

68 with protective personal equipment (PPE) including face masks and facilities with which to wash hands and hand sanitizers. The contractor for the project shall also ensure that social distancing, among the workers, is maintained as such there should be enough working space.

4.2.18 HIV and AIDS (Management and Prevention) Act, 2018 The HIV and AIDS Management and Prevention Act of 2018 makes a provision for the prevention and Management of HIV and AIDS; provide for the rights and obligations of people living with HIV or affected by HIV and AIDS; and also provides for the establishment of National AIDS Commission.

Section 4 of the Act is on the prohibition of Harmful practices and Section 5 is on subjecting another person to harmful practices; Section 6 is on prohibition of HIV and AIDS discrimination; Section 7 is on the rights and duties of persons living with or vulnerable to contracting HIV; while section 8 is on rights of persons affected with HIV.

In line with provisions of this Act, the contractor that will be working on Matoponi Irrigation Scheme will not tolerate any act of discrimination against people living with HIV. In addition, pre-employment testing by the contractor will not be tolerated as this is prohibited under Section 26 of the Act. The contractor will ensure that people living with HIV are given equal employment opportunity.

4.3 IFAD Guidelines and Procedures

4.3.1 Social, Environment and Climate Assessment Procedures for IFAD IFAD’s Social, Environment and Climate Assessment Procedures are put in place to ensure that potentially adverse environmental and social consequences are identified, minimized, and properly mitigated. All projects implemented with financing from IFAD are categorised as follows:  Category A: These are projects/programs that may have significant adverse environmental and/or social implications that: (i) are sensitive, irreversible or unprecedented; (ii) affect an area broader than the sites or facilities subject to physical interventions; and (iii) are not readily remedied by preventive actions or mitigation measures. All category A projects must have an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) at the design stage (or relevant stage of implementation).

 Category B: These are projects/programs that may have some adverse environmental and/or social impacts on human populations or environmentally significant areas, but the impacts: (i) are less adverse than those for Category A; (ii) are site-specific and non-irreversible in nature; and (iii) can be readily remedied by appropriate preventive actions and/or

mitigation measures. While no formal ESIA is required for Category B programs/projects, in many cases further environmental analysis could be undertaken during project preparation or implementation. All category B projects must have a SECAP review note, including a matrix of the Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) at the design stage.

 Category C: These are projects/programs that will have negligible or no environmental or social implications – no further environmental analysis is required. In addition, the screening exercise is used to determine the exposure of the programme objectives to climate-related risks (High, Moderate or Low). SECAP provides guidance statements on biodiversity and protected area management; agrochemicals; energy; fisheries and aquaculture; forest resources; water; small dams; physical cultural resources; rural roads; development of value chain, microenterprises and small enterprises; and physical and economic resettlement – all of which are applicable in the context of the PRIDE. Where resettlement or economic displacement is envisaged, SECAP requires that the principles of “do no harm” and “free, prior and informed consent” are adhered to at all times and for all beneficiaries for any intervention that might affect the land access and user rights of communities.

The PRIDE has been assigned an Environmental and Social Category “A” given that it will promote irreversible land use change in the development of the areas for irrigation including land levelling and changes in the immediate hydrology of the intervention areas (particularly run-off) as well as expansion of the cultivated land. This categorisation was based on the potential impacts expected particularly due to the large-scale irrigation schemes. As a programme, a full ESIA should be developed in line with IFAD environmental procedures and guidelines as well as with the national regulations in Malawi. The programme has a “moderate” climate risk classification as the interventions are expected to be vulnerable to floods and drought which are likely to increase in frequency impacting agriculture production, irrigation infrastructures, and ultimately impacting the farmer communities’ livelihoods. Information available on climate risk for Malawi informed the design on PRIDE and adaptation measures have been incorporated to be financed mainly by the Adaptation for Smallholder Agriculture Programme.

4.3.2 IFAD Sexual Harassment and SEA Policy (2018) IFAD policy to preventing and responding to sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse was developed in April 2018 for use in all IFAD financed activities and Projects. This policy applies to all IFAD staff, and to all individuals hired by IFAD under a non-staff contract such as consultants and suppliers of goods and services contracted by IFAD.

According to the Policy, IFAD staff and other individuals holding a work contract with IFAD are expected to adhere to the highest ethical standards, both in their professional and personal dealings, and to abide by the core values of the Fund. Responsibilities of all parties to which this policy is applicable include: i. Abstain from engaging in any acts of sexual harassment and/or SEA; ii. Abstain from encouraging or condoning acts of sexual harassment and/or SEA committed by others in connection with an IFAD-funded or -managed activity or operation; iii. Abstain from any sexual activities with beneficiaries, as such relationships that are marked by inherently unequal power dynamics, and that may undermine the credibility and integrity of the work of the Fund; and iv. Contribute to a work environment that prevents sexual harassment and SEA from occurring in the first place.

In line with this Policy, the Contractor that will be hired for Construction activities will be required to conduct anti-harassment and SEA trainings to all workers, all suppliers of goods and services under the project and local communities. In addition, the Contractor will be required to participate in trainings that have been organized in awareness-raising campaigns.

The Policy also outlines disciplinary measures against IFAD staff and other individuals holding a work contract with IFAD. The disciplinary measures are applicable for those who are directly involved in sexual harassment and SEA including those who fail to report acts of sexual harassment or SEA in a timely manner or who encourage or condones acts of sexual harassment or SEA at IFAD or in connection with an IFAD-funded or -managed activity or operation. Disciplinary measures under the Policy include immediate termination of contract and debarment.

4.4 ESIA Administrative framework The EMA and the EIA Guidelines provide for the administrative framework of the ESIA process. The ESIA process is managed by the Director of Environmental Affairs. The Director of Environmental Affairs works with other line Ministries/agencies and stakeholders. Under section 26 of the Environment Management Act, a prescribed project cannot receive the required authorization to proceed from the relevant licensing authority unless the Director has issued a certificate that an ESIA is not required or that he has approved the project on the basis of an ESIA report. The Director is empowered, under the Act, to require changes to a project in order to reduce environmental and social impact and to reject a project, if, in his/her view, the project will cause significant and irreparable injury to the environment. A person not satisfied with a decision of the Director may appeal to the Environmental Appeals Tribunal.

The Director relies upon the advice of the Technical Committee on the Environment established under section 16 of the Environment Management Act. Through this committee, member agencies are informed about projects being appraised, participate in reviews of project briefs, Environmental and Social Impact Assessment ToRs and ESIA reports, develop project approval terms and conditions, develop and monitor project auditing conditions, and recommend courses of action to the Director. The National Council for the Environment (NCE) was established under Section 10 of the Act. The composition includes all Principal Secretaries from different Ministries. The NCE receives ESIA reports that have been reviewed and approved by TCE and recommends them for approval to Minister responsible for Environment. Other roles of the NCE include: i. advise the Minister on all matters and issues affecting the protection and management of the environment and the conservation and sustainable utilization of natural resources; ii. recommend to the Minister measures necessary for the integration of environmental considerations in all aspects of economic planning and development; and iii. recommend to the Minister measures necessary for the harmonization of activities, plans and policies of lead agencies and non-governmental organizations concerned with the protection and management of the environment and the conservation and sustainable utilization of natural resources.

4.5 Regulatory licences and approvals Regulatory licences and approvals needed for the proposed project to ensure that it is in line with sound environmental management practices and is in compliance with relevant existing legislation include: i. Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Approval as stipulated by the Environment Management Act (2017). The approval will be granted by the Environmental Affairs Department; ii. Workplace Registration Certificate during construction as stipulated by Occupation Safety and Health Act in line with Part II, Section 6. This certificate will be issued by Department of Occupation Safety and Health; and iii. Water Abstraction Permit as stipulated by Part V of Section 39 of the Water Resources Act (2013).

Chapter 5: Public Consultations

5.1 Purpose of holding public Consultations The ESIA process typically involves consultations with members of the public i.e. individuals, community and business leaders, elected officials, and non- governmental organizations, government officials etc. These people are consulted because they are usually “stakeholders” in that they can have a “stake” in a project. For example, a project may provide opportunities for employment and sales of goods and services, it may displace them from their homes, or it may create noise and pollution which can affect their health.

During the ESIA study for Matoponi a number of consultations were held both at Central, District and Community levels. The objectives of engaging stakeholders during the ESIA process include the following:

 Informing stakeholders about the project: Consultation meetings with various stakeholders will be undertaken and will continue to take place to ensure that stakeholders are well informed about the Project. This engagement with stakeholders will be in an open, inclusive and transparent manner.

 Involving stakeholders in the assessment: stakeholders will be included in the scoping of issues, the identification of impacts, the generation of mitigation and management measures. Stakeholders will also play an important role in providing local knowledge and information as baseline data that will inform the impact assessment.

 Building relationships: through supporting open dialogue, engagement helps establish and maintain a productive relationship between the ESIA team and stakeholders.

 Engaging vulnerable groups: an open and inclusive approach to consultation increases the opportunity of stakeholders to provide comments on the Project and to voice out their concerns. Some stakeholders, however, need special attention during the consultation process due to their vulnerability. Special measures will be considered to ensure that the perspectives of vulnerable stakeholders are heard and considered.

 Ensuring compliance: The process is designed to ensure compliance with both local regulatory requirements and international requirement such as those from IFAD. One of the key outcomes of engagement should be free, prior and informed consultation of stakeholders.

Figures 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3 below show some of the consultation meetings that were held during the ESIA study. During the meetings people raised a lot of issues that have been included in the ESIA report.

Figure 5.1: Consultation meeting with members of Matoponi Irrigation Scheme

Figure 5.2: Consultation meeting with community leaders

Figure 5.3: Consultation with Vulnerable Groups (Women)

5.2 Stakeholder Engagement during the ESIA Process

5.2.1 Identification of Stakeholders Various stakeholder groups were identified following consultation processes with the Project Coordination Office and visitations to the project site and Zomba District Council. Table 5.1 presents categories of Stakeholder Groups that were identified during the ESIA process.

Table 5.1: Categories of Stakeholder Groups identified Stakeholder Stakeholder Groups Interest in the project Category

Government Environmental Affairs National government is Department (EAD); Department of primary importance of Irrigation; Department of in terms of establishing Water Resources; Department policy, granting permits of Museums and Monuments; or other approvals for District Environmental Sub- the Project, and committee for Zomba; and monitoring and regulatory bodies such as enforcing compliance National Water Resources with Malawian law Authority throughout all stages of the Project life-cycle. Traditional Chiefs and village heads Local community Authorities leaders, acting as representatives of their local community. Meetings with Traditional Authorities will follow local customs and will be held prior to any wider communication in local communities to respect the prevailing political and social structures. Communities Project affected Households and communities including communities that may people who own land in the be directly or indirectly Matoponi irrigation scheme affected by the project including surrounding villagers and its activities. Vulnerable Women and children Vulnerable groups may Groups headed households, be affected by the elderly, disabled, youth, project by virtue of their ethnic minorities, etc. physical disability, social or economic standing, limited education, and/or lack of access to land. Civil Society Associations, groups, Organizations with and NGOs community-based direct interest in the organizations (CBOs), project, and its social cultural groups and NGOs and environmental

Stakeholder Stakeholder Groups Interest in the project Category

aspects and that are able to influence the project directly or through public opinion. Such organizations may also have useful data and insight, and may be able to become partners to the project in areas of common interest. Commerce and Local businesses and Individuals or industry entrepreneurs affected by organizations with (including the potential social and/or direct economic interest media) environmental impacts, in the project. This may and potential suppliers and be through gaining contractors contracts with the project or due to economic impacts caused by the project.

During the public consultations process, individuals and groups who may be differentially or disproportionately affected by the Project because of their marginalised or vulnerable status were also consulted. These included women, people who are advanced in age and female-headed households.

5.2.2 Main issues raised during consultations As a result of engagement and consultations with the different stakeholders, a number of issues were identified and these have been taken into account in the preparation of the ESIA. A detailed list of stakeholders consulted to date is included as Annex 2 while Annex 3 provides main issues raised during consultations and how the issues have been incorporated in the ESIA process.

Chapter 6: Analysis of Project Alternatives The Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Study looked at a number of development scenarios for the proposed construction of Matoponi Irrigation Scheme. Based on the issues pertinent to each of the development scenarios, a preferred option was selected using professional judgment. The following development scenarios were considered: a) Do-nothing; and b) Development of the proposed irrigation schemes.

6.1 Do-nothing The ‘Do-Nothing’ option implies that the site for the proposed Matoponi Irrigation Scheme remains in its current state. This would mean that most people from the project area would practice rain-fed agriculture with some few people practicing irrigated agriculture due to limited amount of water in the scheme during dry season. This would negatively affect food security in the area. In addition, people would not have adequate farm produce to sell to enable them to have money to support their families.

However, by not developing Matoponi Irrigation Scheme there are some advantages as the anticipated negative impacts associated with the implementation of the project would not arise. The negative impacts include: siltation of water resources; increased land use conflicts; increased incidences of malaria and other water borne diseases; increased pest and disease infestation due to continual cropping; pollution of water resources and soils from agrochemicals; threat to vegetation and river bank destruction and increased incidences of HIV and AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

It should be noted that all the anticipated negative impacts that may arise due to implementation of Matoponi Irrigation scheme project are mitigatable. This Environmental and Social Impact Assessment study has proposed management measures that will either eliminate the negative impacts or reduce them to acceptable levels. Such being the case the ‘Do Nothing’ scenario was not a preferred option.

6.2 Develop the proposed irrigation scheme Development of the proposed irrigation scheme has both advantages and disadvantages as outlined below:

Advantages a) Increased agricultural productivity; b) Improved overall food security and livelihoods of the farmers and the people living near the irrigation scheme; c) Overall improvement of the social wellbeing and health of the people;

d) New opportunities to earn income from crop sales; e) Easy access to loans; f) Easy access to markets; g) Opening up of income generating activities including trade in agricultural inputs and produce; this will boost and develop the small and medium scale enterprise sector; h) Opportunities to continue learning and practicing improved agricultural methods and efficient utilization of farm inputs and natural resources such as land and water; and i) Increased involvement of the marginalized groups such as women to participate in farm related income generating activities and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the community and the country as a whole.

Disadvantages The development of the proposed irrigation scheme will introduce several negative environmental and social impacts such as siltation of water resources, increased land use conflicts, increased incidences of malaria and other water borne diseases, increased pest and disease infestation due to continual cropping, pollution of water resources and soils from agrochemicals, threat to vegetation and river bank destruction and increased incidences of HIV and AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Considering that the anticipated negative impacts can easily be mitigated with sound environmental and social management practices, development of the proposed irrigation scheme therefore is the preferred alternative based on the above outlined advantages.

6.2.1 Analysis of alternatives technologies A number of irrigation technologies that may be applicable to the scheme were reviewed as follows:

6.2.1.1 Irrigation technologies According to the system being proposed, there is a combination of technologies that were under consideration and these included motorised pumping and gravity fed irrigation. In the abstraction of water, motorised pumps were being proposed to pump water from the source to storage tanks which will then be gravitated though various levels of canals onto the fields. Key would be to understand the actual water application method at field level. The Feasibility Study Report did not narrow down to the actual water application method. However, depending on the type of crop, soil type and availability of water an appropriate water application method could be determined.

Some systems like drip Irrigation (localized irrigation) where water is directly applied to the crop roots would not be applicable because of the following reasons: i. It is very expensive to buy pipes and fittings to supply the whole area; ii. There could be limited capacity to maintain and replace malfunctioning parts; iii. There is limited pressure to ably command the supply from the canals to the fields among others. It however has the following advantages: i. There is minimal loss of water, therefore high application efficiency; ii. It not labour intensive. In this case, only surface application where water would be allowed to flow due to gravity through furrows would be the most appropriate means. This is called furrow irrigation where water channels are prepared in such a way that gravity plays the role of providing just enough water for suitable plants to grow. It is usually made by the planned placement of ridges and furrows. It is a kind of surface irrigation system. This technology has the advantage of being cheap because farmers do not use any technology to apply water hence no investments. The disadvantages include: i. It is labour intensive, because a farmer needs to control the water; ii. There are high water losses and therefore low application efficiency; Based on the prevailing conditions at the site, it would be recommended that furrow application be adopted. Some modifications could be done where some crops that grow in beds like vegetables could also be cultivated and just enough water is applied into the beds. However, there is a lot of soil movement due to opening and closing of furrows. This causes negative environmental impacts of in-canal soil loss, seepage, waterlogging conditions among others. Appropriate application would be key to solving these challenges and siphons could alternatively be used to take water from field canals to furrows and thereby reduce soil movement. The detailed design could evaluate the economic impacts and recommend the appropriate method.

6.2.1.2 Water Abstraction According to the Feasibility Study, alternatives for water abstraction were proposed and they included: Pumping and Channelization. These have been discussed in this section as follows: i. Pumping The Feasibility Report proposed that water abstraction for Matoponi Irrigation Scheme will be through two means namely pumping and channelization from the Shire River. The Feasibility study proposes 4 pumping stations and 4

80 channelization sources which would be alternating along the length of the site. The designing Engineer however, is proposing a centralized pumping system where only one pumping station would be used to supply water to two storage tanks to ably command supply to the entire area being proposed on 115 ha. The arrangement of power source for the pumping station proposed principally will be electricity from the National Grid with alternative power through diesel operated generators. It is however being proposed that the Project could resort to solar energy to further compliment the energy source. This option would ensure low expenditure on operation than the other sources. The advantages of Pumping include the following: i. It will allow for increasing the command area and can pump to push water to the highest point within the Irrigation site; ii. There is locally available capacity for maintenance and operation of the system; The disadvantages to pumping are the following: i. It is expensive compared to other means of abstraction in as far as operation is concerned and since there will be more than one source; ii. It requires more frequent maintenance compared to other means of water abstraction; iii. It has a negative environmental impact of emission of gases into the atmosphere especially when using diesel powered pumps. However, it is proposed that the pumps that will be used will be electric pumps powered by solar panels, with grid electricity as a backup. ii. Channelization The other alternative being proposed is abstraction of water from the Shire River though a series of excavated earth channels to act as a streams which bring water closer to the fields. For Matoponi however, the channels run into the scheme area but do not go far owing to topographic limitations since they depend on gravity. Water in this method could be taken through either simple diversion or using small people propelled pumps e.g. treadle pumps. This means was proposed because it has the following advantages: i. It is simple as it makes water readily available for utilisation; ii. It is operationally cheap as there is zero operational cost to the scheme management; It however has the following disadvantages: i. It has limitations in terms of the extent of coverage since it depends on gravity and the terrain could be a limiting factor; ii. It is very expensive to construct since there will be several channels with different intake structures; iii. It can cause waterlogging conditions to surrounding fields;

iv. It requires land thereby reducing total area to be cultivated; v. There is a possibility of loss of water through evaporation since there would be a lot of standing water in the channel. The introduction of the solar powered source of energy in the system would help offset the channelization because solar water pumps: i. can feed power into the electricity grid, during power failures; ii. can also have low operating cost (no recurring cost for electricity or fuel); iii. they are low maintenance due to less moving parts of the pumps; iv. they are highly reliable in areas where other sources of energy are difficult to procure; v. They are eco-friendly as they do not release any kind of harmful gases thereby contributing positively to reducing environmental impacts. Of all the proposed alternative to water abstraction, pumping is the best means that should be adopted owing to its bigger coverage in terms of command area since it could pump to the highest area possible before gravitating to the fields. It could also be possible to harness the power sources (solar power for example) so that pumps operate for longer periods of time. In essence, abstraction can be easily optimised than channelization. The Design Engineer proposes against any use of channelization in the site and this would be agreeable in that the excavations in the site could be reduced and thereby reducing the environmental and economic impacts of channelization. 6.2.1.3 Storage and distribution The feasibility report proposed to have one storage pool and stilling basins at the end of the pipelines form the pumping station to reduce and dissipate energy before being conveyed into the system main canal. A new proposal however is being made to have two storage tanks to balance water supply regimes within the system; one in the northern and one in the southern sides of the Irrigation site. The two alternatives are being analysed below. i. Stilling basins The stilling basins have the following advantages:  They are comparatively cheap to construct in terms of finances and time;  They effectively reduce water energy to allow for normal flows in the canal;  They also allow for settling of suspended solids which may have passed through the pumping line; and  They are less laborious to clean and maintain. . The disadvantages include:  They do not allow for storage of water to be used in times when the pumps are down;

 They require manual operation and so they are comparatively labour intensive. ii. Storage and balancing tanks Storage tanks on the other side have the following advantages:  They would augment supply of water to the system when the pumping stations stop;  Being on some elevation, they have the potential to command a bigger area than was planned since the head is increased;  They are easier to operate;  They also help in dissipating energy from the pumping station before conveying through canals. The main disadvantages include the following:  They are difficult to clean and require more labour for maintenance;  They are comparatively expensive to erect; There are more advantages to using storage tanks since they are able to balance and augment the supply of water to the system even when there is water interruption from the intakes. It is therefore recommended to use storage tanks over stilling basins. This would bring about positive impacts in that water would be available for irrigation more than it would be if stilling basins were used. In essence, storage tanks are bringing positive social impacts in that they are less labour intensive and allow for longer hours of water supply into the system. 6.2.1.4 Conveyance The only means of conveyance that has been proposed are canals. There have been no suggestions to any alternatives to the canals for this irrigation site in terms of location and materials. From the specifications, it is recommended that the main and secondary canals be lined to avoid loss of water. However, if the canals were not lined, there would be water losses through seepage, water theft, evapotranspiration (since there would be likelihood of plant infestations) among others. Lining the canals also has the advantage of preventing water theft within the system for farmers close to the canal (since appropriate distribution boxes would be included at predetermined intervals), reduces losses through seepage, and prevents energy losses among others. Surrounding communities, during public consultations on the project, observed that implementation of the project would increase risks of crocodile attacks. As one of the mitigation measures it was recommended that the canals should have grids at intervals that would limit the passage of crocodiles to the farms. Further, farmers recommended the installation of pipes in areas close to the intake point rather than construction of canals to further limit the passage of crocodiles to upland.

6.2.2 Analysis of alternative irrigation sites The proposed development of Matoponi Irrigation Scheme follows feasibility studies that were carried out for several sites. The outcome of the studies revealed that the proposed site for Matoponi Irrigation Scheme is suitable. The factors that were considered included analysis of soil type, analysis of water quality; analysis of quantity of water/water availability, among other factors. In addition, the road network was good so is access to market to sell farm produce.

Chapter 7: Impact Identification and Analysis

7.1 Impact identification The construction of Matoponi Irrigation Scheme is expected to generate a wide range of impacts in the project impact area. Some of the impacts are expected to be positive while others will be negative. The impacts will have a bearing on the biophysical and socio-economic environment. The main purpose of this Chapter therefore is to identify the potential environmental and social impacts that will be associated with the construction of Matoponi Irrigation Scheme, assess their extent and significance and propose measures to manage them. Specifically, this Chapter aims at: a) Identifying potential environmental and social impacts arising from implementation of the proposed project activities; b) Assessing the possible extent/severity of the predicted impacts (both positive and negative); c) Assessing the significance of the predicted impacts; and d) Recommending measures for managing the anticipated impacts.

7.1.1 Methodology of impact identification The methodology adopted for impact prediction mainly considered the impacts at various phases of the project and the activities to be undertaken at each phase. The impacts were identified by considering project inputs, activities and outputs in all the project phases and how these would impact on the environment and the people. A step-by-step approach was taken to identify the potential impacts as follows: Step1: Assessment of baseline conditions The purpose of assessing baseline conditions was to understand the existing situation as this is the basis for determining changes that may occur as a result of the proposed project.

Step 2: Examination of project inputs associated with the proposed project Project inputs such as project machinery were examined to determine the potential changes and impacts on the biophysical, social and cultural environment that would be created through the application and use of project inputs.

Step 3: Examination of project activities that will be undertaken Project activities were examined to identify the impacts that the activities would bring on the biophysical and socio-economic environment.

Step 4: Examination of project outputs associated with the proposed project Project outputs were examined to determine the potential changes and impacts that would happen through the delivery of project outputs.

Step 5: Determination of environmental impacts A combination of techniques was used to isolate the impacts as well as the causes and sources of the impacts. A Leopold matrix was used to identify direct potential environmental impacts that can arise from the project. A combination of professional judgment and expert consultation was used to identify both the direct and indirect impacts on the biophysical, social and cultural environment. Table 7.1 outlines the identified impacts.

Table 7.1: Impacts identified Phase Impact/ Environmental Source of Impact Component Impact a) Positive Impacts

Socio-economic Creation of Feasibility studies and employment ESIA studies.

b) Negative Impacts Socio-economic Anxiety on loss of land Presence of people doing surveying, ESIA Studies Planning Phase and other related studies in the project area during the planning phase will bring anxiety on loss of land to people in the project area.

a) Positive Impacts Socio-economic Creation of Construction of the impacts employment irrigation scheme and ancillary structure. Skills transfer to the Construction of the local people irrigation scheme and other support infrastructure.

Construction Phase

Phase Impact/ Environmental Source of Impact Component Impact Increased economic Influx of people to the activities within the project area in search of project area employment. Creation of market for Construction activities goods and services b) Negative Impacts

Flora and fauna Loss of vegetation Land clearing to pave way for construction activities Disruption of animal Land clearing to pave habitats way for the construction activities Air Dust emission Increased dust emission from bulk earth works, land clearing, excavation and moving vehicles

Land Creation of borrow pits Extraction of fill materials Erosion Land clearing for construction activities will increase risks of erosion Generation of From construction construction waste activities Generation of solid Construction camp waste

Water Increased risk of water From construction pollution materials, engine oil spill, dust settling on water bodies and human excreta (from workers) Noise Increased noise levels From civil works in the area equipment, heavy machinery and movement of vehicles Socio-economic Social disruption and Influx of job seekers impacts family instabilities into the project area

Phase Impact/ Environmental Source of Impact Component Impact Risk of increased Influx of job seekers to incidences of STIs the area and resultant including HIV and interactions between AIDS workers and community; and Increased income from employment inducing immoral behaviour Increased risk of Child Engagement of under labour aged people by contractor Increased risk of Influx of people in criminal activities search for employment and business opportunities Increased risk of Increased economic Gender Based Violence activities in the project (GBV) area may subject some women to GBV Increased risk of Some men working Sexual Exploitation under the Contractor and Abuse (SEA) may ask for sex from women in exchange for employment Increased risk of Contractor working on exploitation of the scheme labourers Potential risk of Excavation activities destruction of cultural heritage sites Occupational Health and Safety Accidents and injuries Safety and Health hazards from the use of construction machinery and vehicles.

a) Positive Impacts Socio-economic Improved crop Irrigation Scheme will

impacts production make water available for cultivation throughout the year

Operation Phase

Phase Impact/ Environmental Source of Impact Component Impact Improved community Money from the sale of economic farm produce will empowerment empower people economically Improved nutrition Food availability in the status of surrounding project area is likely people due to going to improve availability of food nutrition status of people Linkage of farmers to The project will link markets farmers to markets Skills transfer to The project will train farmers in value chain farmers in value chain addition, GAPs, and addition, GAPs, and water saving water saving technologies. technologies b) Negative Impacts Socio-economic Increased risk of child Engagement of under- labour aged children to assist in farming activities as a way of getting cheap labour Increased risk of Engagement of School disruption of children’s going children to assist education in farming activities during school period Reduced access to Limited access to areas grazing and drinking that used to be grazing areas for livestock and drinking areas for livestock Increased risk of crop Proximity of scheme to damage by Shire River which is Hippopotamus infested by Hippopotamus Water Increased risk of water Application of pollution by agrochemicals such as agrochemicals and fertilisers, pesticides, human excreta herbicides and human excreta Health and Safety Increased risk of Proximity to Shire River crocodile attacks which is heavily infested by crocodiles

Phase Impact/ Environmental Source of Impact Component Impact Increased risk of water Stagnant water in the related diseases such canals as malaria and bilharzia Risk of increased Influx of people in the incidences of STIs project area because of including HIV and project activities AIDS Increased risk of Irrigation Canals drowning by children and livestock Land Increased risk of Frequent application of salinization chemical fertilisers Climate Change Decreased amount of Effects of climate rainfall change Prolonged periods of Effects of climate dry spell change Flooding in some years Effects of climate change

a) Positive Impacts Environment Cleaner environment Cessation of the construction activities and removal of construction waste etc. Noise Reduced noise levels Cessation of the construction activities and removal of machinery and equipment such as caterpillars, graders etc.

Health and Safety Reduced exposure of Cessation of project workers and public to operation health and safety risks arising from use construction machinery and dust Air Reduced dust emission Cessation of the construction activities b) Negative Impacts

Demobilisation Phase

Phase Impact/ Environmental Source of Impact Component Impact Socio-economic Loss of employment Cessation of construction activities Loss of income by Cessation of goods and service construction activities providers Generation of Demolition of demolition waste Construction Camp

7.2 Analysis of Predicted Impacts After identifying the positive and negative environmental impacts Matoponi Irrigation Scheme will have on the environment and social lives of people, further analysis was conducted to determine the extent and significance of the impacts. The aspects that were considered were magnitude, significance, probability of occurrence and duration of impacts which are explained below:

7.2.1 Approach and Methodology of Impact Analysis Impact analysis was undertaken by examining the impacts based on the following: a) The impacts were examined in terms of probability of occurrence; b) The impacts were examined in terms of magnitude; c) The impacts were examined in terms of duration; and d) The impacts were examined in terms of significance.

7.2.1.1 Magnitude Magnitude is a measure of the general degree, extensiveness, or scale of impacts. The magnitude was scored at three levels i.e. local level, regional level and national level.

7.2.2.2 Probability of occurrence Provides an estimate of the probability of an impact occurring before mitigation is applied. The impacts were considered as: a) Possible (impact may occur but it is not probable); b) Probable (the impact is very likely to occur); and c) Definite (impact is unavoidable).

7.2.2.3 Duration Refers to the period of time over which an impact may occur, from once-off to continuous for the life of the project. Duration of impacts was considered in terms

91 of the following criteria: Short term (less than 5 years); Medium term (between 5 and 10 years) and Long term (over 10 years).

7.2.2.4 Significance Significance is a measure of the importance of a particular action on the environmental factor in the specific instance under consideration. This will be scored using colours for both positive and negative impacts. Red colour represents negative impacts while the green colour represents the positive impacts. The assessment of the significance level was done before the implementation of the mitigation measures.

The intensity of the colour will represent the severity of the impacts as presented in Figure 7.1 below.

Figure 7.1: Severity of impacts

Negative Significance Positive

Negligible

Low

Moderate

High

Table 7.2: Impact scoring matrix with significance levels Environmental Impact Probability of Duration of Magnitude of Significance of Occurrence impact impact impact

Planning Phase Positive Impacts Creation of employment Definite Short term National level

Negative Impact Anxiety on loss of land Definite Short term Local Level

Construction Phase

Positive impacts

Creation of employment Definite Short term National level

Skills transfer to local Definite Long term Local level people Increased economic Definite Long term Local level activities within the project area Creation of market for Definite Short term Local level and goods and services National level Source of Government Definite Short term National level revenue through taxes

Negative impacts Loss of Vegetation Possible Short term Local level Disruption of animal Possible Short term Local level habitats

Environmental Impact Probability of Duration of Magnitude of Significance of Occurrence impact impact impact

Increased risk of air Possible Short term Local level pollution caused by dust Creation of borrow pits Possible Short term Local level Increased risk of soil Probable Long term Local level erosion Generation of solid waste Probable Short term Local level including construction waste Increased risk of water Probable Long term Local level pollution Increased noise levels in Possible Short term Local level the area Social disruption and Possible Short term Local level family instabilities Risk of increased Possible Long term Local and National incidences of STIs level including HIV and AIDS Increased risk of Child Possible Short term Local level labour Increased risk of criminal Possible Short term Local level activities Increased risk of Gender Possible Short term Local level Based Violence (GBV) Increased risk of Sexual Possible Short term Local level Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) Health and Safety Possible Short term Local level hazards

Environmental Impact Probability of Duration of Magnitude of Significance of Occurrence impact impact impact

Increased risk of labour Possible Short term Local, regional and exploitation national level Potential risk of Possible Short term Local level destruction of cultural heritage sites

Operation and maintenance Phase

Positive impacts

Improved crop Definite Long term Local level production Improved community Definite Long term Local level economic empowerment Improved nutrition status Definite Long term Local level of surrounding people due to availability of food Linkage of farmers to Definite Long term Regional level markets Skill transfer to farmers Definite Long term Local level in value chain addition, GAPs, and water saving technologies.

Negative impacts Increased risk of child Possible Long term Local level labour

Environmental Impact Probability of Duration of Magnitude of Significance of Occurrence impact impact impact

Increased risk of Possible Long term Local level disruption of Children’s education Reduced access to Possible Long term Local level grazing and drinking areas for livestock Increased risk of water Possible Long term Local level pollution by agrochemicals Increased risk of Possible Long term Local level crocodile attacks Increased risk of water Possible Long term Local level related diseases such as malaria and bilharzia Risk of increased Possible Long term Local level incidences of STIs including HIV and AIDS Increased risk of Possible Long term Local level salinization Increased risk drowning Possible Long term Local level by children and livestock Increased risk of crop Possible Long term Local level damage by hippopotamuses Effects of climate change Possible Long term Local level

Demobilisation Phase Positive impacts

Environmental Impact Probability of Duration of Magnitude of Significance of Occurrence impact impact impact

Cleaner environment Definite Long term Local level Reduced noise levels Definite Long term Local level Reduced exposure of Definite Long term Local level workers and public to health and safety risks arising from use of construction machinery and dust Reduced dust emission Definite Long term Local level

Negative Impacts Loss of employment Definite Long term Local and National level Loss of income by goods Definite Long term Local and National and service providers level Generation of demolition Probable Short term Local level waste

From the impact scoring matrix, the probability of occurrence for most of the positive impacts is definite and duration is long-term with significance ranging from high to moderate. All the Negative impacts that are anticipated from the implementation of Matoponi Irrigation Scheme are mitigatable and their duration is generally short term with some having long term duration. Most of the negative impacts have low significance with some of negligible significance. This means that the project is environmentally and socio-economically sound. However, in order to maximize the project benefits, the developer will be required to mitigate the negative impacts and enhance the positive ones. The sections which follow provide the proposed management measures of negative and positive impacts.

7.3 Evaluation of main impacts and their management measures

7.3.1 Planning Phase

7.3.1.1 Positive impacts i. Creation of employment Cause and comment: During the planning phase of the project, consultants will be engaged to do Feasibility and ESIA Studies and other related studies. These studies will create employment to people. Enhancement measure: As an enhancement measure, the following should be implemented: a) Ensure that Consultants that are engaged to do different types of studies should include at least 50% Malawians as part of their personnel.

7.3.1.2 Negative impacts i. Anxiety on loss of land Cause and comment: Presence of people doing surveying, ESIA Studies and other related studies in the project area during the planning phase will bring anxiety on loss of land to people in the project area. Mitigation measure: As a mitigation measure, it is recommended that PRIDE should: a) Conduct sensitisation to surrounding communities.

7.3.2 Construction Phase 7.3.2.1 Positive impacts from Construction Phase i. Creation of employment Cause and comment: Construction activities of the Matoponi Irrigation Scheme will employ about 100 people mainly from the project area out of which 30

98 percent will be women. This will create employment to surrounding communities and people from other parts of the country. Enhancement measure: As an enhancement measure, the Contractor for the construction works should: a) Engage 80% of the labour force from surrounding communities. Only when required skilled workforce are not locally available, recruiting people from other parts of the country can be considered. ii. Increased economic activities within the project area Cause and Comment: The impact is likely to be caused by people working on the project during construction and thus creating demand for various goods such as food from the local communities. People from local communities will likely be engaged in small scale businesses such as selling of food items and many other commodities. Enhancement measures: a) Designate an appropriate site within the project area for selling of food items by local communities. iii. Skills transfer to local communities Cause and Comment: The Contractor will employ people from the surrounding villages during construction phase to facilitate the transfer of skills in construction and other trades. Enhancement measures: The Contractor should a) Engage at least 80% of the labour force from the surrounding communities. iv. Source of Government revenue through taxes Cause and Comment: Through the implementation of this project Government will benefit through taxes. Consultants and Contractors that will be engaged will pay different types of taxes to government and these will include Pay-As-You- Earn, Withholding Taxes, Value Added Taxes etc. Enhancement Measures: a) Remit taxes to Malawi Revenue Authority on time v. Creation of market for goods and services Cause and Comment: The implementation of Matoponi Irrigation Scheme is likely going to create market for goods and services. People around the project area will have an opportunity to supply construction materials and provide some services such as cleaning, catering or security services to the contractor.

Enhancement Measures: a) Give priority to surrounding communities when awarding contracts to supply construction materials or providing various services;

7.3.2.2 Negative impacts from Construction Phase i. Loss of vegetation Cause and Comment: There will be loss of vegetation during construction of the proposed irrigation scheme. Vegetation will be cleared to pave way for construction activities which will mostly include grass, shrubs and climbers with very few trees. Natural vegetation in the project area is already disturbed by human activities. Mitigation measures: as mitigation measures, the following are proposed: a) Remove vegetation within demarcated areas only; b) Plant trees and grass on bare areas; c) Hold environmental awareness discussions with employees and community members to protect flora and fauna in the project impact area; and d) Develop environmental rules and regulations for contractors to protect flora and fauna; ii. Disruption of animal habitats Cause and Comment: Clearance of vegetation to pave way for construction activities will disturb natural habitat for some animals especially reptiles and amphibians and some small mammals such as rodents. Mitigation measures: as mitigation measures, the following are proposed: a) Remove vegetation within demarcated areas only; b) Hold environmental awareness discussions with employees and community members to protect flora and fauna in the project impact area; and c) Develop environmental rules and regulations for contractors to protect flora and fauna. iii. Increased risk of air pollution caused by dust Cause and Comment: Excavation of soil and gravel material and speeding construction vehicles are likely going to cause some dust during the construction phase of the project. The impact is negative and localised and will take place during the construction phase only.

Mitigation measures: as mitigation measures, the following are proposed: a) Suppress dust by sprinkling water to gravel or any loose soil materials; and

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b) Set speed limits for construction vehicles. iv. Increased risk of Soil erosion Cause and Comment: Clearing of vegetation to pave way for construction activities is likely going to leave the soils bare. This may result into soil erosion which can contribute to sedimentation of surrounding water bodies including Shire River if there is no proper care.

Mitigation measures: a) Remove vegetation within demarcated areas only; b) Develop environmental rules and regulations for contractors to protect flora and fauna; and c) Plant trees and grass in areas that have no vegetative cover to minimise erosion. v. Creation of borrow pits Cause and comment: Excavation works and extraction of fill materials are likely going to create some borrow pits that may pose a safety and health risk to surrounding communities. Mitigation measures: As mitigation measures, the developer shall: a) Rehabilitate all borrow pits progressively during construction phase by backfilling and revegetating bare areas; b) Sensitise community about the risk of drowning; and c) Fence off borrow areas that fill with water to prevent access. vi. Generation of solid waste including construction rabble Cause and comment: Workers from construction camp will generate waste which needs to be properly disposed. In addition, construction activities will generate construction waste that may include unused cement mortar, broken bricks, stones etc. All this waste needs to be properly handled and disposed of. Mitigation measures: As mitigation measures, the developer shall: a) Segregate general waste from hazardous waste and provide separate waste receptacle for each category and label them. Littering on site will be forbidden and offenders will be penalised; b) Properly dispose of ‘hazardous waste’ such as hydrocarbon containers, oily rags, soil contaminated with hydrocarbons at designated places. This should be done in liaison with Environmental District Officer for Zomba; c) Use some construction waste such as construction rubble and excavated soils to backfill borrow pits created during construction phase; d) Civic educate workers to ‘Reduce’, ‘Re-use’ and ‘Recycle’ waste; and

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e) Allow communities to collect and use some construction waste such as wooden pallets, scrap metal, wire and piping offcuts, etc. vii. Increased risk of water pollution Cause and Comment: Waste from construction materials, engine oil spill, and human excreta (from workers) has potential to pollute surrounding water bodies including Shire River. Mitigation measures: As mitigation measures, the contractor should do the following: a) Construct temporary toilets and ensure workers use them properly; b) Sensitize all workers on observance of good hygiene; c) Avoid disposing of waste (including used oils) into surrounding water bodies or channels; d) Properly maintain all construction machinery to ensure that there is no oil spillage; and e) Properly dispose of waste. viii. Increased risk of noise pollution in the project area Cause and comment: Construction machinery including vehicles are likely going to increase noise levels in the area thereby disturbing people. Noise levels higher than 80db have potential to affect hearing capability of some individuals. Mitigation measures: Mitigation measures for the impact include a) Use of well serviced machinery during the construction period; b) Fit silencer to exhaust system of heavy machinery; and c) Provide appropriate protective wear e.g. ear muffles to operators of noisy machinery. d) Limit hours of working to 7.30 am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday and 800pm to 12pm on Saturdays. ix. Social disruption and family instabilities Cause and comment: There is likely to be an influx of people in the project area in search for employment and business opportunities. Some people will come from different cultural and social background. These people will have potential to disrupt the existing cultural and social life of the project area. Further, there is potential that workers for the contractor may coax members of opposite sex with money thereby bringing instabilities in some families. Mitigation measures: Mitigation measures for the impact include a) Recruit 80% of the labour force from the surrounding communities to reduce influx of migrant workers; b) Ensure that people are employed from a central point rather than employing them at the gate to further minimise the influx of people seeking for employment; and

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c) Develop a ‘Code of Conduct’ for all workers and Contractor. x. Risk of increased incidences of STIs including HIV and AIDS Cause and comment: There is likely to be an influx of people in the project area in search for employment and business opportunities. Interactions between migrant workers and or migrant business people has potential to increase incidences of HIV and AIDS. Mitigation measures: Mitigation measures for the impact include d) Recruit 80% of the labour force from the surrounding communities to reduce influx of migrant workers; e) Provide workers with free condoms; f) Provide Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials on HIV and AIDS to workers and surrounding communities xi. Increased risk of Child labour Cause and comment: There is potential that the Contractor may engage under- aged people (aged below 18) to work on the irrigation scheme. This will be in contravention of legislation for labour for Malawi. Mitigation measures: Mitigation measures for the impact include a) Employ people that are aged 18 and above in accordance with labour laws in Malawi. xii. Increased risk of criminal activities Cause and comment: The influx of people in the project area in search for employment and business opportunities has a potential to increase criminal activities in the project area. Mitigation measures: Mitigation measures for the impact include a) Recruit 80% of the labour force from the surrounding communities to reduce influx of migrant workers; b) Strengthen community policing in the project area; and c) Sensitise local communities and migrant workers against criminal activities. xiii. Increased risk of Gender Based Violence (GBV) Cause and comment: Increased economic activities in the project area may subject some women to GBV. Victims of GBV working under the project will have to use Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) for the project to report such cases (Annex 6). Cases of GBV that are criminal in nature have to be reported to the nearest Police Station. Mitigation measures: Mitigation measures for the impact include

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a) Recruit 80% of the labour force from the surrounding communities to reduce influx of migrant workers; b) Develop a ‘Code of Conduct’ for all workers and Contractor; c) Sensitise all workers and surrounding communities against SEA and GBV; and d) Develop and use community level GRM where grievances related to GBV and SEA will be reported. xiv. Increased risk of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) Cause and comment: Some men working under the Contractor may ask for sex from women in exchange for employment. The Contractor that will be engaged for construction works will have to be warned against this malpractice. Victims of SEA will be required to report such incidences. Mitigation measures: Mitigation measures for the impact include a) Develop a ‘Code of Conduct’ for all workers and Contractor; b) Sensitise all workers against SEA and GBV; and c) Develop and Use community level GRM where grievances related to GBV and SEA will be reported. xv. Health and Safety Hazards Cause and comment: There are likely going to be accidents and injuries that will arise from the use of construction machinery and speeding construction vehicles. Some safety risks may come from existence of un-rehabilitated borrow pits created by the project activities. Mitigation measures: Mitigation measures for the impact include a) Provide First Aid Kit to Workers; b) Provide appropriate PPE to workers and ensure that they are being used correctly; c) Provide warning signs in areas that have potential for accidents; and d) Provide speed limits for construction vehicles. xvi. Increased risk of exploitation of labourers Cause and comment: Some contractors have a tendency of hiring labourers and paying them less wages than minimum wages recommended by Government and making the workers to work more than the required number of hours. Often times these Contractors engage labourers without signing contracts.

Mitigation measures: Mitigation measures for the impact include a) Sensitise workers on the minimum wages recommended by Government and required number of working hours per day; b) Establish workers’ Grievance Redress Mechanism Committee to handle workers’ grievances; and c) Ensure that all contractors have signed contracts with their workers.

104 xvii. Potential risk of destruction of cultural heritage sites Cause and Comment: Excavation activities at Matoponi Irrigation Scheme have potential to destroy cultural heritage sites including archaeological materials.

Mitigation measures: Mitigation measures for the impact include a) Carry out subsurface investigations once excavation activities reveal existence of archaeological and cultural remains as stipulated by Monuments and Relics Act of 1990; b) Delineate all known cultural heritage sites and by pass them when doing construction activities; and c) The irrigation scheme design should allow access to cultural heritage sites.

7.3.3 Operation and Maintenance Phase

7.3.3.1 Positive impacts i. Increased crop production Cause and comment: The availability of water for irrigation will make farmers to cultivate more than twice a year. This is likely going to increase crop production in the project area. Enhancement measures: As enhancement measures, the following are proposed: a) Use of water saving irrigation technologies to ensure that there is efficiency in the use of water; and b) Use improved hybrid seeds to maximise productivity. ii. Increased economic empowerment of local communities Cause and Comment: The impact is likely to occur as a result of people selling farm produce from irrigated agriculture. Enhancement measures: As enhancement measures, a) Train irrigation farmers on good agriculture practices (GAPs) as a way of empowering them economically. iii. Improved nutrition status of surrounding people due to availability of food Cause and comment: Increased food availability in the project area is likely going to improve nutrition status of people. Enhancement measures: a) Encourage farmers to plant different types of crops; and b) Train irrigation farmers on good agriculture practices (GAPs).

105 iv. Linkage of farmers to markets Cause and Comment: The Department of Irrigation through PRIDE will link framers to different markets. This will enable the farmers to sell their produce at good prices. Enhancement measures: a) Identify good markets for farmers so that farm produce is sold at a profit as this will incentivise farmers to cultivate more crops; and b) Assist farmers to form cooperatives. v. Skill transfer to farmers in value chain addition, GAPs, and water saving technologies. Cause and Comment: The Department of Irrigation through PRIDE will engage different consultants that will train farmers through WUA good agricultural practices, water saving irrigation technologies and value chain addition. Enhancement measures: a) Facilitate the formation of farmer field schools through which farmers will learn GAPs, water saving irrigation technologies and value chain addition.

7.3.3.2 Negative impacts from operation and maintenance phase i. Increased risk of child labour Cause and comment: The impact will come about through the engagement of under-aged children to assist in farming activities as a way of getting cheap labour. Enhancement measures: Mitigation measures for this impact include a) Engage people who are aged 18 and above to provide labour in farming activities; and b) Sensitise farmers in the irrigation scheme on dangers of engaging under aged people. ii. Increased risk of disruption of Children’s education Cause and comment: Engagement of school-going children to assist in farming activities during ‘school period’ may disrupt their education. Children usually miss classes and or come to school late and exhausted after their engagement in farming activities as a consequence they fail to concentrate in class thereby negatively affecting their performance. Mitigation measures: As mitigation measure, the contractor will: c) Sensitise parents on importance of their children’s education; and d) Develop bylaws on the engagement of children in farming activities to deter some parents from disturbing their children’s education.

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iii. Reduced access to grazing and drinking areas for livestock Cause and Comment: The construction of the irrigation scheme will provide limited access to areas that were used for grazing and drinking by livestock. An alternative place or places have to be identified for that purpose(s). Mitigation measures: As mitigation measures, the developer will: a) Identify alternative sites for drinking and grazing. iv. Increased risk of pollution of water by agrochemicals and human excreta Cause and Comment: Use of agrochemicals (fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides) and human excreta has potential to cause water pollution. Mitigation Measures: Mitigation measures for this negative impact include a) Construct toilets in the scheme for use by farmers; b) Provide portable water to farmers by constructing boreholes; c) Promote Integrated Pest Management (IPM); d) Improve tail water management by allowing re-use of irrigation water through the use of a tail water recovery system; e) Improve water use efficiency to reduce the discharge volume of tail water from the system; f) Restrict the use of pesticides to those recommended by Pesticides Control Board; and g) Promote the use of organic farming. v. Increased risk of crocodile attacks Cause and Comment: Shire River which is the sources of Matoponi Irrigation Scheme is one of the rivers that is highly infested by crocodiles in Malawi. The proximity of Matoponi Irrigation Scheme to Shire River poses a great risk to people that will be cultivating in the scheme as they will be susceptible to crocodile attacks. Mitigation Measures: Mitigation measures for this negative impact include a) Use pipes in areas that are closer to the River (Shire) so as to limit passage of crocodiles from the River; b) Install gates/grills to limit passage of crocodiles in areas where canals have been used; c) Encourage farmers to clear bush around their plots to deter crocodiles from hiding in such places. vi. Increased risk of water related diseases such as malaria and bilharzia Cause and Comment: Stagnant water in the irrigation canals can create favourable conditions for the growth and proliferation of disease vectors such as mosquitoes and Bilharzia causing snails.

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Mitigation measures: Mitigation measures for this impact include a) Ensure that water does not stagnate by properly designing the canals; b) Encourage farmers to wear PPE when working in water logged areas especially during rice farming; and c) Encourage surrounding communities to sleep under insecticide treated mosquito nets which can be bought from local shops as well as accessing them from health facilities including antenatal clinics. vii. Risk of increased incidences of HIV and AIDS including STIs Cause and comment: There is likely to be an influx of people in the project area in search for employment and business opportunities. Interactions between migrant workers and or migrant business people have potential to increase incidences of HIV and AIDS. Mitigation measures: Mitigation measures for the impact include a) Recruit 80% of the labour force from the surrounding communities to reduce influx of migrant workers; b) Provide workers with free condoms; and c) Provide Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials on HIV and AIDS to workers and surrounding communities. viii. Increased risk of drowning in canals by children and livestock Cause and comment: The construction of canals will increase risks of drowning by children and livestock in the project area. There is need therefore to put measures to reduce these risks.

Mitigation measures: Mitigation measures for the impact include a) Service irrigation plots located close to residential areas through pipes not open canals; b) Sensitise parents to discourage their children from swimming in the canals; and c) Draft bylaws discouraging children from swimming in the canals. ix. Increased risk of crop damage by Hippopotamuses Cause and comment: The proximity of Matoponi Irrigation Scheme to Shire River poses a risk of crop damage by Hippopotamuses which have infested Shire River.

Mitigation measures: Mitigation measures for the impact include a) Provide live fencing to plots that are close to the Shire River; and b) Provide a buffer Zone between the plots and Shire River.

108 x. Increased risk of salinization Cause and comment: Continuous application of fertilisers to crops in the irrigation scheme may increase the risk of salinization. Mitigation measures: Mitigation measures for the impact include a) Increased use of water from Shire River to leach salts from the soils; and b) Cultivate crops that can easily absorb the salts such as bananas etc. xi. Effects of climate change Cause and comment: Downscaled GCM have predicted that Matoponi Irrigation Scheme will generally experience reduced rainfalls, prolonged dry spells and flooding in some years. These will have a bearing on the type of crops that farmers should cultivate; infrastructure to be constructed; and amount of water to be used for irrigation. Mitigation measures: Mitigation measures for the impact include a) Plant drought resilient crops; b) Design of flood resilient facilities and infrastructure; c) Make drought or flood Early warning systems accessible by farmers.

7.3.4 Demobilisation Phase

7.3.4.1 Positive impacts i. Cleaner environment Cause and Comment: The cessation of construction works and demolition of construction camps will lead to cleaner environment in the project area. This impact is positive and significant.

Enhancement measures: Enhancement measures for this impact include a) Rehabilitating all borrow pits created during construction phase; and b) Remove vegetation within demarcated areas only.

ii. Reduced noise levels Cause and Comment: The cessation of construction works will lead to reduced noise levels as construction machinery will no longer be working on the site. Enhancement measures: a) Service all construction machinery for use in other projects elsewhere.

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iii. Reduced exposure of workers from public health and safety risks arising from construction activities

Cause and comments: The cessation of construction works will reduce exposure of workers from public health and safety risks arising from construction activities. Enhancement measure: a) Rehabilitating all borrow pits created during construction phase; b) Encourage surrounding communities to sleep under insecticide treated mosquito nets which can be bought from local shops as well as accessing them from health facilities including antenatal clinics.

7.3.4.2 Negative impacts during demobilisation phase i. Loss of employment Cause and Comment: The impact is likely to occur due to redundancy of workers at the end of construction period. This impact will certainly occur and reduce incomes for persons working at the project. Shortage of incomes would contribute to food insecurity within families. As mitigation measures: a) Give workers adequate notice on termination of employment; b) Provide appropriate terminal benefits to workers at the end of the construction period; and c) Pay workers all their dues to minimise wage disputes after termination of employment.

ii. Reduction of small-scale businesses within the project area Cause and Comment: The nature of the potential impact is negative, significant and localised. The impact is likely to be caused by redundancy of project workers leading to shortage of incomes within former workers. This in return will certainly lead to reduction of the majority of small scale businesses within the project impact area. As mitigation measures: As a mitigation measure, the contractor should a) Sensitise all service providers and traders on the duration of the construction so that they identify alternative markets.

iii. Increased generation of solid wastes Cause and Comment: The nature of the potential impact is negative, significant and localised. The impact is likely to be caused by demolition of temporary shelters and pit latrines as the construction period comes to an end. This will result into increased generation of solid waste within the project impact area.

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Mitigation Measures: a) Allow surrounding communities to collect the waste that they can reuse such as planks and iron sheets; b) Use construction rabble to rehabilitate borrow pits; and c) Remove and properly dispose of waste that cannot be reused or recycled.

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Chapter 8: Environmental and Social Management and Monitoring Plans

8.1 Environmental and Social Management Plan The Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) is an action plan that designates responsibilities and schedules of tasks to be followed during project implementation. Based on the potential significant impacts identified in Chapter Six, Table 8.1 below provides an Environmental and Social Management Plan for Matoponi Irrigation Scheme. The implementation of these activities may vary to suit changes that may be necessary as project implementation progresses. The plan provides a framework that will ensure that negative environmental and social impacts are minimized or where necessary avoided, and likewise, positive impacts are enhanced. In this regard, a certain amount of flexibility should be allowed to maximize benefits during implementation. Implementation of ESMP activities as well as those of the monitoring plan will require financial resources. The consultant used the universal 1% (Canter, 1995) of the project cost to calculate the amount of money to be set aside by Department of Irrigation through PRIDE for meeting the cost of implementing the proposed mitigation measures as well as monitoring activities that are currently not included in the project cost.

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Table 8.1: Proposed Environmental and Social Management Plan for Matoponi Irrigation Scheme

Item Potential Mitigation/Enhancement Timeframe Responsibility for Estimated No. Impact Measure implementation of Budget measures (MK) Planning Phase Positive Impacts 1 Creation of  Ensure that Consultants During Planning Phase DoI N/A employment that are engaged to do different types of studies should include more than 50% Malawians as part of their personnel. Negative Impacts 1 Anxiety on loss  Conduct sensitisation to During Planning Phase DoI 500,000 of land surrounding communities.

Construction Phase Positive Impacts 1 Creation of  Engage 80% of the labour During Construction Contractor N/A employment force from the Phase surrounding communities. Only when required skilled workforce are not locally available, recruiting people from other parts of the country can be considered. 2 Increased  Designate an appropriate During Construction Contractor N/A economic site within the project Phase activities within area for selling of food the project area items by local communities.

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Item Potential Mitigation/Enhancement Timeframe Responsibility for Estimated No. Impact Measure implementation of Budget measures (MK) Skills transfer to  Engage 80% of the labour During Construction Contractor N/A 3 local community force people from the Phase surrounding communities. 4 Creation of  Give priority to During Construction Contractor N/A market for good surrounding communities Phase and services (Over 50%) when awarding contracts to supply construction materials or providing various services;

5 Government  Remit taxes to MRA During Construction Contractor N/A revenue through timely Phase taxes

Negative Impacts 1 Loss of  Remove vegetation within During Construction Contractor 1,000,000 vegetation demarcated areas only; Phase  Plant trees and grass on bare areas;  Hold environmental awareness discussions with employees and community members to protect flora and fauna in the project impact area; and  Develop environmental rules and regulations for contractors to protect flora and fauna.

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Item Potential Mitigation/Enhancement Timeframe Responsibility for Estimated No. Impact Measure implementation of Budget measures (MK) 2 Disruption of  Remove vegetation within During Construction Contractor Cost animal habitats demarcated areas only; Phase covered in 1  Hold environmental (above) awareness discussions with employees and community members to protect flora and fauna in the project impact area; and  Develop environmental rules and regulations for contractors to protect flora and fauna. 3 Increased risk of  Suppress dust by During Construction Contractor 500,000 air pollution sprinkling water to gravel Phase caused by dust or any loose soil materials; and  Set speed limits for construction vehicles. 4 Increased risk of  Develop environmental During Construction DoI Cost soil erosion rules and regulations for Phase covered contractors to protect above flora and fauna;  Remove vegetation within demarcated areas only; Contractor and  Plant trees and grass in areas that have no vegetative cover to minimise erosion. Contractor 5 Creation of  Rehabilitate all borrow During Construction Contractor 500,000 borrow pits pits progressively during Phase

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Item Potential Mitigation/Enhancement Timeframe Responsibility for Estimated No. Impact Measure implementation of Budget measures (MK) construction phase by backfilling and revegetating bare areas. 6 Generation of  Segregate general waste During Construction Contractor Cost solid waste from hazardous waste Phase covered including and provide separate above construction waste receptacle for each waste category and label them. Littering on site will be forbidden and offenders will be penalised;  Properly dispose of 'hazardous waste' such as hydrocarbon containers, oily rags, soil contaminated with hydrocarbons at designated places. This should be done in liaison with Environmental District Officer for Zomba;  Use some construction waste such as construction rubble and excavated soils to backfill borrow pits created during construction phase;  Civic educate workers to 'Reduce', 'Re-use' and 'Recycle' waste; and

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Item Potential Mitigation/Enhancement Timeframe Responsibility for Estimated No. Impact Measure implementation of Budget measures (MK)  Allow communities to collect and use some construction waste such as wooden pallets, scrap metal, wire and piping offcuts, etc.

7 Increased risk of  Construct temporary During Construction Contractor 1,000,000 water pollution toilets and ensure Phase workers use them properly;  Sensitize all workers on observance of good hygiene;  Properly maintain all construction machinery to ensure that there is no oil spillage;  Avoid disposing of waste (including used oils) into surrounding water bodies or channels; and  Properly dispose of waste. 8 Increased risk of  Use of well serviced During Construction Contractor Cost noise pollution machinery during the Phase covered in in the project construction period; the project area  Fit silencer to exhaust cost system of heavy machinery; and  Provide appropriate protective wear e.g. ear

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Item Potential Mitigation/Enhancement Timeframe Responsibility for Estimated No. Impact Measure implementation of Budget measures (MK) muffles to operators of noisy machinery. 9 Social  Recruit 80% of the labour During Construction Contractor 200,000 disruption and force from the Phase family surrounding communities instabilities to reduce influx of migrant workers; and  Develop a ‘Code of Conduct’ for all workers and Contractor. 10 Risk of  Recruit 80% of the labour During Construction Contractor 1,000,000 increased force from the Phase incidences of surrounding communities STIs including to reduce influx of HIV and AIDS migrant workers;  Provide workers with free condoms;  Provide Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials on HIV and AIDS to workers and surrounding communities;  Sensitize communities on dangers of HIV and AIDS 11 Increased risk of  Employ people that are During Construction Contractor N/A Child labour aged 18 and above Phase 12 Increased risk of  Recruit 80% of the labour During Construction Contractor 200,000 criminal force from the Phase activities surrounding communities

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Item Potential Mitigation/Enhancement Timeframe Responsibility for Estimated No. Impact Measure implementation of Budget measures (MK) to reduce influx of migrant workers;  Strengthen community policing in the project area; and  Sensitise local communities and migrant workers against criminal activities. 13 Increased risk of  Develop a ‘Code of During Construction Contractor 500,000 Gender Based Conduct’ for all workers Phase Violence (GBV) and Contractor;  Sensitise all workers and surrounding communities against SEA and GBV; and  Develop and use community level GRM where grievances related to GBV and SEA will be reported. 14 Increased risk of  Develop a ‘Code of During Construction DoI Cost Sexual Conduct’ for all workers Phase covered Exploitation and and Contractor; and above Abuse (SEA)  Sensitise all workers DoI and Contractor against SEA and GBV;  Develop and Use community level GRM DoI and Contractor where grievances related to GBV and SEA will be reported.

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Item Potential Mitigation/Enhancement Timeframe Responsibility for Estimated No. Impact Measure implementation of Budget measures (MK) 15 Health and  Provide First Aid Kit to During Construction Contractor 1,000,000 Safety Hazards Workers; Phase  Provide appropriate PPE to workers and ensure that they are being used correctly.  Provide warning signs in areas that have potential for accidents;  Provide speed limits for construction vehicles. 16 Increased risk of  Sensitise workers on the During Construction DoI 500,000 exploitation of minimum wages Phase labourers recommended by Government and required number of hours per day;  Establish workers’ Grievance Redress Mechanism Committee to handle workers’ grievances; and  Ensure that all contractors have signed contracts with their workers. 17 Potential risk of  Carry out subsurface During Planning Phase DoI Cost destruction of investigations once covered in cultural heritage excavation activities Design sites reveal existence of Budget archaeological and cultural remains as

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Item Potential Mitigation/Enhancement Timeframe Responsibility for Estimated No. Impact Measure implementation of Budget measures (MK) stipulated by Monuments and Relics Act of 1990;  Delineate all cultural heritage sites and by pass them when doing construction activities;  The irrigation scheme design should allow access to cultural heritage sites. Operation and Maintenance Phase Positive Impacts 1 Increased crop  Use of water saving During Operation and Farmers/DoI N/A production irrigation technologies to Maintenance Phase ensure that there is efficiency in the use of water; and  Use improved hybrid seeds to maximise productivity. 2 Increased  Train irrigation farmers During Operation and DoI 500,000 economic on good agriculture Maintenance Phase empowerment of practices (GAPs) as a way local of empowering them communities economically. 3 Improved  Encourage farmers to During Operation and DoI 500,000 nutrition status plant different types of Maintenance Phase of surrounding crops; and people due to  Train irrigation farmers availability of on good agriculture food practices (GAPs).

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Item Potential Mitigation/Enhancement Timeframe Responsibility for Estimated No. Impact Measure implementation of Budget measures (MK) 4 Linkage of  Identify good markets for During Operation and DoI 500,000 farmers to farmers so that farm Maintenance Phase markets produce is sold at a profit as this will incentivise farmers to cultivate more crops; and  Assist farmers to form cooperatives. 5 Skill transfer to  Facilitate the formation of During Operation and DoI 500,000 farmers in value farmer field schools Maintenance Phase chain addition, through which farmers GAPs, and water will learn GAP, water saving saving irrigation technologies. technologies and value chain addition.

Negative Impacts 1 Increased risk of  Engage people who are During Operation and Farmers 200,000 child labour aged 18 and above to Maintenance Phase provide labour in farming activities; and  Sensitise farmers in the irrigation scheme on DoI dangers of engaging under aged people. 2 Increased risk of  Sensitise parents on During Operation and DoI 500,000 disruption of importance of their child’s Maintenance Phase Children’s education; and education  Develop bylaws on the engagement of children in Farmers/Surrounding farming activities to deter Communities

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Item Potential Mitigation/Enhancement Timeframe Responsibility for Estimated No. Impact Measure implementation of Budget measures (MK) some parents from disturbing their children’s education. 3 Reduced access  Identify alternative sites During Operation and Farmers/Surrounding N/A to grazing and for drinking and grazing; Maintenance Phase Communities drinking areas for livestock 4 Increased risk of  Provide portable water to During Operation and DoI 4,000,000 pollution of farmers by constructing Maintenance Phase water by boreholes; agrochemicals  Construct toilets in the and human scheme for use by excreta farmers;  Promote of Integrated Pest Management (IPM);  Restrict the use of pesticides to those recommended by Pesticides Control Board;  Improve tail water management by allowing re-use of irrigation water through the use of a tail water recovery system;  Improve water use efficiency to reduce the discharge volume of tail water from the system; and  Promote the use of organic farming.

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Item Potential Mitigation/Enhancement Timeframe Responsibility for Estimated No. Impact Measure implementation of Budget measures (MK) 5 Increased risk of  Use pipes in areas that During Construction Contractor/DoI Part of crocodile are closer to the River Phase project cost attacks (Shire) so as to limit passage of crocodiles from the River; During Construction  Install gates/grills to limit Phase passage of crocodiles in areas where canals have During Operation Phase been used;  Encourage farmers to clear bush around their plots to deter crocodiles from hiding in such places. 6 Increased risk of  Ensure that water does During Operation and DoI 200,000 water related not stagnate by properly Maintenance Phase diseases such as designing the canals; malaria and  Encourage farmers to bilharzia wear PPE when working in water logged areas especially during rice farming; and  Encourage surrounding communities to sleep under insecticide treated mosquito nets which can be bought from local shops as well as accessing them from health facilities including antenatal clinics.

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Item Potential Mitigation/Enhancement Timeframe Responsibility for Estimated No. Impact Measure implementation of Budget measures (MK) 7 Risk of  Recruit 80% of the labour During Operation and Farmers 500,000 increased force from the Maintenance Phase incidences of surrounding communities HIV and AIDS to reduce influx of and STIs migrant workers;  Provide workers with free condoms; and DoI  Provide Information, Education and DoI Communication (IEC) materials on HIV and AIDS to workers and surrounding communities. 8 Increased risk of  Service irrigation plots During Operation and DoI and Contractor 500,000 drowning located close to Maintenance Phase residential areas through pipes not open canals;  Sensitise parents to DoI discourage their children from swimming in the canals; and  Draft bylaws discouraging DoI children from swimming in the canals. 9 Increased risk of  Increase use of water During Operation and Farmers 500,000 salinization from Shire River to leach Maintenance Phase salts from the soils; and  Cultivate crops that can easily absorb the salts such as bananas.

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Item Potential Mitigation/Enhancement Timeframe Responsibility for Estimated No. Impact Measure implementation of Budget measures (MK) 10 Increased risk of  Provide live fencing to During Operation and Framers/DoI 1,000,000 crop damage by plots that are close to the Maintenance Phase Hippopotamuses Shire River;  Provide Buffer Zone between the scheme and Shire River 11 Effects of  Plant drought resilient During Operation and Farmer Not Climate Change crops; Maintenance Phase Applicable  Design of flood resilient During Consulting Engineers Covered in facilities and Designing/Construction project Cost infrastructure; Phase  Make drought or flood During Operation and DoI 1,000,000 Early warning systems Maintenance Phase accessible by farmers. Demobilisation Phase Positive Impacts Cleaner  Rehabilitating all borrow During Construction Contractor 1,000,000 environment pits created during and Operation Phases construction phase;  Revegetating all areas that were striped of vegetative cover due to construction works. Reduced noise  Service all construction During and after Part of the levels machinery for use in Construction Phase project cost other projects elsewhere. Reduced  Rehabilitating all borrow During and after Contractor Cost exposure of pits created during Construction Phase covered workers from construction phase; above public health  Encourage surrounding and safety risks communities to sleep arising from under insecticide treated

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Item Potential Mitigation/Enhancement Timeframe Responsibility for Estimated No. Impact Measure implementation of Budget measures (MK) construction mosquito nets which can activities be bought from local shops as well as accessing them from health facilities including antenatal clinics.

Negative Impacts Loss of  Give workers adequate During and after Contractor Cost employment notice on termination of Construction Phase covered by employment; Contractor  Provide appropriate terminal benefits to workers at the end of the construction period; and  Pay workers all their dues to minimise wage disputes after termination of employment. Reduction of  Sensitise all service During and after Contractor/DoI 200,000 small-scale providers and traders on Construction Phase businesses the duration of the within the construction so that they project area identify alternative markets. Increased  Allow surrounding After Construction Contractor Cost generation of communities to collect Phase covered solid wastes the waste that they can above reuse such as planks and iron sheets;

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Item Potential Mitigation/Enhancement Timeframe Responsibility for Estimated No. Impact Measure implementation of Budget measures (MK)  Use construction rabble to rehabilitate borrow pits; and  Remove and properly dispose of waste that cannot be reused or recycled. TOTAL 17,500,000

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8.2 Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan The Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan (Table 8.2) has been designed to cover all the predicted impacts, verifiable indicators, frequency of monitoring, responsible organisations for carrying out the monitoring and those for receiving the reports. The Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan is important in ensuring that the ESMP is implemented as planned.

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Table 8.2: Proposed Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan for Matoponi Irrigation Scheme

Item Potential Monitoring Indicator Monitoring Responsible Estimated No. Impact frequency Monitoring Cost(MK) Institution(s)/Officer(s) Planning Phase Positive Impacts 1 Creation of  Number of people Bi-annual Zomba District Labour 500,000 employment employed by age and sex Officer Negative Impacts 1 Anxiety on loss  Number of public Annual Zomba District Lands 500,000 of land awareness meetings Officer

Construction Phase Positive Impacts 1 Creation of  Number of people Bi-annual Zomba District Labour Cost employment employed by age and sex Officer covered above 2 Increased  Number of people Bi-annual Zomba District Council 500,000 economic engaged in small-scale activities within businesses by age and the project area sex Skills transfer to  Number of people from Bi-annual Zomba District Labour Cost 3 local community surrounding communities Officer covered employed by age and sex above 4 Creation of  Number of people from Quarterly Zomba District Council 500,000 market for surrounding communities goods and suppling goods and services services by age and sex 5 Government  Payment receipts from Quarterly Malawi Revenue 500,000 Revenue MRA Authority through Taxes

Negative Impacts

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Item Potential Monitoring Indicator Monitoring Responsible Estimated No. Impact frequency Monitoring Cost(MK) Institution(s)/Officer(s) 1 Loss of  Number of trees planted Annual Zomba District Forest 500,000 vegetation Officer 2 Disruption of  Number of trees planted Annual Zomba District Forest Cost animal habitats vs survival rate Officer covered above 3 Increased risk of  Records on rounds of Annual Department of 500,000 air pollution water bowser spraying Occupational Safety and caused but dust water on dusty surfaces Health and roads;  Complaints about dust from local community 4 Increased risk of  Area of land rehabilitated Annual District Forest Officer 500,000 soil erosion  Total suspended sediment of tail water 5 Creation of  Area of land rehabilitated Bi-annual Department of Land 500,000 borrow pits vs target Resources and Conservation 6 Generation of  Number of waste Bi-annual Environmental Affairs 500,000 solid waste handling facilities Department/District including provided Environmental Officer construction  Visual evidence waste 7 Increased risk of  Water analysis laboratory Bi-annual Environmental Affairs 500,000 water pollution results of tail water is Department/District within the Malawi Bureau Environmental Officer; of Standards limits Central Water Laboratory 8 Increased risk of  Number of PPEs Bi-annual Department of 500,000 noise pollution distributed; and Occupational Safety and in the project  Number of vehicles or Health area machinery fitted with silencers.

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Item Potential Monitoring Indicator Monitoring Responsible Estimated No. Impact frequency Monitoring Cost(MK) Institution(s)/Officer(s)  Number of complaints from local community 9 Social  Number of marriages Annual Zomba District Social 500,000 disruption and broken down due to Welfare Officer family reasons related to coming instabilities in of the project 10 Risk of  Minutes of sensitisation Bi-annual District AIDS 500,000 increased meetings; Coordinator incidences of  Register of Condoms STIs including distributed; HIV and AIDS  Prevalence rate;  Number of new infections; 11 Increased risk of  Number of people aged Bi-annual Zomba District Labour 500,000 Child labour below 18 employed by Officer contractor 12 Increased risk of  Number of criminal cases Bi-annual Masaula Police Unit; 500,000 criminal recorded Traditional Leaders activities 13 Increased risk of  Number of GBV cases Bi-annual Masaula Police Unit; 500,000 Gender Based reported due to reasons Traditional Leaders Violence (GBV) related to coming in of the project 14 Increased risk of  Number of SEA cases Bi-annual Masaula Police Unit; Cost Sexual reported due to reasons Traditional Leaders covered Exploitation and related to coming in of above Abuse (SEA) the project 15 Health and  Number of PPEs Bi-annual Department of 500,000 Safety Hazards distributed; and Occupation Safety and  Number of road traffic Health incidents associated with project vehicles

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Item Potential Monitoring Indicator Monitoring Responsible Estimated No. Impact frequency Monitoring Cost(MK) Institution(s)/Officer(s) 16 Increased risk of  Signed contracts between Bi-annual Department of 500,000 exploitation of individual workers and Irrigation/Project labourers contractors Coordination Office; Zomba District Labour Officer. 17 Potential risk of Archaeological remains Bi-annual Department of 500,000 destruction of Irrigation/Project cultural heritage Museums and sites Monuments. Operation and Maintenance Phase Positive Impacts 1 Increased crop  Tonnage of yields Bi-annual District Agriculture 500,000 production harvested vs targets Development Officer; District Irrigation Officer. 2 Increased  Number of people Bi-annual Zomba District Council 500,000 economic engaged in small-scale empowerment of businesses by age and local sex communities 3 Improved  Number of malnutrition Quarterly Zomba District Health 500,000 nutrition status cases reported from the Officer of surrounding project area people due to availability of food 4 Linkage of  Number of markets that Quarterly Zomba District Council 500,000 farmers to farmers linked to markets 5 Skill transfer to  Training reports by age Bi-annual Department of 500,000 farmers in value and sex Irrigation/Project chain addition, Coordination Office;

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Item Potential Monitoring Indicator Monitoring Responsible Estimated No. Impact frequency Monitoring Cost(MK) Institution(s)/Officer(s) GAPs, and water saving District Agriculture technologies. Development Officer; District Irrigation Officer.

Negative Impacts 1 Increased risk of  Number of people aged Bi-annual Zomba District Labour Cost child labour below 18 employed in Officer covered farming activities above 2 Increased risk of  Number of children Bi-annual District Education 500,000 disruption of absent from school Manager Children’s because of farming education activities 3 Reduced access  Area reserved for grazing Bi-annual Department of 500,000 to grazing and and drinking of livestock Irrigation/Project drinking areas  Number of complaints Coordination Office; for livestock 4 Increased risk of  Water analysis results of Bi-annual Central Water 1,000,000 pollution of tail water showing that Laboratory water by the water quality is agrochemicals within the MBS limits and human excreta 5 Increased risk of  Number of crocodile Bi-annual Department of National 500,000 crocodile attack incidences Parks and Wildlife attacks 6 Increased risk of  Number of water related Bi-annual Zomba District Health 500,000 water related cases recorded in the Officer diseases such as area malaria and bilharzia

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Item Potential Monitoring Indicator Monitoring Responsible Estimated No. Impact frequency Monitoring Cost(MK) Institution(s)/Officer(s) 7 Risk of  Number of HIV and AIDS Quarterly District AIDS 500,000 increased cases; Coordinator incidences of  See above under HIV and AIDS construction and STIs 8 Increased risk of  Number of drowning Quarterly Department of 500,000 drowning incidences in project Occupational Safety and infrastructure Health 9 Increased risk of  Laboratory analysis Quarterly District Agriculture 1,000,000 salinization results of soils show no Development Officer; declining trends in Department of fertility, nor increasing Irrigation. levels of salinity or other plant limiting elements 10 Increased risk of  Number of crop damage Quarterly Department of National Cost crop damage by incidents by Hippos Parks and Wildlife covered Hippopotamuses above 11 Effects of  Extreme weather Annual Department of Climate 500,000 Climate Change conditions i.e. either too Change and wet or too dry; or too hot Meteorological Services or too cold.

Demobilisation Phase Positive Impacts Cleaner  Absence of waste Annual-Once off Department/District Cost environment Environmental Officer covered above Reduced noise  Absence of noise Annual-Once off Department of Cost levels Occupational Safety and covered Health above

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Item Potential Monitoring Indicator Monitoring Responsible Estimated No. Impact frequency Monitoring Cost(MK) Institution(s)/Officer(s) Reduced  Absence of occupation Annual-Once off Department of Cost exposure of safety and health Occupational Safety and covered workers from incidences Health above public health and safety risks arising from construction activities

Negative Impacts Loss of  Number of people laid off Annual-Once off Zomba District Labour Cost employment Officer covered above Reduction of  Number of businesses Annual-Once off Zomba District Council Cost small-scale closed covered businesses above within the project area Increased  Amount of waste Annual-Once off Department/District Cost generation of generated from Environmental Officer covered solid wastes demolition activities above TOTAL 18,000,000

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Chapter 9: Conclusions and Recommendations

9.1 Conclusion The implementation of the proposed Matoponi Irrigation Scheme project is likely going to improve food security in the project area and the socio-economic status of the people that will be involved in irrigated farming through sale of farm produce, among other benefits. However, it is also envisaged that the implementation of the project will bring along some negative impacts which are mitigatable. This ESIA study has identified both positive and negative impacts that are anticipated during the Planning, Construction and Operation Phases of the project. The study has further proposed enhancement measures for the positive impacts and mitigation measures for the negative impacts. The mitigation measures proposed in this report will assist to either eliminate or reduce the impacts to acceptable levels to ensure that the project is implemented in a sustainable manner while the enhancement measures have been proposed to maximise the benefits that will come along with the project implementation. This ESIA study has also proposed an Environmental and Social Management Plan that needs to be implemented; and an Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan that will be used to monitor the implementation of Environmental and Social Management Plan. The implementation of these plans will need human and financial resources; as such there is need for the proponent of the project, which is Department of Irrigation, to put aside required resources for their implementation. Through consultations with local (beneficiary) communities, there were two main issues that some community members were concerned with. These included increased risk of crocodile attacks considering that some gardens are close to Shire River which is heavily infested by crocodiles; and anxiety on loss of land because of the implementation of project activities. The proposed ESMP has, however, proposed mitigation measures for all the impacts including these ones.

9.2 Recommendations The ESIA report has put forward a number of recommendations for implementation, these include:

a) The Department of Irrigation, through PRIDE, should set aside required resources for the implementation of the ESMP and the Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan. More importantly all the concerned parties as indicated in the two plans should be aware of their roles and be provided with the required resources;

b) The District Environmental Officer for Zomba should be shared with a copy of the approved Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Report so

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that the coordination role of all environmental and social issues highlighted in this ESIA report should be effective. It will be the duty of the District Environmental Officer for Zomba to inform various stakeholders in the District about their roles in the implementation of Environmental and Social Management and Monitoring Plans; c) Department of Irrigation should ensure that it applies for Water Abstraction Right/Permit from National Water Resources Authority for Matoponi Irrigation Scheme. This is a legal requirement and is stipulated in the Water Resources Act (2013). Further, the Water Abstraction Right/Permit needs to be renewed annually. All variations, in terms of volume of water to be abstracted should be communicated to National Water Resources Authority during renewal; d) The Department of Irrigation, through PRIDE, should assist the WUA, VNRMCs or any other committee to come up with a plan on how these committees will sustain their activities after PRIDE/ERASP has phased out; e) Vulnerable groups such as women headed households should be provided with ‘Starter Packs’ of farm inputs as most of them may not afford to buy farm inputs as this move will assist women headed households to be food secure and financially independent.

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References

1. Ansell, W.H.F. & R.J. Dowsett (1988). Checklist and Atlas of the mammals of Malawi. Tendrine Press, Zenor, Cornwall, p. 170; 2. Benson, C.M. & Benson, C.F. 1977. The Birds of Malawi. Montfort Press, Limbe, Malawi; 3. BirdLife International. 2004. Species Fact sheet. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 10/5/2004; 4. Channing, A. (2001). Amphibians of Central and Southern Africa. Protea Bookhouse Pretoria; 5. Cole King, P. A. 1973. Kukumba Mbiri, a summary of archaeological research, Government Press Zomba; 6. Dowsett-Lemaire, F. and Dowsett, R.J. 2006. The Birds of Malawi an atlas and handbook. Turaco Press and Aves a.s.b.l, Belgium; 7. Dowsett-Lemaire, F., Dowsett, R.J. & Dyer, M. 2001. Malawi, pp.539-555. In: L.D.C. Fishpool & Evans, M.I. (eds). Important bird areas in Africa and associated islands; priority sites for conservation. Birdlife Conservation Series No. 11, Birdlife International, Pisces Publication; 8. Dowsett-Lemaire, F., Dowsett, R.J. and Dyer, M. 2001. Malawi. In Important Bird Areas in Africa and associated islands: priority sites for conservation. (Eds. Fishpool, L.D.C. & Evans, M.I.). Newbury and Cambridge, UK: Pisces Publications and BirdLife International (BirdLife Conservation Series No.11). pp. 539-555; 9. Dudley, C.O. 2004. Insects Biodiversity, Endemism and Conservation. In C.O. Dudley (ed). A report on Management of Biodiversity in Protected Areas of Malawi. National Herbarium and Botanical Gardens of Malawi, Zomba, Malawi; 10. Canter, L (1995), Environmental Impact Assessment (McGraw Hill, New York). 11. Happold, DCD and Happold M. 1987.smalll mammals in pine in pine plantations and natural habitats on Zomba plateau, Malawi. Journal of applied ecology 24:353-367 12. Government of Malawi. 1968 Public Health Act; 13. Government of Malawi. 1991 Monuments and Relics Act; 14. Government of Malawi. 1997 National Forestry Act; 15. Government of Malawi. 1997 Occupation Safety and Health Act; 16. Government of Malawi. 1998 Fisheries Conservation Management Act; 17. Government of Malawi. 1998 Local Government Act; 18. Government of Malawi. 2000 Employment Act; 19. Government of Malawi. 2000 National Gender Policy;

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20. Government of Malawi. 2000 Pesticides Act; 21. Government of Malawi. 2002 National Land Policy; 22. Government of Malawi. 2001 Irrigation Act; 23. Government of Malawi. 2002 National Land Policy; 24. Government of Malawi. 2005 National Water Policy; 25. Government of Malawi. 2005 National Cultural Policy; 26. Government of Malawi. 2012 Gender Equality Act; 27. Government of Malawi. 2012 Malawi National HIV/AIDS Policy; 28. Government of Malawi. 2013 Water Resources Act; 29. Government of Malawi. 2016 Land Act; 30. Government of Malawi. 2016 National Agriculture Policy; 31. Government of Malawi. 2016 National Forestry Policy; 32. Government of Malawi. 2016 National Irrigation Policy; 33. Government of Malawi. 2017 Environment management Act; 34. Government of Malawi. 2017 Land Acquisition Act; 35. Government of Malawi. 2018 National Climate Change Management Policy; 36. Government of Malawi. 2018 National Fertilizer Policy; 37. Malawi Government 2008, National Sanitation Policy. 38. Malawi Government 2013, National Youth Policy. 39. Malawi Government 2005, Food and Nutrition Security Policy. 40. Malawi Government 2001, National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy. 41. Malawi Government 1998, Fisheries Conservation and Management Act. 42. IFAD (2017). Social, Environmental and Climate Assessment Procedures; 2017 Edition; 43. IFAD (2018). IFAD Policy to Preventing and Responding to Sexual Harassment, Sexual Exploitation and Abuse; 2018 Edition; 44. African Development Fund, 2005. “Republic of Malawi: Multi-Sector Country Gender Profile.”

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Annex 1: Draft ToRs for ESIA studies for Matoponi Irrigation Scheme

1. Provide a full description of the nature/components of the proposed Matoponi Irrigation Project with respect to the name the proponent, postal address, aim and objectives of the project, the spatial location of the site for the project with aid of appropriate topographical maps of the area (at least at a scale 1:50,000); the estimated cost of the project , the size of land for the project site, the number of people to work on the area (provide a breakdown of males and females, locals and non-locals), number of people to be residing on the project area; 2. Describe main activities to be undertaken in implementation of the proposed project at the site covering pre-construction, construction, operation phase and decommissioning phase. In the description include the type of machinery to be used, nature and quantity of wastes that will be generated, facilities for appropriate waste disposal and management of waste and estimated costs for the activities; 3. Provide a concise description of the existing biophysical characteristics and the socio-economic environment status of the proposed area by identifying and analyzing:  Physical conditions: soil, geology, site topography, temperature, rainfall patterns and drainage system (water courses);  Biological Resources: scope of vegetative resources of the project area including riparian vegetation, extent of terrestrial and aquatic fauna;  Socio-economic conditions: demographic trend within and around the project area, main land uses, agriculture and marketing, business activities, basic infrastructure and health situation including description of HIV and AIDS prevalence rates; and  Any changes anticipated during implementation of the project area. 4. State the reason for selecting the proposed site of the project as opposed to other sites. Consider alternatives to the project, such as alternative sites and the reason for selecting the preferred option including the ‘no project’ alternative. The ESIA should also consider ‘within – project’ alternatives e.g. designs, technology etc. 5. Predict environmental impacts associated with the activities at and around the site, focusing on both the positive and negative impacts. The impacts should include:

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 Project location (e.g. loss of forest reserves, loss of agricultural land, loss of grazing pastures, impact on flora and fauna, impact on cultural site, Impact on the Elephant marsh and resettlement of people);  Project design (e.g. drainage problem and other structures);  Construction works (e.g. soil erosion, disposal of construction spoils); and  Project operation (e.g. pollution by agrochemicals, impacts on soil i.e. water logging, increase in water associated diseases, conflict of water use) phases of the project through its projected life. 6. Prescribe the measures to eliminate, reduce or mitigate the negative effects identified and the measures to enhance the positive effects. 7. Propose an Environmental Management Plan in tabular format by which all of the measures prescribed in 6 above, will be carried out. Indicate the budget for the recommended mitigation measures, specifications of who will be responsible for these measures and the schedule when these measures will take place during construction and operation of the project. 8. Propose an Environmental and social Management Plan by which all of the measures prescribed in 7 above, will be carried out. Indicate the budget for the recommended mitigation measures, specifications of who will be responsible for these measures and the schedule when these measures will take place during construction and operation of the project. 9. Propose an Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan by which all mitigation measures recommended in Environmental Management Plan will be monitored. The plan should include the activities, frequency of monitoring, the key monitoring indicators, resources required and the authorities responsible for monitoring the exercises. 10. Review the legal framework pertaining to the proposed project and indicate their impacts on the project. Reference should at least be made to the Environment Management Act, Forestry Act, Local Government Act, Town Planning Act, Water Resources Act, National Water Policy, National Environment Policy, Malawi National Land Policy, Public Health Act, Sanitation Policy, Occupational Safety, Health and Welfare Act, Malawi Development and Growth Strategy other relevant policies and piece of legislation. Furthermore, provide an account of all regulatory licenses and approvals obtained for the proposed project to ensure that they are in line with sound environmental management practices and are in compliance with relevant existing legislation.

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11. Undertake stakeholder consultation to ensure key interested and affected stakeholders are involved in the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment process. Incorporate their views in the report and indicate a record of consultations in the appendices parts of the report. 12. The preparation, presentation and structure of the ESIA report should follow the format in the Guidelines of Environmental Impact Assessment for Malawi (1997) as stipulated on pages 33-37. The minimum content of required information in an ESIA Report is outlined on pages 53-59. 13. In order to adequately address the core issues of the study. It is advisable that the team should at least be composed of:  ESIA expert  Social scientist  Irrigation Engineer  Botanist 14. Submit 2 draft ESIA reports for preview by the department and thereafter submit 20 hard copies for Technical review and a soft copy of the ESIA report to the Director of Environmental Affairs. 15. Provide the names of the ESIA Team and their respective fields

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Annex 2: List of People/Institutions Consulted

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Annex 2.1: Consultations at National Level

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Annex 2.2: Consultations at District Level

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Annex 2.2: Consultations at Community Level

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Annex 3: Main issues raised during consultations

Table 3A: General consultations with local communities Main Issues raised Method of Institutions/individuals incorporation that raised the issue Most people who have The impact on ‘anxiety Mr Jafali Mthombo gardens in the scheme on loss of land’ will be (Villager) fear that they may lose included in the ESIA their land during the report including its implementation of the mitigation measures irrigation project Implementation of The impact will be Bitoni Mtengelenji irrigation projects included in the ESIA (Villager) sometimes can bring in report some diseases in the area which are water related. These include Malaria and Bilharzia due to presence of stagnant water in the scheme Farmers would like the This will be presented Bitoni Mtengelenji project to have a as a recommendation (Villager) component of capacity in the ESIA Report building especially on the maintenance of the scheme. Often times irrigation projects are implemented by Government but after some years the infrastructure for the irrigation schemes becomes dysfunctional because of lack of maintenance The proposed area for This will be presented Gift Chimombo the implementation of as a recommendation (Villager) Matoponi Irrigation in the ESIA Report Scheme is infested by crocodiles. There is need to have good design to ensure that farmers in the scheme

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Main Issues raised Method of Institutions/individuals incorporation that raised the issue do not fall prey to the crocodiles. In addition, all farmers in the scheme should be sensitised on how to protect themselves from crocodiles when cultivating There are construction This recommendation Gift Chimombo works for a rail culvert will be passed on the (Villager) bridge that is under designers of the scheme construction. There is need for the designers of the scheme and the culvert bridge to work together to ensure that water from the culvert bridge does not flood the area for the proposed irrigation scheme The contractor should This recommendation Aliseni Yakobe source labour force will be included in the (Villager) form surrounding ESIA report as one of villages or communities the mitigation rather than bringing measures people from elsewhere The project may This impact will be Ms Hilda Willie increase dropout rate included in the ESIA (Villager) for girls through report pregnancies if workers from the Contractor are not adequately sensitised as they may lure girls with money to sleep with them Workers should not This impact will be Ms Hilda Willie disturb marriages in included in the ESIA (Villager) the surrounding villages report The project has This impact will be Shemu Yuda potential to increase included in the ESIA (Villager) risk of HIV and AIDS report infections. There is

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Main Issues raised Method of Institutions/individuals incorporation that raised the issue need to implement measures that will assist not to exacerbate the situation in the area

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Table 3B: Consultations with the Vulnerable No. Main Issue raised Method of Institutions/individuals incorporation in that raised the issue the ESIA Process Consultations with Women 1 Women have inadequate Recommendation Elizabeth Shombe resources to support has been made to farming activities provide ‘starter including purchasing of packs’ of farm farm input inputs to vulnerable groups 5 Women are concerned This negative Mary Vasco about increased cases impact has been of malaria in the area included in the and this affects ESIA report productivity 6 Less harvest after This is an impact Dyna Willy investing more because on climate change of floods and dry spells and mitigation measures have been proposed 7 People harvesting The project will Dyna Willy similar crops thereby solve this problem flooding the market. by linking the This makes the prices farmers to low markets 8 Rehabilitate the road The road is under Mary Vasco between Masaula and construction by Lirangwe Government of Malawi through Roads Authority Support women with Recommendation Mary Adamu starter up capital to has been made to boost their small provide ‘starter business packs’ of farm inputs to vulnerable groups 9 Malaria because of This impact has Edina Jimu canals been included in the ESIA report 10 Disruption of marriages This impact has Mary Asaka because of influx of been included in migrant workers the ESIA report

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No. Main Issue raised Method of Institutions/individuals incorporation in that raised the issue the ESIA Process 11 Liming access for This impact has Dyna Willy Livestock to grazing and been included in drinking sites the ESIA report 12 School dropout This impact has Dyna Willy expected to increase been included in the ESIA report Consultations with the elderly 13 The project has a This negative Kapito Phiri potential to provide impact and its limited access to grazing proposed area mitigation measure has been included in the ESIA 14 Need to provide a This has been Kamzuzeni Richman stretch through which included as one of animals can have the mitigation access to drinking water measures for from the Shire and limited access too canals drinking and grazing areas 15 Since the area is heavily This has been Luciano Kandulu infested by crocodiles, incorporated in canals should have the ESMP grills/gates that should limit free movement of crocodiles. Secondly conveyance of water from abstraction point should be through pipes as this would limit free movement of crocodiles. Canals should be constructed away from water source.

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Annex 3C: Main issues raised during consultations with Zomba DESC Members No. Main Issues Method of Institution/Individual raised incorporation in the that raised the issues ESIA Process 1 The ESIA study The issue of salinity has Sylivia Ambali should look at been included in the (Environmental District issues of salinity Environmental and Officer) for Matoponi and Social Management Mlooka Irrigation Plan Schemes and propose mitigation measures; 2 Waste generated This has been included Sylivia Ambali at the camp site in the Environmental (Environmental District should be properly and Social Management Officer) managed; Plan 3 Risk of accidents- This has been included Sylivia Ambali drowning in in the Environmental (Environmental District canals; and Social Management Officer) Plan 4 Exploitation by This has been included Sylivia Ambali contractor; - in the Environmental (Environmental District agreement and Social Management Officer) between Plan contractor and workers 5 GRM should be The project already has Sylivia Ambali established; GRM and has been (Environmental District attached(Annex 6) Officer) 6 Water pollution- This has been included Watter Chikuni need to create a in the Environmental (DPD for Zomba) buffer zone to and Social Management minimize Plan pollution; 7 Provision of safe This has been been Watter Chikuni water in the included in the (DPD for Zomba) schemes Environmental and Social Management Plan 8 Recommend that This has been included Innocent Kawinuwinu the contractor as one of the (Senior Irrigation should have recommendations in Engineer-Machinga ISD) personnel to look the report at environmental

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No. Main Issues Method of Institution/Individual raised incorporation in the that raised the issues ESIA Process and social measures; 9 Handling of oil This has been included Innocent Kawinuwinu spills during in the ESMP (Senior Irrigation construction; Engineer-Machinga ISD) 10 Live fencing to This has been included Daniel Nkunga provide security to as one of the (Zomba-WESM) the irrigation recommendations in schemes; -Wildlife the report management does not allow trenching; 11 Exploitation of This impact has been Sylivia Ambali labourers should included in the report (Environmental District also come out and the Officer) clearly as one of recommendation to sign the anticipated contracts is also there. negative impacts for the project. often times Contractors engage people and pay them lower rates than the minimum rate recommended by Government. Workers need to sign contracts with the contractor when they are engaged

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Annex 3D: Main issues raised at Central Level No. Main issues Method of Institution/Individual raised incorporation in the that raised the issues ESIA Process 1 The consultant All relevant Bryson Msiska should make sure stakeholders including (Environmental that all vulnerable groups were Specialist-PRIDE) stakeholders are adequately consulted adequately consulted and issues raised arte incorporated in the ESIA process 2 The project should Matoponi and Mlooka Titus Zulu have a component Irrigation Schemes have (Assistant Director-DoF) of afforestation to Water Users ensure that the Association which will affected vegetation implement afforestation ids replaced program 3 There is need to The ToRs were reviewed Catherine Mussa review the Terms by the consultant as (Environmental Officer- of Reference for guided by EAD) the assignment to Environmental Affairs reflect the current Department. situation on the ground. In addition the ToRs were general as such there is need to develop project specific ToRs 5 When there is a Communities were Davis Kalima problem in informed about this (Principal Parks and Matoponi and during one of the Wildlife Officer) Mlooka schemes consultation meetings concerning Hippos or crocodiles, the farmers or surrounding communities should contact National Parks Officer at Liwonde Nation al Park.

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Annex 4: Plant Inventory for Matoponi Irrigation Scheme

SN Scientific Name Family Form 1 Urochloa mossambicensis Poaceae Grass 2 Vossia cuspidata Poaceae Grass 3 Cyperum niger Cyperaceae Sedge 4 Acacia seyal Mimmisoideae Tree 5 Setaria Sphacelata Poaceae Grass 6 Hygrophila auroculata Acanthaceae Herb 7 Commiphora mollis Burseraceae Tree 8 Trilichilia volkensis Meliaceae Tree 9 Colophospermum mopane Caesalpinioideae Tree 10 Ocimum Americana Lamiaceae Herb 11 Momordia foetida Cucurbilaceae Climber 12 Cissus quadrangus Vitaceae Climber 13 Scolepis Africana Cyperaceae Sedge 14 Faidherbia albida Mimmosoidea Tree 15 Commelina benghalensis Commelinaceae Herb 16 Crinum mackwoni Amaryllidaceae Herb 17 Diospyros sinensis Ebenaceae Tree 18 Tribulus terrestris Zygophyllaceae Herb 19 Acacia melanophloae Mimmosoideae Tree 20 Thilacium triphylla Capparaceae Tree 21 Glomiosa supeba Colchiaceae Herb 22 Asparagus africanum Asperagaceae Herb 23 Opuntia vulgaris Cactaceae Shrub 24 Sansevieria longiflora Agavaceae Shrub 25 Ximenia Americana Olacaceae Tree 26 Ziziphus mucronata Rhamnaceae Tree 27 Cyperum cyperoides Cyperaceae Sedge

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SN Scientific Name Family Form 28 Boehravia diffusa Nyctaginacea Herb 29 Hymenodictyon parviflora Euphorbiacaea Shrub 30 Ruspholia ramossissmus Acanthaceae Herb 31 Ademium multiflora Asclepidaceae Shrub 32 Commiphora Africana Burseraceae Tree 33 CYperum alternifolius Cyperaceae Sedge 34 Acacia nitotica Mimmosoideae Tree 35 Stephamia abyssimica Memipermaceae Climber 36 Savadora persica Savadoraceae Shrub 37 Clerodendrum johnstoni Verbanaceae Shrub 38 Commiphora merkeri Burseraceae Tree

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Annex 5: Land Ownership Agreement Forms

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Annex 6: Grievance Redress Mechanism for PRIDE/ERASP

1.0 Purpose of GRM The purpose of GRM is to provide a platform for communities to express their concerns and achieve remedies if any, in a timely manner and assist larger processes that create positive social change thereby reducing project risks. It also provides a way of promoting a mutually constructive relationship between communities and project implementers. The specific objectives of the GRM are: i. to provide a locally based, formalized way for the project stakeholders to receive, assess, and resolve community grievances related to project activities ii. reduce conflict, risk of undue delay and complications in the implementation of the proposed project; iii. ensure that the rights of affected parties are respected; iv. identify and respond to unintended impacts of projects on individuals; v. enhance participation, support and benefit to local communities; vi. provide a systematic way to deal with grievances in an early, transparent and fair manner; vii. provide project staff with practical suggestions/feedback that allow them to be more accountable, transparent, and responsive to beneficiaries increase stakeholder involvement in the project.

2.0 Grievance Redress Mechanism Implementation Arrangement The GRM will be implemented using a three-level redress arrangements as follows: (a) Community Level (b) District Level (c) National Level.

2.1 Community Level This level will comprise Community Grievance Redress Management Committee (CGRMC) which will be established at Group Village Headman (GVH) Level, an Area Grievance Redress Management Committee (AGRMC) which will be established at Traditional Authority (TA) Level and a Workers Grievance Redress Management Committee (WGRMC) which will be established at a construction site.

I. Community Grievance Redress Management Committee (CGRMC) A CGRMC shall be formed under the project at a Group Village Headman (GVH) Level in the scheme cluster area as a first tier of grievance redress as illustrated in figure 3 to resolve grievances which may emanate at community level during project implementation. The CGRMC members shall appoint a chairperson and the Agriculture Extension Development Officer (AEDO) shall be the secretary. The committee shall consist of the following members: i. Water User Association (WUA) representative ii. Village Natural Resources Management Committees (VNRMC) representative iii. Land committee representative iv. Community Development Assistant v. AEDO

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vi. Area stakeholders panel representative vii. Village Development Committee representative viii. Community policing representative ix. Religious Groups Representative x. Representative of Community Based Organization xi. Youth representative xii. Women representative (women leader from women groups) xiii. Tribunal Representative N.B: the composition of the committee should have at least 30% representation of women.

II. Roles and Responsibilities of CGRMC The CGRMC roles and responsibilities include but are not limited to: i. Recording all grievances as submitted to them by complainant; ii. Vetting all received grievances and consider their appropriateness for resolution under this GRM. If the grievance is not within jurisdiction of the committee, it shall be referred to the appropriate authority; iii. Summoning all concerned parties for hearing; iv. Considering and investigating the issue, facilitate and mediation resolution of grievance; v. Documenting status of the complaint and its resolution; vi. Referring the grievance to the AGRMC for resolution with appropriate documentation and justification for reference if the case is unresolved; vii. Providing feedback to the complainant and ensure reporting viii. Sensitising communities on GRM;

III. Workers Grievance Redress Management Committee (WGRMC) A Workers Grievance Redress Management Committee (WGRMC) will be formed under the project to resolve the grievances which emanate from construction sites. The WGRMC members will appoint a chairperson and the Irrigation Officer shall be the secretary. The WGRMC will consist of the following members:

i. WUA representative ii. AEDC iii. Community Development Assistant iv. Contractor representative v. Workers representative (4) and ensure women and youth representation vi. Consulting engineer representative vii. Irrigation officer viii. Labour Officer Community policing representative N.B: the composition of the committee should have at least 30%representation of women

Roles and responsibilities of WGRMC The Workers Grievance Redress Management Committee (WGRMC) roles and responsibilities include but are not limited to: i. Recording all grievances as submitted to them by complainants;

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ii. Vetting all received grievances and consider their appropriateness for resolution under this GRM. If the grievance is not within jurisdiction of the committee, it shall be referred to the appropriate authority iii. Summoning all concerned parties for hearing iv. Considering and investigating the issue, facilitate and mediate resolution of grievance v. Documenting status of the complaint and its resolution; vi. Referring the grievance to the AGRMC for resolution with appropriate documentation and justification for reference if the case is unresolved vii. Providing feedback to the complaining party and ensure reporting viii. Sensitising workers on GRM.

IV. Area Grievance Management Committee (AGRMC) An Area Grievance Redress Management Committee (AGRMC) shall be formed under the project at Traditional Authority Level to resolve the grievances which have failed to be dealt with by the CGRMC and WGRMC. The AGRMC members shall appoint a chairperson and the AEDC shall be the secretary. Composition of the Committee: i. AEDC as secretary ii. Community Development Assistant iii. Irrigation Officer iv. Land Clerk v. Land Tribunal Member vi. Faith Based Leader vii. Women Representative viii. Youth Network member ix. Community Police Representative

Roles and Responsibilities of AGRMC The Roles and Responsibilities of the AGRMC include but are not limited to: i. record all grievances referred from CGRMC and WGRMC; ii. summon all concerned parties for hearing; iii. consider and investigate the issue, facilitate and mediate resolution of grievance; iv. document status of the grievance and its resolution; v. refer the grievance to the DGRMC for resolution with appropriate documentation and justification for reference if the case is unresolved; and vi. provide feedback to the complainant and ensure reporting;

NB: Traditional leaders shall provide advisory role to the AGRMC. Both the CGRMC and WGRMC shall be reporting to the AGRMC. 2.2 District Level The District Grievance Redress Management Committee (DGRMC) will be instituted at district level as a second tier of GRM under PRIDE and ERASP.

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I. District Grievance Redress Management Committee A District Grievance Redress Management Committee (DGRMC) will be formed under the project at district level to resolve the grievances which have failed to be dealt with by the AGRMC. The DGRMC will be chaired by the DPD and it will consist of the following members i. Director of Planning and Development, ii. District Lands Office, iii. District Irrigation Officer, iv. Environmental District Officer(Secretary) v. District Gender Officer vi. District Agricultural Development Officer vii. District Community Development Officer viii. District Social Welfare Officer ix. District Water Development Officer x. District Labour Officer xi. NGO representative (governance) Roles and Responsibilities of DGRMC The DGRMC roles and responsibility includes but is not limited to: i. resolving and addressing grievances which have been referred from CGRMC and WGRMC; ii. refer to PFGRMC unresolved grievances at community and District level; iii. build capacity of CGRMC and WGRMC on GRM; iv. investigate the grievance, facilitate and mediate resolution of grievance; v. report to the PFGRMC all complainants handled at community and district level; and vi. document status of the complaint and its resolution.

2.3 National Level The Project Facilitation Grievance Redress Management Committee (PFGRMC) is instituted at the National level as a third tier of GRM under PRIDE and ERASP. I. Project Facilitation Grievance Redress Management Committee (PFGRMC) A Project Facilitation Grievance Redress Management Committee (PFGMC) will be formed under the project at national level to resolve the grievances which have failed to be dealt by DGRMC. The PRIDE/ERASP Project Technical Committee (PTC) will act as the PFGRMC to hear and adjudicate on appeals against DGRMC decisions. The Chairperson of the PTC will act as the Chairperson of the PFGRMC. The committee will co-opt the Ministry of Justice into the PFGRMC when need arises. The roles and responsibilities of the PFGRMC includes but not limited to: i) review grievance details and appropriate background information, including notes/ minutes of meeting of DGRMC with respect to the specific grievance case; ii) document status and resolution of the grievance; iii) provide feedback to complainant; and iv) refer to Ministry of Justice unresolved grievances.

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Figure 1. GRM STRUCTURE

Project Facilitation GRMC at National

Level

DGRMC at District Level

AGRMC at Community Level

CGRMC at Community Level WGRMC at Community Level

2.3.1 GRIEVANCE REDRESS PROCESS The grievance process for PRIDE and ERASP GRM will have five major stages. These stages include: a) Grievance Reception and Uptake; b) Verify and clarify; c) Assessment and Investigation; d) Hearing and Resolution; and e) Implementation of the Resolution. Figure 2 is a Schematic presentation of the Grievance Redress Mechanism Process.

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Figure 2: GRM Process

Non Eligible

Eligible

Resolution Not

Resolution Accepted Accepted Appeal

Stage 1: Grievance Reception and Uptake Grievance reception and uptake refer to the methods by which the project will receive grievances. Taking into account technology, funding and capacity constraints, the GRM will have two grievance uptake locations at community and district levels. Grievances at scheme cluster level will be presented to the CGRMC or WGRMC depending on the source of the grievance. Grievances can be registered through the following channels; phone call, email, WhatsApp, SMS or face-to-face. The uptake channels will be publicized and advertised through local media, the implementing District Council Offices and where relevant through

166 the contractors. The grievances submitted verbally will be put in writing for them to be considered. Recognizing that many grievances may be resolved ‘on the spot’ and informally by project staff, there are opportunities to encourage these informal resolutions to be logged here to (i) encourage responsiveness; and (ii) ensure that repeated or low-level grievances are being noted in the system. The CGRMC, WGRMC, AGRMC and DGRMC shall register all received grievances in a Grievance Log and Resolution Form.

Stage 2: Verify and Classify In general, all submitted grievances have to be accepted and no judgement is made prior to investigation even if the submitted grievances are minor. However, the eligibility (if the issue being raised is relevant to the project) of a submitted grievance must be determined before further action is undertaken on the complaint. Once a grievance is received, the CGRMC, WGRMC, AGRMC and DGRMC shall assess whether the grievance is within the scope of PRIDE/ERASP GRM and make necessary follow ups to establish the truth of the matter. In case a grievance is not related to the program, the complainant shall be advised to channel it to the relevant institution. Complainants with issues that are criminal in nature will be encouraged to present their cases to police. The following types of complaints must be declared non-eligible and redirected to relevant institution: a) Complaints clearly not related to the project; b) Complaints constituting criminal activity and violence; c) Labour-related grievances; and d) Commercial disputes. If the eligibility of the submitted complaint is rejected, the complainant must be formally provided with feedback within 5 days of lodging a grievance. If necessary, a meeting should be convened to explain the reason(s) for rejecting the submitted grievance to the complainant. Stage 3. Assessment and investigation All eligible grievances will need to undergo some degree of review, assessment, and investigation depending on the type of grievance and clarity of the circumstances to get more details of the grievance. Minor, straightforward grievances may not need any investigation before proceeding to resolutions, however complicated grievances will need a more detailed assessment and investigation to get details of the complaints. If necessary, within 3 days after confirming of the eligibility of the grievance, CGRMC, WGRMC, AGRMC and DGRMC shall undertake an investigation to gather more information. Stage 4: Hearing and Resolution After confirming the eligibility of the submitted grievance, the CGRMC, WGRMC, AGRMC and/or DGRMC shall set a date and time for a hearing within the next 7 Days. The complainant

167 and accused shall be informed of the date and time of the hearing in writing and or sending them an SMS. The hearing shall take place if two thirds of the GRMC members are represent, the complainant is present in person and the accused is present in person. If the complainant and/or accused are not present during the first hearing, the GRMC has to postpone it and set a new date within the next 3 days. If the complainant is not present during the second hearing without a valid reason, the GRMC will automatically reject the submitted grievance without the right to appeal. If the accused is not present without a valid reason, the GRMC will allow the complainant to further explain the grievance before examining all the facts and formulating the judgment. Upon agreement to the resolution, the complainant shall sign in acceptance and the Chairperson and the Secretary shall counter sign under the closure section in the Grievance Log and Resolution Form as attached in Annex 1. This shall signify that the grievance has been fully discussed and closed. In case the grievance is not resolved, the same members shall also be required to sign under referral section in the Grievance Log and Resolution Form as attached in Annex 1 signifying that the case was not closed and has since been referred to another level. Where the case is not closed at the PFGRMC, the committee will explain the appeal process and the complainant may seek justice from the Court of Law and the decision made by the Court of Law shall be final. Stage 5: Registry All grievances received will be entered into a GRM registry which will be kept at district council and will be accessible to the public and shall be maintained at all the three GRM levels. The community and workers’ log and resolution form shall be completed in triplicate for any case heard, closed or referred and a copy of the resolution form shall be sent to the DGRMC, complainant and the other shall remain with the committee for record purposes. The Log book and resolution form at District level shall be completed in quadricate and a copy will remain in the registry while the other copies will be sent to PFGRMC, CGRMC/WGRMC/AGRMC and complainant. The DGRMC shall also be responsible for consolidating all grievances in their register and submit a copy to the PFGRMC through the PCO on quarterly basis. This shall enable the PCO to keep a register of all grievances recorded and handled at community and District levels. The records will enable the PCO to monitor implementation of the resolutions. Stage 6: Implementation of Agreed Resolution Following the signing of the Grievance Resolution Agreement, the project must implement the agreed resolutions in accordance with the provisions specified in the signed agreement. 2.3.2 IFAD’S GRIEVANCE AND REDRESS MECHANISM IFAD has established a complaints procedure to receive and facilitate resolution of concerns and complaints with respect to alleged non-compliance of its environmental and social policies and the mandatory aspects of its Social, Environmental and Climate Assessment Procedures in the context of IFAD-supported projects. The procedure allows affected complainants to have

168 their concerns resolved in a fair and timely manner through an independent process. IFAD may be contacted by e-mail at [email protected] or via its website. In addition, IFAD will require the borrower to provide an easily accessible grievance mechanism, process or procedure to facilitate resolution of concerns and grievances of project- affected parties arising in connection with the project (on a case-by-case basis for projects that pose special risks). Grievance redress will use existing formal and informal grievance mechanisms, strengthened or supplemented as needed with project-specific arrangements, and will be proportionate to the risks and impacts of the project. Although IFAD normally addresses risks primarily through its enhanced quality enhancement/quality assurance process and by means of project implementation support, it remains committed to: (a) working proactively with the affected parties to resolve complaints; (b) ensuring that the complaints procedure and project-level grievance mechanism are easily accessible to affected persons, culturally appropriate, responsive and operates effectively; and (c) maintaining records of all complaints and their resolutions.

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Annex 7: Cultural Heritage Chance Find Procedure

1.0.Introduction The Chance Find Procedure (CFP) has therefore been prepared to provide appropriate mitigation measures of potential archaeological disturbance during the project implementation. The CFP is a project-specific instrument that outlines the actions to be taken if archaeological objects are accidentally encountered during project implementation. The CFP will be disseminated to all relevant stakeholders involved in the project implementation. The CFP has been prepared in accordance with both the national legal framework and the IFAD Social Environment, Climate Assessment Procedure (SECAP). The National Monuments and Relics Act (1990) provides statutory protection against all kinds of threats on all cultural resources as defined in it. Section 29 of the Monuments and Relics Act (1990) (Cap. 29:01 Laws of Malawi) states as follows in relation to development: (1) A person in charge of any survey, excavation, exploration construction or new development shall, at the earliest stages of planning for such activities, give notice to the Minister to enable, where necessary, rescue archaeology to be carried out in accordance with subsection (2).

(2) Rescue archaeology of a monument or relic under subsection (1) shall be carried out by the Chief Antiquities Officer or any qualified person with an excavation permit issued by the Minister, and the cost of such work shall, unless the Minister otherwise directs, be borne by the person in charge of any survey. The IFAD SECAP Guidance statement 9 “Physical cultural resources” provides guidance to borrowers to avoid, minimize or mitigate adverse impacts on PCR in the development programmes and projects that it finances. IFAD uses due diligence in applying its SECAP to ensure that PCR are properly identified and adequately addressed, and that any measures to protect PCR comply with the borrower’s national legislation as well as with its obligations under relevant international treaties and agreements. 2.0. The purpose of the CFP The purpose of this procedure is to ensure the protection of underground cultural heritage property within the project area including potential archaeological finds discovered accidently during the implementation of the project. The possible Chance finds to be encountered include the following: a) Archaeological heritage which has remained unnoticed in the past e.g stones, bones, pottery, metalwork, iron slag; b) Burial site containing human remains which the local residents may have not mentioned at the survey stage and c) An encounter with a sacred site which was not mentioned at the survey stage

3.0. Scope of the CFP The CFP applies to the following activities: a) Geotechnical investigations; b) Hydrological investigations;

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c) Environmental investigations; d) Vegetation clearance; e) Construction; and f) Operation and closure.

4.0. Procedure for accidental archaeological discovery The procedures in an event that a Chance Find is observed are as follows:

A. Contractor (all construction workers) a) Immediately stop any work in the area of the Chance Find; b) Identify the site with flag tape and obtain GPS Coordinates; c) Demarcate the discovered site; d) Immediately report the discovery to the project Environmental Specialist or Engineer; and e) Follow any instruction issued by the project Environmental Specialist or Engineer to protect the site, including arranging for security to prevent any loss of removable objects; NOTE: Should human remains be found, apply the change find procedure as described above and liaise with the traditional Leader, district council and the Police B. Project Environmental Specialist The project environmental specialist is required to notify the Director of Department of Monuments and Museums detailing: a) The date and time of the Chance Find b) The location of the chance find site (providing coordinates) c) The details of the discovery team (names, roles, nature of activity) d) Estimated nature of site observed and e) The temporary protection measures implemented to protect the discovery.

5.0. Suspension of works According to provisions of Monuments and Relics Act (1990) should there be significant findings, the Department of Museums and Monuments may wish to carry out more detailed analysis as such all works at the site must be temporary suspended for an agreed period. Works should only resume once the exercise has been finalized and an approval has been granted.

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Annex 8: Names of Experts that carried out the ESIA Study

Name Qualifications Position/ Responsibility 1 Potiphar Kaliba (PhD) PhD in Conservation Biology; Team Leader Master of Science in Conservation Biology; BEd (Science) 2 Noel Lihiku MA(Econs); Socio-economic BSoc (Econs) and Gender Expert 3 Jamestone Kamwendo MSc(Conservation Biology), Botanist BSc(Biology) 4 Vincent Msadala (PhD) PhD in Civil Engineering Climate Change (Hydraulics and Hydrology); Expert MSc in Civil Engineering (Hydraulics and Hydrology); BSc in Civil Engineering 5 Shem Yuda MSc (Water and Env. Mgt); Hydrologist Postgraduate Diploma in Hydrology; BSc(Geog. and Earth Sc) 6 Humphrey Kamwendo MSc (Water Science and Irrigation Engineer Engineering), BSc(Irrigation Engineering)

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