Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Report for the Proposed Mlooka Irrigation Scheme; Zomba

Government of Malawi

Ministry of Agriculture

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT FOR THE PROPOSED MLOOKA 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 ESIA ...... 1 1.3 Nature of the Proposed Project ...... 2 1.4 Justification of implementing Mlooka Irrigation Scheme Project ...... 2 1.5 ESIA Objectives ...... 3 1.6 Project Location ...... 3 1.7 Project Proponent ...... 5 1.8 Potential users of ESIA report ...... 5 1.9 Methodology for carrying out an ESIA ...... 5 1.9.1 Literature Review ...... 6 1.9.2 Field Visits ...... 6 1.9.3 Stakeholder Consultations ...... 6 Chapter 2: Description of Project Activities ...... 8 2.1 Planning Phase ...... 8 2.2 Construction Phase ...... 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 Climate...... 24 3.1.3 Soils ...... 32 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 Demographic Profile ...... 42

3.3.3 Ethnic Groups ...... 42 3.3.4 Religion ...... 43 3.3.5 Culture ...... 43 3.3.6 Current Land use and Land Tenure ...... 44 3.3.7 Agriculture ...... 44 3.3.8 Economy ...... 45 3.3.9 Education...... 45 3.3.10 Health ...... 47 3.3.11 Water Supply ...... 48 3.3.12 Communication ...... 48 3.3.13 Security ...... 49 Chapter 4: Legal and Policy Framework ...... 50 4.1 Policy framework ...... 50 4.1.1 National Environmental Policy (2004) ...... 50 4.1.2 National Land Policy (2002) ...... 50 4.1.3 National HIV and AIDS policy (2012) ...... 51 4.1.4 National Gender Policy (2015) ...... 52 4.1.5 National Water Policy (2005) ...... 52 4.1.6 National Forest Policy (2016) ...... 53 4.1.7 National Agriculture Policy (2016) ...... 54 4.1.8 National Irrigation Policy (2016) ...... 54 4.1.9 National Fertiliser Policy (2018) ...... 55 4.1.10 National Climate Change Management Policy (2016) ...... 55 4.1.11 National Cultural Policy (2005) ...... 56 4.1.12 National Youth Policy (2013) ...... 57 4.1.13 National Sanitation Policy (2008) ...... 58 4.1.14 National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy (2001) ...... 59 4.1.15 Food and Nutrition Security Policy (2005) ...... 59 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) ...... 64 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 Public Health (Corona Virus and COVID -19) prevention, containment and management) Rules, 2020 ...... 68 4.1.17 HIV and AIDS (Management and Prevention) Act, 2018 ...... 68 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 ESIA Process ...... 74 5.2.1 Identification of Stakeholders ...... 74 5.2.2 Main issues raised during consultations ...... 76 Chapter 6: Analysis of Project Alternatives ...... 77 6.1 Do-nothing ...... 77 6.2 Develop the proposed irrigation scheme ...... 77 6.2.1 Analysis of alternative irrigation sites ...... 78 6.2.2 Analysis of alternative technologies ...... 78 Chapter 7: Impact Identification and Analysis ...... 83 7.1 Impact identification ...... 83 7.1.1 Methodology of impact identification ...... 83 7.2 Analysis of Predicted Impacts ...... 89

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7.2.1 Approach and Methodology of Impact Analysis ...... 89 7.3 Evaluation of main impacts and their management measures ...... 96 7.3.1 Planning Phase ...... 96 7.3.2 Construction Phase ...... 97 7.3.3 Operation and Maintenance Phase ...... 103 7.3.4 Demobilisation Phase ...... 107 Chapter 8: Environmental and Social Management and Monitoring Plans ...... 110 8.1 Environmental and Social Management Plan ...... 110 8.2 Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan ...... 126 Chapter 9: Conclusions and Recommendations ...... 134 9.1 Conclusion ...... 134 9.2 Recommendations ...... 134 References ...... 136 Annex 1: Draft ToRs for ESIA studies for Mlooka Irrigation Scheme ...... 138 Annex 2: List of people/Institutions Consulted ...... 141 Annex 3: Main issues raised during consultations ...... 148 Annex 5: Land ownership Agreement Forms ...... 162 Annex 6: Grievance Redress Mechanism for PRIDE/ERASP...... 175 Annex 7: Cultural Heritage Chance Find Procedure ...... 184 Annex 8: Names of Experts that carried out the ESIA Study ...... 186

List of Figures

Figure 1.1 Topographic Map for Mlooka Irrigation Scheme 4 Figure 2.1 Sectional view of the intake according to the FS 12 Figure 2.2 Plan view of the Intake works 12 Figure 2.3 Dimensions of distribution canals 15 Figure 2.4 Layout of the culverts across the Scheme. 17 Figure 2.5 Lay Out Plan for Mlooka Irrigation Scheme 20 Figure 3.1 Min and Maxim temperatures for Masaula EPA 25 Figure 3.2 Monthly Rainfall from 2013/2014 to 2018/2019 26 Figure 3.3 Baseline and annual projections of precipitation 28 Figure 3.4 Soil Map of Mlooka Irrigation Scheme 34 Figure 3.5 Chimbiya Primary School 46 Figure 3.6 Chimbiya Primary School Student Enrolment in 2019 47 Figure 3.7 Mmambo Health Centre 48 Figure 3.8 Common Diseases at Mmambo Health Centre (Jul-Dec 2019) 49 Figure 5.1 Consultation meeting with women at Mlooka Irrigation Scheme 75 Figure 7.1 Table on severity of impacts 91

List of Tables

Table 2.1 Pump house specifications 10 Table 2.2 General Canal hydraulic properties 14 Table 3.1 Mlooka climate risk assessment criteria 29 Table 3.2 Mlooka Scheme (Climate Hazards and Risks–Enhancement, 30 Mitigation and Adaptation Measures) Table 3.3 Water Quality Analysis Results for Shire River Water at Kamuzu 35 Barrage Table 3.4 Malawi Guidelines for Irrigation Water Quality 36 Table 3.5 Checklist of bird species recorded in Mlooka Irrigation Scheme 37 Table 3.6 Checklist of Mammals recorded. 39 Table 3.7 Checklist of Reptiles recorded 40 Table 3.8 Checklist of insect species recorded in Mlooka Irrigation Scheme. 41 Table 5.1 Categories of Stakeholder Groups identified 76 Table 7.1 Impacts identified 85 Table 7.2 Impact scoring matrix with significance levels 92 Table 8.1 Proposed Environmental and Social Management Plan for Mlooka 112 Irrigation Scheme Table 8.2 Proposed Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan for Mlooka 128 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 construction of 138 hectares of Mlooka Irrigation Scheme. The proposed irrigation scheme is located in Group Village Head (GVH) Ebele in Sub- Traditional Authority (STA)Nkapita under Traditional Authority Mlumbe in Zomba District. The Irrigation Scheme project is being implemented by the Department of Irrigation in the Ministry of Agriculture under the Programme for Rural Irrigation Development (PRIDE) and Enhancing the Resilience of Agro- ecological Systems Project (ERASP). PRIDE and ERASP are being financed by the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) and Global Environment Facility (GEF), respectively. The estimated cost of the project is One million and Nine Hundred Thousand United States Dollars (1,900,000 USD).

PRIDE aims at supporting 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 ensures that this is fulfilled through the provision to smallholder farm households of a combination of (i) irrigation and soil and water conservation infrastructure; (ii) promotion of good agricultural practices(GAPs); and (iii) linkage to improved value chains. On the other hand, 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. 2.0 Nature of the Proposed Project It is anticipated that Mlooka Irrigation Scheme will have 1,400 beneficiaries out of which 728 will be women. These farmers will come from Group Village Heads (GVHs) Mlooka and Ebele. Specifically, the beneficiaries will come from the following villages: Mustafa, Kamwendo, Mlooka 1, Mlooka 2, Zunde, Ebele 1 and Mtaka. Crops to be cultivated in the scheme will include rice, maize, mustard, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, onions and beans. In general, the construction of Mlooka Irrigation Scheme will involve the construction of headworks where water will be abstracted from the Shire River and conveyed through a canal network to irrigate the farm plots. The selection of headworks construction materials between stone masonry and reinforced concrete will be dependent on geotechnical parameters and terrain of the intake area as well as the availability of construction materials. In addition, a pump house will be constructed to pump water from Shire River as use of gravity will not be effective for water conveyance to the farm plots. A

drainage system will be integrated with the existing natural drains. This approach is the most efficient and cost-effective way of draining water from the irrigation area. Flood protection bunds and interceptor drains will be constructed to mitigate the risk of flooding in some irrigation schemes. Additionally, new earthen roads will be constructed in addition to spot grading and shaping of the existing ones. 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 provided in Annex 8. The strategies for executing this assignment followed 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 ESIA The ESIA study was conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Environment Management Act (2017), which requires that an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment be conducted before implementation of certain prescribed projects. According to Guidelines for Environmental Impact Assessment developed in 1997, all irrigations schemes designed to serve more than 10 hectares should be subjected to an ESIA. This ESIA study was carried out in compliance with the Act and the Guidelines.

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). The ESMF requires that subprojects are prepared according to scale of the subprojects.

5.0 ESIA Objectives 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 hazard, climate change, HIV AND AIDS, youth and all gender categories elements that may affect and affected the development project; iv. review relevant policies and legislations 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 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 schemes from relevant Government Agencies.

6.0 Key Environmental issues The implementation of Mlooka Irrigation Scheme project is expected to bring a number environmental and social impacts, both positive and negative. The ESIA study has identified the anticipated impacts and has proposed management measures for the impacts 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 community economic empowerment. Enhancement Measures  Train irrigation farmers on good agriculture practices (GAP) as a way of empowering them economically.

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 GAP, water saving irrigation technologies and value chain addition.

iv. 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).

v. 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.

6.2 Summary of negative impacts and their mitigation measures Negative impacts that are anticipated during the implementation of Mlooka Irrigation Scheme project and their proposed mitigation measures are as follows: i. Increased risk of water pollution by agrochemical 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. Increased risk of crop damage by Hippopotamuses Mitigation Measure(s)  Provide live fencing to plots that are closer to Shire River;  Leave a buffer zone between the scheme and Shire River. 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) such as gum boots when working in water logged areas; and  Encourage surrounding communities to sleep under insecticide treated mosquito nets.

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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 grills in canals (at intervals) to limit passage of crocodiles; and  Encourage farmers to clear bush around their plots to limit hiding places for crocodiles.

v. Increased risk of accidents due to drowning in canals by children and livestock Mitigation Measure(s)  Provide crossing points across canals for use by livestock and children;  Service irrigation plots located close to residential areas through pipes not open canals;  Where feasible, install guard rails along big canals that pass close to residential areas;  Sensitise parents to discourage their children from swimming in the canals; and  Draft bylaws discouraging children from swimming in the canals.

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 Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials on HIV and AIDS to workers and surrounding communities.  Provide workers with free condoms; vii. Increased risk of Child labour; Mitigation Measure(s)  Employ people aged 18 and above; and  Sensitise parents on advantages of sending their children to school.

6.0 Conclusion The ESIA study has revealed that the implementation of Mlooka Irrigation Scheme will have significant positive impacts to the people around the scheme. The positive impacts include: improved food security in the area; improved nutritional status of the people due to availability of food; and Skill transfer to farmers in good agricultural practices. Despite these benefits, the project will likely have some negative environmental and social impacts which are mitigatable. The ESIA report has proposed mitigation measures which, when implemented, are expected to either eliminate or reduce to acceptable levels. Key

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amongst the anticipated negative impacts are: increased risk of water pollution; increased infestation of malaria and bilharzia; increased risk of crop damage by hippos; and risk of increased incidences of HIV and AIDS. Based on the findings from the ESIA study, it is recommended that Mlooka Irrigation scheme should be implemented. This is due to the fact that all the anticipated negative impacts are mitigatable. In addition, the irrigation scheme will benefit a lot of people from the project area and beyond.

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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 138 hectares of Mlooka Irrigation Scheme. The proposed irrigation scheme is located in Group Village Head (GVH) Ebele in Sub-Traditional Authority(STA) Nkapita under Traditional Authority Mlumbe in Zomba District. The irrigation scheme is expected to benefit 1,400 farmers out of which 728 will be women. Mlooka irrigation scheme is located along the left bank of the Shire River in Zomba District. The northern part of the scheme borders with Chimbiya Stream, which marks the boundary between Zomba and Machinga Districts. The estimated cost of the project is One million and Nine Hundred Thousand United States Dollars (1,900,000 USD).

Mlooka Irrigation Scheme is in Masaula Extension Planning Area (EPA) under Machinga Irrigation Services Division (ISD). The irrigation scheme is being implemented by Department of Irrigation (DoI) in the Ministry of Irrigation and Water Development under the Programme for Rural Irrigation Development (PRIDE) and Enhancing the Resilience of Agro-ecological Systems Project (ERASP). The Government of Malawi received a loan from the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) and grant from Global Environment Facility (GEF) towards the cost of implementing PRIDE and ERASP, respectively. 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.

1.2 Rationale for Conducting ESIA The ESIA study was conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Environment Management Act (2017), which requires that an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment 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 Nature of the Proposed Project In general, the construction of Mlooka Irrigation Scheme will involve the construction of headworks where water will be abstracted from the Shire River and conveyed through a canal network to irrigate the farm plots. The selection of headworks construction materials between stone masonry and reinforced concrete will be dependent on geotechnical parameters and terrain of the intake area as well as the availability of construction materials. In addition, a pump house will be constructed to pump water from Shire River as use of gravity will not be effective for water conveyance to the farm plots. A drainage system will be integrated with the existing natural drains. This approach is the most efficient and cost-effective way of draining water from the irrigation area. Flood protection bunds and interceptor drains will be constructed to mitigate the risk of flooding in some irrigation schemes. Additionally, new earthen roads will be constructed in addition to spot grading and shaping of the existing ones. Approximately 100 people will be employed during construction phase out of which 30% will be women. Crops to be cultivated during implementation phase of the project will include rice, maize, mustard, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, onions and beans.

1.4 Justification of implementing Mlooka 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 one of the interventions. The implementation of Mlooka Irrigation scheme project is therefore complementing governments effort in improving food security.

1.5 ESIA Objectives The ESIA study for the proposed project was conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Environment Management Act (EMA) of 2017. The objective of conducting ESIA Studies is to integrate environmental and social issues in the project implementation. Specifically, the 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 the youth, women, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups expressed during the consultation process, vi. identify required licenses and permits for the proposed irrigation scheme from relevant Government agencies.

1.6 Project Location Mlooka irrigation Scheme is located in Group Village Head (GVH) Ebele in Traditional Authority Mlumbe in Zomba District. The scheme site is situated along the left bank of the Shire River. In the north, the proposed site is bordered by Chimbiya Stream, which marks the boundary between Zomba and Machinga Districts (Figure 1.1).

1.7 Project Proponent The proponent of the proposed project is Ministry of Irrigation and Water Development. 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 ESIA report The ESIA report for Mlooka Irrigation Scheme 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) Front line Staff from other line departments such Department of Water Resources, Department of Irrigation, Department of Forestry, Environmental Affairs Department etc; f) District Environmental Subcommittee for Zomba; g) Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and community based organizations involved with the activities of the program; h) Members of the VRNMC and WUA; and i) 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 objectives outlined above, 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 Acts; Public Health Act; Occupational Safety, Health and Welfare Act; Agriculture Policy; Irrigation Policy; National Water Policy; National Environment Policy; Malawi National Land Policy; Malawi Development and Growth Strategy (III), among other pieces of relevant legislation and policies. In addition, a review of other Environmental and Social Impact Assessment reports related to irrigation projects was done.

1.9.2 Field Visits A number of field visits were conducted to the proposed Mlooka Irrigation Scheme project site between December 2019 to April 2020. This was done to enable specialists to acquaint themselves with the project area and surrounding communities. The field visits also enabled different specialists to observe and capture baseline data on the existing environment. Specialist studies that were conducted included archaeology and heritage, landscape and visual, ecology (flora and fauna), agriculture and socio-economic environment, climate change studies, among others.

The 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 process of consultations has been a continuous one and started in December 2019 up to July 2020.

Annex 2 presents a list of key stakeholders consulted while a summary of key issues raised during public consultations has been attached (Annex 3). Below is

a brief description of how each of methods for conducting public consultations was carried out:

 Key Informant Interviews (KII): Because of their 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 Management Unit for PRIDE, District Irrigation Officers, Community Leaders, Members of the Water Users Association (WUA), Members of Village Natural Resources Management Committees (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 during the Planning, Construction and Operation Phases of Mlooka Irrigation Scheme. 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 villages under Group Village Head (GVH) Ebele in Traditional Authority Mlumbe where Mlooka Irrigation Scheme is located; and various stakeholders with an aim of incorporating 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, Zomba District Council, Project Coordination Office (PRIDE), Department of Irrigation (DoI), Water Resources Department, Environmental Affairs Department, Department of Occupation Safety and Health, Department of National Parks and Wildlife, among others.

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) for Mlooka Irrigation Scheme 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. While the VNRMCs were formed to ensure that there is good management of the environment including planting of trees to replace those that were affected during project implementation.

iv. Undertaking Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Studies Environmental and Social Impact Assessment studies are being carried out during this phase of the project. The main objective of these studies is 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. The ESIA report has developed Environmental and Social Management and Monitoring Plans for use by the proponent of the project, beneficiary communities, the contractor, Environmental Affairs Department, Zomba District Council, among other stakeholders.

2.2 Construction Phase According to the feasibility study and detailed design reports for Mlooka Irrigation Scheme, key infrastructure being considered in this Chapter includes water intakes, conveyance aqueducts and canals, drains, culverts and infield roads, among others. 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 done. 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 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. According to the Feasibility study, canalisation is proposed to be used in case the pumping system does not function due to various operational problems and possible only for the 65.4 ha of the net area of 138 ha (47% of the total irrigation area). Canals proposed would be of up to 4m deep. 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. The Constructions works of the project are expected to employ about 100 people in different categories out of which 30% will be women. Key infrastructure considered at detailed design have been discussed as follows: 2.2.1 Water Intake Works The water intake from Mlooka Irrigation Scheme will be constructed between approximately elevation of 472.0 metres above sea level (masl) and 474.0 masl. Water intake works include pump house, a head race, pump sump and other features. These have been described as follows:

I. Pumping Station A pumping station will be constructed with the following specifications:

Head race and Pump Sump

 It will have a headrace without any form of regulation and will have a length of not less than 10m leading into a Pump sump;  The Headrace will be a trapezoidal channel constructed in cut to allow for lowest design level flow of 471.0 masl, will be of stone masonry (contrary to the proposal at feasibility stage to use brickwork), with a bottom width of 2m, a longitudinal slope of 0.5% and 1.5:1 side slopes;  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 approach chamber has a total length of 8.4m and will contain a manhole, trash rack, siltation basin, with a fixed crane and chain block, stop log among others.  The suction pipe will be anchored by a stone masonry support along the length of the suction line whose distance has not been specified in the Feasibility Report.

Pump house The pumping house will house two pump sets spaced at 1.2m from each other according to the detailed design, with the following specifications:  The pumps will be supplied from the HDPE suction pipe of 400mm diameter;  The pump house walls will be made of combined materials of reinforced concrete blocks and steel; and the roof rack will be made of steel;  The pump house will house two pump sets, Switch board and Solar power inverters; and  Table 2.1 provides additional specifications for the pump house as per the Feasibility Study and detailed design drawings:

Table 2.1: Pump house specifications Height 3260 mm Length 10300 mm Width 7500 mm Ring beam height 2100 mm Ring beam thickness 200 mm Ventilation Not included and specified Pump Concrete pads (Anchor) Not included and specified Reinforced concrete floor slab 400 mm Thick Foundation hardcore 150 mm Sand blinding 100 mm

The feasibility study estimated a peak demand of 144 l/s (1.041 l/s/ha), occurring in August when the winter crops are fully developed, while the detailed consideration estimates a peak demand of 178.31 l/s (1.29 l/s/ha), occurring in

September. This will eventually assist in the final design of the intake and associated appurtenances to meet the peak demand.

The intake will also have a gravelled road to be used in accessing the Pump station for operation or maintenance. The road will be 20 m long at a slope of 10% and will have a thickness of 150mm. Figures 2.1 and 2.2 show the sectional and plan view of the intake works.

Figure 2.1: Sectional view of the intake according to the FS

Figure 2.2: Plan view of the Intake works

II. Balancing tanks From the intake, water will be pumped to two balancing tanks that will be erected at two highest positions in the upper zone and Lower zone within the site to convey water to fields using gravity. The tanks to be constructed at a height of about 475.0 and 482.0 masl. Bottom elevation of Upper balancing tank is 485.20m while ground elevation is 486m while bottom elevation of lower balancing tank is 476.90m and ground elevation is 477.6m.

The detailed designs show that the total area for construction of both tanks plus its peripherals is about 290 m2 (16.5m by 17.5m). 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.

Balancing Tank 1 (BT 1) 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 485.2 masl and has a capacity of about 118m3. The following are the specifications:

 The tank has one inlet, an HDPE pipe with a diameter of 500mm from the pumping station  It has three outlet HDPE pipes one conveying water to BT 2 (with a nominal diameter of 355mm, and two outlets discharging into Upper main canal;  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 PVC pipe (DN 160mm) that will drain the tank surroundings by cast iron cross fittings;  Inlet, outlet and washout pipes will all be encased in concrete.

Balancing Tank 2 (BT 2) Balancing tank 2 will be constructed at an elevation of 476.90masl and has a capacity of about 108m3. The following are the specification:

 The tank has two inlet HDPE pipes: from pumping station with diameter of 500mm and from BT 1 of diameter 355mm;  It has two outlet HDPE pipes of 500mm diameter one conveying water to the lower main canal;  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 PVC pipe (DN 160mm) that will drain the tank surroundings by cast Iron cross fittings; and  Inlet, outlet and washout pipes will all be encased in concrete.

From the detailed designs, there are works that would need to be done on the site in the construction of the balancing tanks. Predominantly they will be earth works which will include excavations to required depths and extent. There will need to be consideration earth works to improve the bearing capacity of the soils and proper disposal of the excavated material.

III. Conveyance System  Canals According to the feasibility report, the site will have a network of main canals, secondary canals, field canals and drains. The Scheme is proposed to have two main canals namely the upper and lower canals and several secondary canals.

Main Canals: The irrigation water is released from the regulating tank of each zone through two outlet chambers to the head of the main canals, one for the north and one for the south command area. The canals minimum longitudinal slope is 1m/km, selected to safely convey the design flow at velocities that are self-cleansing and non-destructive.

An open concrete rectangular canal will run from the upper tank towards the north (Canal CUN1) and the south (Canal CUS1) along the upper command area, and another open concrete rectangular canal will run from the lower tank towards the north (Canal CLN1) and the south (Canal CLS1) along the lower command area, all parallel to the Shire River.

The proposed canals are rectangular, made by concrete with a design minimum slope of 1m/km. Calculations take into account a Manning coefficient of n= 0.016. A freeboard of 30% of the canal height was considered. Velocities range between 0.57 m/s (minimum) and 0.67 m/s (maximum).

The canal lip/berm will be extended into a well compacted gravel fill on either sides 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 culverts will be provided including inverted siphons and bridges.

Table 2.2: General Canal hydraulic properties Upper Zone Discharge (m3/sec) Width (m) Depth (m) Velocity m/s

CUN1 0.11 0.60 0.32 0.57

CUS1 0.21 0.75 0.42 0.67

Normal Depth Lower Discharge Width (m) Velocity

CLN1 0.11 0.60 0.32 0.57

CLS1 0.21 0.75 0.42 0.67

The main canals will be lined with concrete work according to the detailed design. The secondary and tertiary canals will be earth lined.

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 proposed canals are trapezoidal, unlined with a design minimum slope of 10m/km (equal to the average ground slope) and side slopes horizontal to vertical is 1.5. A freeboard of 30% of the canal height was considered.

Field Canals: The field channels are placed at the top of each plot, supplying with water the crops. The field channel is designed as an open channel with a bed width of 30cm, and side slopes of 1/1:5 Vertical: Horizontal. A typical cross section is presented in the following figure 2.3.

Figure 2.3: Dimensions of distribution canals

Based on the discharge analysis, the field channel will have a longitudinal slope of 0.1% to 0.3% is considered adequate to allow sufficient discharge. The allowed flow within the field channel was decided to be in the order of 10 litres per second in each plot which can be easily supplied by a field channel.

Other structures

(a) Culverts: There will be a total of six culverts within the scheme area. The culverts will be constructed across roads and canals as follows:

 Culvert 1 with a diameter of 800mm is crossing a road and the Upper main canal;  Culvert 2 is an 800 mm culvert and is crossing an existing gravel road;  Culvert 3 is an 800 mm culvert and is crossing the Lower main canal and a new lower gravel road;  Culvert 4 is a 1000mm culvert crossing a new Upper road and the upper main canal;  Culvert 5 is a 1000mm culvert crossing an existing road; and  Culvert 6 is a 1000mm sized one crossing the Lower main canal and new gravel road. The proposed lay out the culverts has been shown in figure 2.4 which has been shown below.

Figure 2.4: Layout of the culverts across the Scheme.

(b) Division Structures: A total of 14 division structures are proposed in scheme’s entire network to distribute the water according to the detailed design. They will be equipped with sluice steel gates to regulate the flow. Staff gauges are to be installed in the key division structures along the main canals to monitor the discharges in the system.

Flood protection bunds and interceptor drains: All main catchments upstream of the command area have been delineated and the generated flow has been calculated. The designing Engineer further estimated the design flow based on a 10 year return period. New culverts upstream of the scheme are proposed and have been checked for this flow, under uniform flow conditions. New culverts are also proposed for road crossings over flow paths inside the scheme area. In cases where the existing streambeds are in poor condition or do not suffice to transport the flood flows, suitable realignment works are proposed.

(c) Road infrastructure The design includes all necessary scheme roads, which follow optimal alignments to serve adequately the command area. The scope of designing a road network is to improve accessibility in the command area and also allow for the effective operation and maintenance of the irrigation system. The road network ensures the connection of the command area with the main inhabited zones and aims to provide access to major infrastructure (Intake structure, canals, and tanks) and to the irrigation sections (each section consists of a range of plots).

The scheme area can be easily accessed by a gravel road from Liwonde which passes through it. This road is generally accessible throughout the year, irrespective of the season. The design maintains the existing road network within the scheme area.

Additionally, a 4m wide road is foreseen along the proposed conveyance system from the pumping station to the upper and lower tanks to facilitate construction, inspection, operation and maintenance. Access to irrigation sections takes place through two new 3m wide service roads, which are transverse to the new 4m wide access road and parallel to the existing access road. Irrigation plots are accessible on foot via a 0.70m wide corridors next to the secondary canals.

The access and service roads will allow for the transportation of people and goods, while their alignment and longitudinal profile will ensure runoff drainage from the road surface to the proposed drainage system of the scheme.

A number of footbridges is also considered for the cost estimate of the project, the location of which will be determined during the construction of works in close collaboration with the local community.

The existing roads within the vicinity of the scheme are in good condition. However, some road sections of total length of 1,000m will be graded and spot gravelled to improve accessibility.

(d) 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 either 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.

Construction Characteristics

 Drains The drains in the system will be designed to protect Mlooka scheme from outer and inner flows. The drains will be designed to catch water from small streams and runoff from the site in general. Ultimately all the drains will lead back to the Shire River and contribute to the flows. The Feasibility Report considers using existing rivers and streams as drainage channels but the details will be contained in the detailed designs.

The following principles were considered at detailed design phase: a. A drainage system has been designed upstream of the new upper road, parallel to the main canal and discharging mainly into the existing streams and flow paths, all year round inundated areas or into drainage ditches 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; b. All main streams and creeks will be maintained and will be the receptors of the command area’s catchments and external catchments. In cases where the existing streambeds 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. The maximum flow capacity of a drain ditch with these dimensions is 0.10m3/sec in 0.3% slope. The capacity can be increased if necessary, implementing higher slopes for construction, depending on the ground morphology.

Figure 2.5 provides the layout of the irrigation scheme and ancillary structures of Mlooka irrigation scheme.

Figure 2.5: Lay Out Plan for Mlooka Irrigation Scheme

2.3 Operational and Maintenance Phase

i. Demarcation of plots and clearing the land This will involve the demarcation of land into plots and clearing the land of existing vegetation. Plots that have never been cultivated before will have a wide variety of perennial grass and herbaceous plants.

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 At Mlooka Irrigation Scheme there is a Water Users Association (WUA) which was established during the planning phase of the project. The WUA will be responsible for the management of Irrigation Water and 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 including tail 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 at Mlooka Irrigation Scheme 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 agro-chemicals 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 Mlooka 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 Mlooka 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 topography of the site is conducive to surface irrigation, provided that the system can lift the water to a level which will allow gravity flow into the fields. The land along the river levee constitutes a long depression where flood flows and waterlogging occur 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.

3.1.2 Climate Like many parts of Malawi, Mlooka Irrigation Scheme and surrounding areas have two seasons, namely the Dry Season and Rain Season. The Dry season starts from May/June to October/November. Figure 3.1 shows minimum and maximum temperatures recorded at Masaula Extension Planning Area (EPA) for the past 5 years. According to figure 3.1, 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 3.1: 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 3.2, 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 3.2: 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)

3.1.2.1 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 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 3.3: Baseline and annual projections of precipitation at Mlooka Irrigation Scheme 1600

1400

1200

1000

800

600 Rainfall(mm)

400

200

Year

Figure 3.3 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. 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 takes longer to recover from extended drought condition than other rivers in Malawi as lake levels must build up to overtop the sand bar before flow can recommence. 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 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. 3.1.2.2 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 Moderate water 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

3.1.2.3 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 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. Table 3.2 presents specific mitigation and adaptation measures for Mlooka Irrigation Scheme in Zomba based on the climate risk assessment results. 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 optimum dealing with low and high flows 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

ID Climate Hazards and Climate Proofing Interventions, Risks Enhancement, Mitigation and Adaptation Measures 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 a 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 resulted 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.”

ID Climate Hazards and Climate Proofing Interventions, Risks Enhancement, Mitigation and Adaptation Measures 9 Sedimentation in Shire Control erosion from upper catchment of River, sand deposit on river and lake through integrated irrigated area, erosion of catchment 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

3.1.3 Soils The lower part of the Mlooka Irrigation Scheme 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). The soils are generally very deep, poorly drained and developed from medium to fine textured soils. The soils in the lower part of the site are classified by FAO as Sodic Fluvisols due to high sodicity. The soils of the outwash plain are classified as Eutric Cambisols. During feasibility studies that were conducted in 2014, Mlooka Irrigation Scheme soils were mapped in three units, referred to as Soil Mapping Units (SMU), as shown in Figure 3.4, depending on their properties. The description of the soils for each of the units is as follows: SMU 1 Most of the proposed scheme area is covered by SMU-1 soils (127.9 ha). The topsoil is composed of greyish brown, sandy clay loam, weakly developed fine to medium columnar structure, friable (moist), slightly-sticky and non-plastic (wet), few yellowish mottles, many medium roots, and with a clear smooth boundary. The topsoil is very strongly alkaline (pH=10.1) indicating decreased availability of phosphorus and boron as well as increased deficiency of Co, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn. The hydraulic conductivity of the topsoil is rapid (K = 205 cm/day).

The sub-soil (30cm-60cm) is dark yellowish brown, sandy clay loam, moderately developed, medium columnar structure, friable (moist), slightly sticky and slightly-plastic (wet), gradual smooth boundary, and with few fine roots. The sub- soil is very strongly alkaline (pH=10.8). The hydraulic conductivity of the sub-soil is K = 80.5 cm/day, which is moderately slow. The soils in this area generally have medium cation exchange capacity (CEC = 12 me %). The base saturation of the soils is high (BS=100+ %) indicating high chemical fertility. Electrical conductivity is low (ECe=1.24-2.57mS/cm). The exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) is very high (ESP=39.0–42.2%), exhibiting poor physical and chemical properties, which impede water infiltration, water availability, and ultimately may bring an adverse effect on both plant nutrition and physical conditions of the soils through direct toxicity of sodium to plants and dispersing of the soil structure. Concentrations of sodium (4.68 me% to 4.70%) in the soil are high and with ESP>15%, ECe<4 mS/s and pH>8.5, the soils qualify as sodic.

SMU 2 The area with SMU-2 soil is 8.5 ha. The topsoil consists of brownish black, clay, moderately developed, medium sub-angular blocky, friable (moist) sticky and plastic (wet), abundant reddish mottles, common fine and medium roots, clear smooth boundary. The soil acidity is slightly alkaline (pH= 7.36), which falls in the range preferred by most crops. Some slight erosion occurs. The sub-soil (30 cm – 60 cm) is very dark reddish brown, clay, moderate medium angular blocky, firm (moist), sticky and plastic (wet), common fine roots, very few brownish mottles. Strongly alkaline (pH=8.32), where boron toxicity is possible and limitation in Ca and Mg availability may be expected. Generally, the soils have high cation exchange capacity (CEC=27.2 to 32.0) and high base saturation (BS=100%) that indicates high chemical fertility. Electrical conductivity is low (ECe= 0.44 mS/cm), and the exchangeable sodium percentage is high (ESP = 11.8% to 17.8%).

Concentrations of sodium (3.79 me% to 4.83%) are high. With ESP around 15 % the soils qualify as (potentially) sodic.

SMU 3 The area with SMU-3 soil is 7.5 ha. The soil type in SMU-3 is similar to that of SMU-2. The SMU-3 soil lays in the gently undulating floodplain of the Chimbiya, a seasonal stream on the border between Machinga and Zomba Districts.

Figure 3.4: Soil Map of Mlooka Irrigation Scheme and its catchment

Source: (SMEC, 2014)

3.1.4 Water Resources The major surface water body in the project area is Shire River. Shire River is the proposed source of water for Mlooka Irrigation Scheme. Other rivers in the area include Kalambo and Chimbiya streams. These streams are not perennial as they dry up during the dry season. Shire River catchment covers the southern part of East African Rift System, stretching from headwaters in Tanzania to Lake Malawi and then flowing to the Zambezi River in Mozambique, a total distance of 980km. 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 a 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 from Kamuzu Barrage in Liwonde in December 2019 for analysis at Central Water Laboratory in Lilongwe. Laboratory test results of the water are 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 Guidelines for Irrigation Water Quality for comparison with the laboratory analyses.

Table 3.4: Malawi Guidelines for Irrigation Water Quality Water Class SAR EC TDS Boron, mg/l (µS/cm) (Gravimetric ppm) Sensitive Semitolerant Tolerant Crops Crops Crops Class 1, 1-10 <250 175 <0.33 <0.67 <1.00 Excellent

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

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- 1400-2001 1.00-1.25 2.00-2.50 3.00-3.75 Doubtful 3000

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

Source: Water Resources Regulations 2018

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 as 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). During the study, fifty-one bird species were recorded in Mlooka Irrigation Scheme using three main methods namely: literature review to obtain secondary data, field visits and administering semi-structured questionnaires. None of the bird species that were observed were either endemic or 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 Mlooka Irrigation Scheme.

FAMILY NAME COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME

Accipitridae Yellow billed Kite Milvus migrams Lizard buzzard Kaupifalco monogrammicus African goshawk Accipiter tachiro Phasianidae Common quail Coturmix coturmix Numididae Helmeted guinea fowl Numida meleagris Columbidae Red-eyed dove Streptopelia semitorquata Capeturtle dove Streptopelia capicola Blue-spotted dove Turtur tympanistria Musophagidae Purple crested lourie 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 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 Corvidae Pied Crow Corvus albus Pycnonotidae Blackeyed Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus Terrestrial Bulbul Phyllastrephus terristris Turdidae Heuglins Robin Cossypha heuglini Sylviidae Tawny flanked Prinia Prinia subflava Muscicapidae Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis 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 Yellow Bishop Euplectes capensis Redbilled Quelea Quelea quelea Estrildidae Red-billed Fire Finch Lagonosticta senegala Jameson’s Fire Finch Lagonosticta rhodopareia Blue Waxbill Uraeginthus angolensis Red-throated Twinspot Hilpargos niveoguttatus 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 the Shire River. Observed species in the project area included Lander’s horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus landeri), Bocage’s hairy bat (Myotis bocagii), Elephant shrew (Elephantulus fuscus), Black rat (Rattus rattus) and African dormice (Graphiurus microtis).

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).

Information for both small and large mammals was also obtained using three main methods namely literature review to obtain secondary data, field visits and administering semi-structured questionnaires. During the study, sixteen mammal species were recorded in Mlooka Irrigation Scheme. None of the mammal species that were observed were either endemic or endangered. 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. 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 Rhinolophidae Lander’s horseshoe bat Rhinolophus landeri Vespertilionidae Schreibers’ long-fingered bat Miniopterus schreibersii Vespertilionidae Bocage’s hairy bat Myotis bocagii 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 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 Black rat Rattus rattus Myoxidae African dormice Graphiurus microtis

3.2.1.3 Reptiles 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 Mlooka 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.

By using three main methods namely: literature review, field visits and semi- structured questionnaires, data on available reptiles in the project area was captured. The study revealed the project area has about 14 reptile species that were observed in the proposed project area and these included Flap-necked chameleon (Chamaeleo dilepis), 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). Three main methods to obtain this data was used namely literature review, field visits and administering semi-structured questionnaires. Table 3.7 shows a checklist showing the distribution of these species across various taxonomic categories.

Table 3.7: Checklist of Reptiles recorded FAMILY NAME COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME

Lizards Chamaeleonidae Flap-necked chameleon Chamaeleo dilepis Geckonidae Common house gecko Hemidactylus mabouia Geckonidae tropical house gecko Hemidactylus platycephalus Scincidae Boulenger’s skink Mabuya boulengeri Scincidae Striped skink Mabuya striata Scincidae Variable skink Mabuya varia Varanidae Monitor lizard Varanus niloticus

Snakes Colubridae Brown house snake Lamprophisfu liginosus Colubridae Cape file snake Mehelya capensis Colubridae Spotted bush snake Philothamnus semivariegatus Colubridae Olive grass snake Psammophis mossambicus Colubridae Vine snake Thelotornis capensis Elapidae Snouted cobra Naja annulifera Elapidae Mozambiques spitting cobra Naja mossambica

3.2.1.4 Amphibians Information for amphibians were obtained using three main methods namely literature review, field surveys and administering semi-structured questionnaires.

The study revealed that the project area has about 4 species of amphibians. These included Guttural toad (Bufo gutturalis), Flat-backed toad (Bufo maculatus), Mueller’splatanna (Xenopus muelleri) and Gray tree frog (Chiromantis xerambelina).

3.2.1.5 Insects (Invertebrates) Information on invertebrate fauna was obtained using three main methods namely literature review, field visits and administering semi-structured questionnaires.

Fourteen insect species were recorded in Mlooka irrigation scheme. Table 3.8 shows a checklist showing the distribution of these species across various taxonomic categories.

Table 3.8: Checklist of insect species recorded in Mlooka 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 Acraedidae Short horned Grasshopper Acraea eponina Papilionidae Swallowtail butterfly Graphium antheus Termittidae Termites Naustititermis usambarensis Lentulidae Wingless grasshopper Nyassacris uvarovi Tettigoniidae Longhorn grasshopper Phaneroptera nana Gryllidae Cricket Pseudolebinthus whellani Arctiidae Tiger moth Alpenus investigatorum Cercopidae Spittle bug Locris redalli

3.2.1.6 Fish Mlooka Irrigation Scheme is located close to Shire River which has a number of fish species. Information on common 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. The recorded fish species included 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).

3.2.2 Flora Mlooka Irrigation Scheme is covered by small patches of shrubs, trees and grass dominated by Salvadora persica and the extensive development of grass, along the Shire River. The common and abundant are Echnochloa Pyramidalis, Eragrostis spp. Being close to Shire River, the area gets flooded with water during the rainy Season and becomes water logged. Because of residual moisture during the dry season, dambo grass blossoms and provides pasture for livestock such as cows and goats. The methodology that was used to collect this data included transect walks, literature review and semi-structured questionnaires. Annex 4 of the report provides an inventory of plant species that was compiled during the study period.

3.3 Socio-economic Environment

3.3.1 Administrative Structures Zomba district comprises of 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 (CBO’s), Faith Based Organizations (FBO’s), 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 Demographic Profile Mlooka Irrigation Scheme is in Traditional Authority Mlumbe which is the second highest 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 are 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 Chewas and Lomwes. 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. The 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), Christians are the major religious group in Zomba District, 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% believes in other religions. Religious institutions and organizations are very important stakeholders in the development of the district primarily 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. Although most people around Mlooka Irrigation Scheme are Muslims, there are more churches than mosques (i.e. 2 Mosques and 3 Churches). These churches are Roman Catholic (RC), Church of Central Africa Presbyterian(CCAP) and Providence Industrial Mission(PIM). The diversity of the religious beliefs in the project area will not affect the implementation of the irrigation project.

3.3.5 Culture 3.3.5.1 Intangible Cultural Heritage Most people in the project area practice matrilineal system of marriage 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 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 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 done. The team identified one heritage site located in Ebele village with historical/archaeological objects of variable ages. The presence of this site is not surprising considering the Shire River. River banks have always been preferred places of human habitation because apart from being a line of defense they were sources of food, water and transport. This finding also gives 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 team also noted three graveyards within the study area (Ebele and Mlooka Villages) and one grave on the boundary of the irrigation scheme. These grave yards will be by passed by project activities and access to the sites will not be obstructed in any way at any point during project implementation. Further, two sacred tree species locally known as Njale and Mgwemba were recorded in Mlooka irrigation scheme where people were offering sacrifices in the past. These sacred trees will also not be affected by project activities. 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.

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.

Currently the average land holding size in the scheme is 0.7 hectare. People who will be participating in the scheme/agricultural activities will be those who currently own land within the proposed Mlooka Irrigation Scheme Area. To make sure that there is no confusion or things are happening in an orderly manner, 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 Like most parts of the district, most people in the project area grow maize during rainy season for own household consumption. Rice is also grown to supplement the maize but the large portion is sold to meet household’s needs during the dry season. Maize is also grown through irrigation and sold when it is still green throughout the dry season. Most of the times, main crops are grown together

with other crops like sorghum and pigeon peas that are sold for cash and used for food as well.

Because of the proximity of the project area to Shire River, there is a lot of grass that grows in the buffer zone of the river that is used as fodder to livestock. This has prompted most people in the project area to keep livestock such as goats, sheep and cattle. Most households in the project area also keep chickens and ducks for food and sale.

3.3.8 Economy The economy of the project area is agricultural based as most people are employed in the agricultural sector. The study established that farmers collect an average annual revenue of MK 60,000 per household through the sale of agricultural produce such as green maize and rice. Rainy season agricultural activities target food for own consumption but households can still manage to get revenue averaging about MK16,417 per household, however more money is obtained during the dry season from the sales of green maize and rice, where the average is about MK48,833.

3.3.9 Education Most pupils from areas around Mlooka Irrigation Scheme access their primary education from Chimbiya Full Primary School (Figure 3.5). The School is less than 1 kilometre from the Irrigation Scheme.

Figure 3.5: Chimbiya Full Primary School

During the project study period, Chimbiya Full Primary School had a total enrolment of 580 pupils. Out of these pupils 316 were girls representing 54%, and 264 were boys. According to Figure 3.6, Standard 1 has the highest population of pupils of 131 representing 23% of the total enrolment rate. There were 7 teachers at Chimbiya Primary School during the study period, all of whom are male. The pupil-teacher ratio hence stood at 83:1 which is higher than the national pupil teacher ratio of 69:1 (Education Monitoring Information System (EMIS), Malawi Government).

Pupils who get selected from the primary school go to St Benedict Community Day Secondary School (CDSS), Mulunguzi Secondary School and Masongola Secondary School. Others get selected to national Secondary schools such as Zomba Catholic Secondary School, Malosa secondary School and Saint Mary’s Secondary School, among others. Figure 3.6: Chimbiya Primary School Student Enrolment in 2019

80 70 72 67 63 60 59 60 50 45 40 40

30 3032 No.of Pupils No.of

20 20 1819 1820 10 11 6 0 Std 1 Std 2 Std 3 Std 4 Std 5 Std 6 Std 7 Std 8 Class

Boys Girls

From the graph in Figure 3.6, it is apparent that enrolment rates decline for both girls and boys from Standard 2 all the way to standard 8. There is a slight increase in enrolment for girls in Standard 5. Standard 8 has the fewest number of girls and boys (17 in total). There are several reasons that contribute to high drop out rate both for boys and girls in the project area. These include early marriages both for boys and girls because it is a cultural norm in the area; when pupils reach standard 8 they drop out from school and start persuing income generating activties that include fishing, selling merchandise, operating bicycle taxis, etc.

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

The nearest health facility for people around Mlooka Irrigation Scheme is Mmambo Health Centre (Figure 3.7). Mmambo Health Centre has a catchment population of 26,270. People with ailments that Mmambo Health Centre can not handle travel to Machinga District Hospital which is nearer although Mmambo Health Centre is under Zomba District Health Office. However official referral cases go to Zomba Central Hospital. Machinga District Hospital is less than 20 kilometers away from Mmambo Health Centre while Zomba District Hospital is over 60 kilometers. Mmambo is about 5 kilometers from Mlooka Irrigation Scheme.

Figure 3.7: Mmambo Health Centre

Figure 3.8 presents common diseases around Mlooka Irrigation Scheme as reported at Mmambo Health Centre. Malaria is the most common disease

followed by skin infections. However, at Zomba Central Hospital, Malaria and Acute Respiratory Infections are commonest diseases1.

Figure 3.8: Common Diseases at Mmambo Health Centre (Jul-Dec 2019) Most Prevalent Diseases at Mmambo Health Centre

Ear Infections - Schistosomiasis - Diarrhoea Non - Bloody - (under5) Sexually Transmitted Infections- Skin infections -

Name Disease of Malaria – (under 5) Malaria- (5 & Above)

0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 No. of Cases

According to the 2015-16 Malawi Demographic Household Survey, national2 HIV prevalence rate stands at 8.8%. The HIV prevalence rate in Zomba District is 13.5%. This indicates that the district has higher prevalence rate than the national rates. During the project period, Mmambo Health Centre tested 2,036 people for HIV of which 83 tested positive representing an incidence rate of 4.1%.

3.3.11 Water Supply Groundwater is the main source of domestic water supply in the area. Since the project is along Shire River, the groundwater is mainly found in the Quaternary alluvial aquifer. In the higher areas, groundwater is in fractured aquifer. 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 Ministry of Irigation and Water Development, average depth for boreholes sunk in the area is 40 meters. Average yield is below 0.5 litres per second.

3.3.12 Communication Access to Mlooka Irrigation Scheme from Liwonde-Zomba Road (M5) is through a gravel Road. This road becomes muddy during rainy season, as such, it is difficult to access the scheme on days when it has rained heavily. Various modes of transport 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.

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

Regarding telecommunication, the area is easily accessible through cell phones serviced by Airtel, TNM and Access. People in the project area can also tune in to different Television and Radio Stations. These include Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) Television and Radio Station, which is state owned; and Zodiak Radio and TV, which is a privately owned. Apart from these, people in the project area also access other TV and Radio stations.

3.3.13 Security The proposed Mlooka Irrigation Scheme is serviced by Masaula and Chinsewu Police Units. 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 have been convicted of criminal offences by Magistrate Courts are arrested and kept at Domasi Prison to serve their jail terms.

Chapter 4: Legal and Policy Framework This Chapter reviews Malawi’s relevant regulatory framework for the construction of Mlooka Irrigation Schemes and ancillary facilities. These include the National Environmental Policy, the National Land Policy, the Water Resources Policy, the National Forest Policy, the Environment Management Act, Water Resources Act, Land Act, Local Government Act, National Forestry Act and the Public Health Act. In addition, the Chapter reviews the Social, Environment and Climate Assessment Procedures for IFAD

4.1 Policy framework

4.1.1 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. 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 Mlooka 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 that will be farming in the irrigation scheme are the ones who already have gardens in the scheme.

4.1.3 National HIV and AIDS 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 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. Prevalence rate is high in urban areas as compared to the rural areas. National HIV 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 Mlooka Irrigation Scheme, the Department of Irrigation should ensure that the Contractor liaises with the District AIDS Coordinator for Zomba to sensitise workers as well as surrounding communities 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 Mlooka 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 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 VNRMs 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 the 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, equitably 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. Activities of the proposed Mlooka Irrigation Scheme have the potential to negatively affect the water resources through pollution. It is therefore recommended that implementation of the activities of the proposed project should minimize pollution of the public water thereby promoting public health and hygiene and environmental sustainability. Among other strategies, the use of integrated pest management will be recommended during project implementation. Further, water abstraction activities have potential to negatively affect downstream users on the Shire River. The project will therefore implement water saving technologies to ensure that there is efficient use of water resources. 4.1.6 National Forest Policy (2016) The National Forest 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. In addition, the developer of the project has gone a mile further by creating or supporting the creation of VNRMCs to carry out afforestation in the project area, which to align with the policy.

4.1.7 National Agriculture Policy (2016) The Government of Malawi 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 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 provides guidance 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 Mlooka 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 investment 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 Mlooka 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 proposed Mlooka 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 Mlooka Irrigation Scheme are small holder farmers. As such the 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 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 continues 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 reliable early warning systems and others would be ideal to address the impacts of climate change in the agricultural sector. This implies that implementation of Mlooka Irrigation Project is in line with one of the key priority areas in the National Climate Change Management Policy which is climate change adaptation. 4.1.11 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). 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 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 to: 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; and iv. provide civic education on environmental conservation from the cultural point of view. For these strategies to be achieved, the project has created or supported the creation of VNRMCs for Mlooka Irrigation Scheme. The VNRMCs will promote afforestation program in the project area. Through this forum civic education on environmental conservation from the cultural point of view can be provided. In addition, a Water Users Association (WUA) has been created through which water conserving technologies can be implemented. 4.1.12 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 places 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 youth do not only actively participate in the key decision making processes of Mlooka Irrigation Scheme 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.

4.1.13 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.

In order to ensure that sanitation and hygiene are promoted during project implementation, the contractor for Mlooka Irrigation Scheme will ensure that sanitary facilities such as toilets are provided to ensure that human excreta are properly disposed of. In addition, the Contractor will provide potable and clean water to workers. Further, the contractor will provide waste receptacles to workers for the proper dispels of waste that will be generated during construction phase of the project.

4.1.14 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.

4.1.15 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, promotes environmental and land management for sustainable agriculture and promotes 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 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.

4.2 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 health 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 31of 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

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 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 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, Mlooka Irrigation Scheme through 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 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 Mlooka 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 for 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. Zomba District Council, like all other District Councils in the country, has a District Environmental Sub-committee (DESC). The DESC looks at all environmental issues in the district under the coordination of the Environmental District Officer. During consultations for the ESIA studies for the proposed Mlooka Irrigation Scheme, the consultant engaged with the DESC to ensure that environmental and social issues are incorporated during the planning and implementation of the project.

Further in line with the Act, the Department of Irrigation has created a platform for performance of environmental functions by creating/strengthening VNRMCs. The VNRMCs will, among other functions, implement afforestation programs in the project area.

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 of 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 Shire River by promoting natural regeneration shrubs and trees through VNRMCs. Further, trees and grass will be planted as a way of reducing siltation load into 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 Occupational 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 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

5 Section 18

an aquaculture permit shall be made to the Director in the prescribed form and shall be accompanied by the prescribed fees. The implication of this is that Department of Irrigation has to consult the Department of Fisheries to ensure that activities of the irrigation project do not negatively affect fish migration and breeding 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 Department of Irrigation will ensure that all these provisions in the Act are adhered to for the sustainability of the Mlooka Irrigation 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 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 encourage farmers to have fair representation of all sexes in all committees established for the smooth running of the irrigation scheme and this includes WUAs and VNRMCs. Accordingly, the Department of Irrigation should ensure that the contractor that will be engaged during the construction phase of Mlooka Irrigation Scheme employs at least 30 percent women in the construction works. This is so because

the Construction Sector is perceived as male denominated; as such it is difficult to find more women who have required skills for the works.

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 provide 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 may (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 there will be use of pesticides in Mlooka 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, the management of Mlooka irrigation scheme will ensure that pesticides will not contribute to the contamination of water resources.

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 Mlooka 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

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 Mlooka Irrigation Scheme, excavation activities have potential to expose some archaeological remains such as cultural artefacts, for example 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 Mlooka Irrigation Scheme will ensure that adequate toilets for both men and women are provided during the construction phase of the project.

4.2.16 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 Mlooka Irrigation Scheme shall ensure that workers are provided with protective personal equipment (PPE) including facilities with which to wash hands and hand sanitizers. The contractor shall also ensure that social distancing among the workers is maintained as such there should be enough working space.

4.1.17 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 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 for Mlooka Irrigation Scheme will not tolerate any act of discrimination against people living with HIV. In addition, pre-employment testing of people seeking employment will not be tolerated as this is prohibited under Section 26 of the Act (Part VIII-Employment).

Additionally, 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 the national regulations in Malawi and IFAD environmental procedures and guidelines 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 are marked by inherently unequal power dynamics, and 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 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 condone 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 Act 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 a Technical Committee on the Environment (TCE) 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 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 the TCE and recommends them for approval to the 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 Environmental Affairs Department; ii. Workplace Registration Certificate during construction as stipulated by Occupation Safety and Health Act in line with Part II, Section 6 of the Occupation Safety, Health and Welfare Act. This Certificate will be issued by Department of Occupation Safety and Health, and iii. Water Abstraction Permit as stipulated by Part V, Section 39 of the Water Resources Act (2013).

Chapter 5: Public Consultations

5.1 Purpose of holding public Consultations During the preparation of this ESIA report 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 have been undertaken and will continue to take place to ensure that stakeholders are well informed about the Project. This engagement with stakeholders is in an open, inclusive and transparent manner.

 Involving stakeholders in the assessment: stakeholders are included in the scoping of issues, the identification of impacts, the generation of mitigation and management measures. Stakeholders 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 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 and IFAD requirements. One of the key outcomes of engagement should be free, prior and informed consultation of stakeholders.

Figure 5.1 shows one of the consultation meetings that was held with some members of the vulnerable groups (women) at Mlooka Irrigation Scheme. This was done with the aim of incorporating concerns of the vulnerable groups in the project implementation.

Figure 5.1: Consultation meeting with some women at Mlooka Irrigation Scheme

5.2 Stakeholder Engagement during ESIA Process

5.2.1 Identification of Stakeholders Stakeholders who may potentially be affected by or have an interest in the Project were identified. These included individuals and groups who may find it more difficult to participate and those who may be differentially or disproportionately affected by the Project because of their marginalised or vulnerable status. This was done with the aim of tailoring their engagement in order to inform them and address their views and concerns in an appropriate manner.

Table 5.1 details the various stakeholder groups that were identified following consultation processes and visitations to the project sites.

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 other 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 Mlooka 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.

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 report. A detailed list of stakeholders consulted to date is included as Annex 2 of the report 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 Mlooka 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:

6.1 Do-nothing The ‘Do-Nothing’ option implies that the site for the proposed Mlooka 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 supply 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 which would enable them to have money to support their families.

However, by not developing Mlooka Irrigation Scheme there are some advantages as the anticipated negative impacts associated with the implementation of the irrigation project would not arise. These include: siltation of water resources; increased risk of 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 including other sexually transmitted diseases.

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

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 incomes from crop sales; e) Easy access to markets;

f) 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; g) Opportunities to continue learning and practicing improved agricultural methods and efficient utilization of farm inputs and natural resources such as land and water, and h) 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 alternative irrigation sites The proposed development of Mlooka Irrigation Scheme follows feasibility studies that were carried out for several sites. The outcome of the studies revealed that the proposed site for Mlooka Irrigation Scheme is suitable. The factors that were considered included analysis of soil, analysis of water quality; water availability, among other factors. The results of the analyses indicated that the proposed site for the development of Mlooka Irrigation Scheme is suitable. In addition, the road network was good and this will enable farmers access to markets to sell farm produce although the access road requires some improvements in some areas.

6.2.2 Analysis of alternative technologies According to the system being proposed, there is a combination of technologies being proposed including motorised irrigation and gravity fed irrigation. In the abstraction of water, motorised system will be used to pump water from the source to storage tanks which will then be gravitated though various levels of canals onto the field. Of key importance will be to understand the actual water application method at field level. There Feasibility report did not narrow down to the actual water application method.

In this system it would not be prudent to use technologies like localized irrigation (drip) where water is directly applied to the crop roots because of the following reasons: i. It is very expensive to buy all the appurtenances of the system since the area is vast; ii. There could be no capacity to maintain and replace malfunctioned parts; iii. There is inadequate 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 has high application efficiency; ii. It is not labour intensive In this case, surface application where water would be allowed to flow due to gravity would be the only means. The most common method is 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 bed like vegetables could also be cultivated and water is let 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 reduce soil movement although it is expensive to cover the whole site. Other alternatives that were considered on the opted irrigation technology included: 6.2.2.1 Pumping The detailed design proposes that the pumps will be electrical and 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 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 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 operation and maintenance of the system; The disadvantages of pumping are the following: i. It is expensive compared to other means of abstraction in as far as operation is concerned; ii. It required more frequent maintenance compared to other means of water abstraction; and iii. It has a negative environmental impact of emission of gases into the atmosphere especially when using diesel powered pumps. 6.2.2.2 Channelization This is a means of abstraction where water will be taken from the Shire River though an excavated earth canal to act as a stream which will bring water closer to the fields. Water in this 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 and 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 it terms of the extent of coverage since it depends on gravity and the terrain could be a limiting factor; ii. There is a possibility of causing irrigation conflicts in a well organised Irrigation scheme with predefined irrigation schedule; iii. It can result in 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. In essence, pumping cannot be replaced with channelization because pumping allows for bigger coverage in terms of command area since it could pump to the highest area possible before gravitating to the fields. It is also possible to harness the power source so that pumps are allowed to operate for longer periods of time. In essence, it is easier to optimise pumping than channelization. 6.2.2.3 Storage and distribution The feasibility report proposed to have stilling basins at the end of the pipelines from 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 storage tanks to balance water supply regimes within the system. The two alternatives are being analysed below.  Stilling basins The feasibility report suggested that there should be only stilling basins in the system which would only dissipate energy from the pumps and then convey the water through the main canals. The basins have the following advantages: i. It is comparatively cheap to construct them in terms of finances and time; ii. They effectively reduce water energy to allow for normal flows in the canal; iii. They are less laborious to clean and maintain; iv. They also allow for settling of suspended solids which may otherwise have passed through the pumping system. The disadvantages include: i. They cannot allow for storage of water to be used in times when the pumps are down; ii. They require manual operation and so they are comparatively labour intensive.

 Storage and balancing tanks The review of the FS suggests that instead of stilling basins, there is need to have storage tanks. The sizes of the tanks have not yet been known but they will be included in the detailed design report.

The advantages of balancing tanks include the following: i. They allow for storage of water to be used when there is no supply from the pumping station; ii. Being on some elevation, they have the potential to command a bigger area than was planned since the head is increased; iii. They are easier to operate iv. They also help in dissipating energy from the pumping station before conveying through canals.

The main disadvantages include the following: i. They are difficult to clean and require more labour for maintenance; ii. They are comparatively expensive to erect;

There are more advantages to using storage tanks since they are able to balance 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 positive impacts in that water would be available for irrigation more than it would be if stilling basins were used. In essence, storage tanks will have positive social impacts in that they are less labour intensive and allow for longer hours of water supply into the system.

 Conveyance The only means of conveyance that has been proposed are canals. There have been no suggestions on 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. If the canals are not lined, there will be water losses through seepage, 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 by farmers close to the canal (since appropriate distribution boxes would be included at predetermined intervals), reducing losses through seepage, and preventing energy losses among others.

Chapter 7: Impact Identification and Analysis

7.1 Impact identification The construction of Mlooka 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 Mlooka 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 Anxiety on loss of land Presence of people doing Planning Phase 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.

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 (in irrigation scheme and construction sector) other support infrastructure. Increased economic Influx of people to the activities within the project area in search of project area employment.

Construction Phase

Phase Impact/ Environmental Source of Impact Component Impact Creation of market for Construction activities goods and services Source of Government Taxes such as Pay-As- revenue through taxes You Earn, Withholding Taxes and Value Added Taxes. 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 Air pollution 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 solid From construction waste camp and construction activities 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 irrigation 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 Increased crop Irrigation Scheme will

impacts production make water available for cultivation throughout the year

Operation Phase

Phase Impact/ Environmental Source of Impact Component Impact Linkage of farmers to The Project will link markets farmers from Mlooka Irrigation Scheme to different markets Skill 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 Increased income at Money from the sale of household level farm produce will 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

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 to Shire River damage by which is heavily infested hippopotamuses by hippopotamuses Land/Soils Increased risk of water Poor water application logging conditions methods, resulting in the accumulation of water in all macro and micro pores of soils

Phase Impact/ Environmental Source of Impact Component Impact Water Increased risk of water Application of pollution by agrochemicals such as agrochemicals fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides Health and Safety Increased risk of Proximity to Shire River crocodile attacks which is heavily infested by crocodiles 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 of children and livestock in canals Land Increased risk of Frequent application of salinization chemical fertilisers

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

Figure 7.1: Table on 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 Short term Local level people Increased economic Definite Short 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

Air pollution Possible Short term Local level Creation of borrow pits Possible Short term Local level Increased risk of soil Probable Long term Local level erosion Generation of Probable Short term Local level construction waste Generation of waste from Probable Short term Local level construction camp 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) Increased risk of Possible Short term Local level exploitation of labourers

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

Health and Safety Possible Short term Local level hazards 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 Increased income at Definite Long term Local level household level 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 and human excreta 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 water Possible Long term Local level logging conditions Increased risk of Possible Long term Local level drowning by children and livestock Increased risk of Possible Long term Local level salinization Increased risk of crop Probable Long term Local level damage by hippopotamuses Effects of climate change Possible Long term Local level

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

Demobilisation Phase Positive impacts 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 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 Mlooka Irrigation Scheme project are mitigatable and with their duration mostly short term and few impacts with long term duration. Most of the negative impacts have low significance and some have negligible significance. This means that the irrigation project is not only environmentally friendly but also 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 for the 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 Mlooka Irrigation Scheme project, Consultants were engaged to do Feasibility Studies, ESIA Studies, Market Analysis Studies, Baseline Studies and other related studies. These consultancies created employment to people. Enhancement measure: As an enhancement measure, the following should be implemented: a) Ensure that Consultants that are engaged to do different studies should include at least 50% of their work force as Malawians. This strategy will enhance capacity building among Malawians.

7.3.1.2 Negative impacts i. Anxiety on loss of land Cause and comment: Presence of people conducting different 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 affected 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 Mlooka Irrigation Scheme will employ about 100 people mainly from the project area. 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 at least 80% of the labour force from the surrounding communities. ii. Increased economic activities within the project area Cause and Comment: It is expected that the construction activities of Mlooka Irrigation Scheme will increase the level of economic activities in the project area. 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 engagement of local people in the construction activities of the scheme will facilitate the transfer of skills in the construction sector to local people. 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: It is expected that the implementation of the project will generate revenue for Government through taxes. Taxes that will be paid will include Pay-As-You-Earn, Withholding Taxes, Value Added Taxes etc. Enhancement Measures: a) Remit taxes to Malawi Revenue Authority on time

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 Mlooka Irrigation Scheme. Vegetation will be cleared to pave way for construction activities which will mostly include grass, shrubs and climbers with very few trees. 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. Air pollution 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 b) Set speed limits for construction vehicles.

iv. Increased risk of Soil erosion Cause and Comment: Clearing of vegetation to pave way for construction of Mlooka Irrigation Scheme 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) Plant trees and grass in areas that have no vegetative cover to minimise erosion; and c) Develop environmental rules and regulations for contractors to protect flora and fauna. 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. vi. Generation of waste Cause and comment: People from the construction camp will generate a wide range of waste including human excreta. Additionally, construction activities may also generate waste that needs to be well disposed of. Construction waste may include unused cement mortar, broken bricks, stones etc. Mitigation measures: As mitigation measures, the developer shall: a) Provide adequate sanitary facilities for workers that include toilets, bins, and rubbish pits; b) Use some construction waste to backfill borrow pits created during construction phase, and c) Civic educate workers to ‘Reduce’, ‘Re-use’ and ‘Recycle’ waste. d) 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; e) 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; and f) 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) Properly maintain all construction machinery to ensure that there is no oil spillage; d) Avoid disposing of waste (including used oil) into surrounding water bodies or channels, 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) Fit silencer to exhaust system of heavy machinery; b) Use of well serviced machinery during the construction period; c) Provide appropriate protective wear e.g. ear muffles to operators of noisy machinery; and 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: Mlooka Irrigation Scheme project is likely going to attract a lot of people searching 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 c) Develop a ‘Code of Conduct’ for all workers and Contractor.

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x. Risk of increased incidences of STIs including HIV and AIDS Cause and comment: There is likely to be an influx of people in Mlooka Irrigation Scheme 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, and 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 that will be hired to construct Mlooka Irrigation Scheme 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 Mlooka Irrigation Scheme 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 Mlooka 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) 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 against SEA and GBV; and d) Develop and Use community level GRM where grievances related to GBV and SEA will be reported. xv. Health and Safety Hazards Cause and comment: The construction of Mlooka Irrigation Scheme may bring along accidents and injuries. These may 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; d) Provide speed limits for construction vehicles. xvi. Increased risk of exploitation of labourers Cause and comment: There is potential that the Contractor that will be working on the scheme may want to maximise profits by underpaying some workers. There is need therefore to put mechanisms in place to ensure that this does not happen. 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;

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b) Establish Workers’ Grievance Redress Mechanism Committee to handle workers’ grievances, and c) Ensure that all contractors have signed contracts with their workers. xvii. Potential risk of destruction of cultural heritage sites Cause and Comment: Construction activities for Mlooka 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 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 in Mlooka Irrigation Scheme 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 income at household level Cause and Comment: It is expected that people participating in irrigation activities in the scheme will have their income increased through sale of agricultural produce. Enhancement measures: As enhancement measures, a) Link farmers to markets so that they sell their farm produce at good price. iii. Improved nutrition status of 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.

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Enhancement measures: a) Encourage farmers to plant different types of crops, and b) Train irrigation farmers on Good Agriculture Practices (GAPs). iv. Linkage of farmers to markets Cause and Comment: The Department of Irrigation through PRIDE will link framers from Mlooka Irrigation Scheme 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 the WUA on 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 water logging conditions Cause and Comment: The impact is usually caused by poor water application methods, resulting in the accumulation of water in all macro and micro pores of soils. This condition promotes breeding of disease vectors such as mosquitoes. Mitigation measure: Proposed mitigation measures are as follows: a) design of self-draining structures such as field canals, and b) train farmers in best irrigation practices. ii. Increased risk of child labour Cause and comment: During operation phase of Mlooka Irrigation Scheme some farmers may engage under-aged people to provide 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

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b) Sensitise farmers in the irrigation scheme on dangers of engaging under aged people.

iii. 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. This affects their performance in class. Mitigation measures: As mitigation measures, the contractor will: a) Sensitise parents on importance of their children’s education; and b) Develop bylaws on the engagement of children in farming activities to deter some parents from disturbing their children’s education. iv. Reduced access to grazing and drinking areas for livestock Cause and Comment: The construction of Mlooka 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 a mitigation measure, the developer will: a) Identify alternative sites for drinking and grazing. v. Increased risk of pollution of water by agrochemicals and human excreta Cause and Comment: Use of agrochemicals such as fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides during farming has a potential to cause water and soil pollution. Mitigation Measures: Mitigation measures for this negative impact include a) Promote Integrated Pest Management(IPM); b) Restrict the use of pesticides to those recommended by Pesticides Control Board; c) Improve tail water management by allowing re-use of irrigation water through the use of a tail water recovery system; d) Improve water use efficiency to reduce the discharge volume of tail water from the system; e) Construct toilets in the scheme for use by farmers; f) Construct boreholes to provide potable water to farmers, and g) Promote the use of organic farming. vi. Increased risk of crocodile attacks Cause and Comment: Shire River which is the source of Mlooka Irrigation Scheme is one of the rivers that is highly infested by crocodiles in Malawi. The proximity of Mlooka 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.

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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, and c) Encourage farmers to clear bush around their plots to deter crocodiles from hiding in such places. vii. Risk of increased incidences of HIV and AIDS including STIs Cause and comment: There is likely to be an influx of people in Mlooka 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 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. 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. ix. Increased risk of drowning in canals by children and livestock Cause and Comment: The construction of canals will increase the risk of cases of drowning in canals (by children and livestock). There is need therefore to put measures in place 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

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c) Draft bylaws discouraging parents from allowing their children from swimming in the canals. 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. Increased risk of crop damage by Hippopotamuses Cause and comment: Proximity of Mlooka Irrigation Scheme to Shire River which is heavily infested by Hippopotamuses is likely going to increase the risk of crop damage by the animals.

Mitigation measures: Mitigation measures for the impact include a) Provide buffer zone between the scheme and Shire River; and b) Provide live fencing around plots closer to the River. xii. Effects of climate change Cause and comment: Downscaled GCM have predicted that Mlooka Irrigation Scheme will generally experience reduced rainfalls, prolonged dry spells and flooding in some years. Mitigation measures: Mitigation measures for the impact include a) Plant drought resilient crops; b) Design of flood resilient facilities and infrastructure; and 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 activities at Mlooka Irrigation Scheme 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; b) Revegetating all areas that were striped of vegetative cover due to construction works.

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ii. Reduced noise levels Cause and Comment: The cessation of construction works at Mlooka Irrigation Scheme 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.

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

Cause and comments: The cessation of construction works at Mlooka Irrigation Scheme will reduce exposure of workers to public health and safety risks arising from construction activities. Enhancement measure: a) Encourage surrounding communities to sleep under insecticide treated mosquito nets, and b) Rehabilitate all borrow pits created during construction phase.

7.3.4.2 Negative impacts during demobilisation phase i. Loss of employment Cause and Comment: After construction activities at Mlooka Irrigation Scheme, the contractor will lay off workers. This impact will certainly occur and reduce incomes for persons who were working under 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 cessation of construction activities at Mlooka irrigation scheme will lead to termination of employment to some workers. This will lead 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

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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 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. 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 An Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) is an action plan that proposes management measures for all the anticipated environmental and social impacts that may arise due to project implementation. In addition, it designates responsibilities and proposes estimated budget for the implementation of the action plan. Table 8.1 provides an ESMP for Mlooka Irrigation Scheme based on the potential significant impacts identified. It should however be noted that it may not be possible to predict all impacts that may arise during implementation of the project. Such being the case the ESMP is supposed to be updated when new impacts are identified. The implementation of ESMP may vary to suit changes that may be necessary as project implementation progresses. Such being the case, a certain amount of flexibility should be allowed. 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 Mlooka 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 All During Planning Phase DoI N/A employment Consultants under the project should include at least 50% of their workforce as Malawians to promote capacity building 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  Employ at least 80% of During Construction Contractor N/A employment the workforce from the Phase surrounding communities, especially unskilled labour force. Where skilled labour force is required, only engage people from elsewhere when skilled labour is not locally available. 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 at least 80% of During Construction Contractor N/A 3 local community the labour force from Phase surrounding communities. 4 Source of  Remit taxes to Malawi During Planning and DoI, Contractor, N/A Government Revenue Authority, Construction Phases Consultants Revenue timely. through taxes 5 Creation of  Give priority (at least During Construction Contractor N/A market for 50%) to surrounding Phase goods and communities when services awarding contracts to supply construction materials or providing various services;

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 Air pollution  Suppress dust by During Construction Contractor 500,000 sprinkling water to any Phase loose soil materials, and  Set speed limits for construction vehicles. 4 Increased risk of  Remove vegetation within During Construction DoI Cost soil erosion demarcated areas only; Phase covered  Develop environmental above rules and regulations for contractors to protect flora and fauna; and Contractor  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 construction phase by

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Item Potential Mitigation/Enhancement Timeframe Responsibility for Estimated No. Impact Measure implementation of Budget measures (MK) backfilling and revegetating bare areas. 6 Generation of  Provide sanitary facilities During Construction Contractor Cost waste to construction workers Phase covered such as toilets, bins and above rubbish pits;  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;  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;

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Item Potential Mitigation/Enhancement Timeframe Responsibility for Estimated No. Impact Measure implementation of Budget measures (MK)  Civic educate workers to 'Reduce', 'Re-use' and 'Recycle' waste; and  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 and soil toilets and ensure Phase pollution workers use them properly;  Properly maintain all construction machinery to ensure that there is no oil spillage;  Sensitize all workers on observance of good hygiene;  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 silencers to exhaust cost system of heavy machinery, and

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Item Potential Mitigation/Enhancement Timeframe Responsibility for Estimated No. Impact Measure implementation of Budget measures (MK)  Provide appropriate protective wear e.g. ear muffles to operators of noisy machinery. 9 Social  Recruit much of the During Construction Contractor 200,000 disruption and labour 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 Increased risk of  Recruit at least 80% of During Construction Contractor 1,000,000 incidences of the labour force from the Phase STIs including surrounding communities HIV and AIDS 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; and  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

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Item Potential Mitigation/Enhancement Timeframe Responsibility for Estimated No. Impact Measure implementation of Budget measures (MK) 12 Increased risk of  Recruit at least 80% of During Construction Contractor 200,000 criminal the labour force from the Phase activities surrounding communities 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

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Item Potential Mitigation/Enhancement Timeframe Responsibility for Estimated No. Impact Measure implementation of Budget measures (MK) to GBV and SEA will be reported. 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; and  Provide speed limits for construction vehicles. 16 Increased risk  Sensitise workers on the During Construction DoI 500,000 of exploitation of minimum wages Phase labourers recommended by Government and required number of working 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 the design sites reveal existence of budget

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Item Potential Mitigation/Enhancement Timeframe Responsibility for Estimated No. Impact Measure implementation of Budget measures (MK) archaeological and cultural remains as stipulated by Monuments and Relics Act of 1990.  Delineate all cultural heritage sites and by pass them when doing construction activities; and  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, Maintenance Phase and  Use improved hybrid seeds to maximise productivity. 2 Increased  Link farmers to markets. During Operation and DoI 500,000 income at Maintenance Phase household level 3 Linkage of  Identify good markets for During Operation and DoI Cost farmers to farmers, and Maintenance Phase covered markets  Assist farmers to form above cooperatives. 4 Skills transfer to  Facilitate the formation of During Operation and DoI 500,000 farmers in farmer field schools Maintenance Phase value-chain through which farmers addition, GAPs, can learn GAPs, water

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Item Potential Mitigation/Enhancement Timeframe Responsibility for Estimated No. Impact Measure implementation of Budget measures (MK) and water saving irrigation saving technologies and value technologies. chain addition, and  Facilitate the formation of WUAs 5 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 good agriculture practices food (GAPs).

Negative Impacts 1 Increased risk of  design of self-draining During Planning Phase DoI 500,000 water logging structures such as field conditions canals; and During Operation Phase  train farmers in best irrigation practices. 2 Increased risk of  Employ people who are During Operation and Farmers 200,000 child labour aged 18 and above; and Maintenance Phase  Sensitise farmers in the irrigation scheme on dangers of engaging under aged people. DoI 3 Increased risk of  Sensitise parents on During Operation and DoI 500,000 disruption of importance of their Maintenance Phase Children’s children’s education; and education  Develop bylaws to deter engagement of children in Farmers/Surrounding farming activities. Communities 4 Reduced access  Identify alternative sites During Operation and Farmers/Surrounding N/A to grazing and for drinking and grazing; Maintenance Phase Communities

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Item Potential Mitigation/Enhancement Timeframe Responsibility for Estimated No. Impact Measure implementation of Budget measures (MK) drinking areas for livestock 5 Increased risk of  Restrict the use of During Operation and DoI 4,200,000 pollution of pesticides to those Maintenance Phase water by recommended by agrochemicals Pesticides Control Board; and human  Promote of Integrated excreta Pest Management (IPM);  Construct toilets in the scheme for use by farmers;  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;  Construct boreholes to provide potable water to farmers; and  Promote the use of organic farming. 6 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; and

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Item Potential Mitigation/Enhancement Timeframe Responsibility for Estimated No. Impact Measure implementation of Budget measures (MK)  install gates/grills to limit During Construction Part of passage of crocodiles in Phase project cost areas where canals have been used  Encourage farmers to Part of clear bush around their During Operation Phase project cost plots to deter crocodile from hiding in such places. 7 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. 8 Risk of  Recruit at least 80% of During Operation and Farmers 500,000 increased the labour 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

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Item Potential Mitigation/Enhancement Timeframe Responsibility for Estimated No. Impact Measure implementation of Budget measures (MK) AIDS to workers and surrounding communities. 9 Increased risk of  Increased use of water During Operation and Farmers Not salinization from Shire River to leach Maintenance Phase Applicable salts from the soils; and  Cultivate crops that can easily absorb the salts, such as bananas. 10 Increased risk of  Service irrigation plots During Operation and DoI 500,000 drowning in located close to Maintenance Phase canals by residential areas through children and pipes not open canals; livestock  Sensitise parents to discourage their children DoI from swimming in the canals; and  Draft bylaws discouraging Local leaders/farmers children from swimming in the canals. 11 Increased risk of  Provide buffer zone During Operation and DoI/Farmers 1,000,000 crop damage by between the irrigation Maintenance Phase Hippopotamuses scheme and the Shire River;  Provide live fencing around the scheme/irrigation plots. 12 Effects of  Design of flood resilient During Consulting Engineers Covered in climate change facilities and Designing/Construction project Cost infrastructure; Phase  Plant drought resilient During Operation and Farmers, Dept. of Not crops; Maintenance Phase Crops Applicable

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Item Potential Mitigation/Enhancement Timeframe Responsibility for Estimated No. Impact Measure implementation of Budget measures (MK)  Make drought or flood During Operation and DoI 1,000,000 Early Warning Systems Maintenance Phase accessible by farmers.

Demobilisation Phase Positive Impacts 1 Reduced  Rehabilitating all borrow During and after Contractor Cost exposure of pits created during Construction Phase covered workers from construction phase; and above public health  Encourage surrounding and safety risks communities to sleep arising from under insecticide treated construction mosquito nets. activities 2 Reduced noise  Service all construction During and after Part of the levels machinery for use in Construction Phase project cost other projects elsewhere. 3 Cleaner  Rehabilitating all borrow During Construction Contractor 1,000,000 environment pits created during and Operation Phases construction phase; and  Revegetating all areas that were striped of vegetative cover due to construction works.

Negative Impacts 1 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

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Item Potential Mitigation/Enhancement Timeframe Responsibility for Estimated No. Impact Measure implementation of Budget measures (MK) workers at the end of the construction period; and  Pay workers all their dues to minimise wage disputes after termination of employment. 2 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. 3 Increased  Allow surrounding After Construction Contractor Cost generation of communities to collect Phase covered solid wastes the waste that they can above reuse such planks and iron sheets;  Use construction rabble to rehabilitate borrow pits, and  Remove and properly dispose of waste that cannot be reused or recycled. TOTAL 18,200,000

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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 Mlooka Irrigation Scheme

Item Potential Monitoring Indicator Monitoring Frequency Monitoring Estimated No. Impact Institution Budget (MK) 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 Cost economic engaged in small-scale Council covered activities within businesses by age and above 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 Source of  Payment receipts from Quarterly Malawi Revenue 500,000 Government MRA Authority Revenue through taxes 5 Creation of  Number of people from Quarterly Zomba District Cost market for good surrounding communities Council covered and services suppling goods and above services by age and sex

Negative Impacts

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Item Potential Monitoring Indicator Monitoring Frequency Monitoring Estimated No. Impact Institution Budget (MK) 1 Loss of  Number of trees planted Annual Zomba District Forest 500,000 vegetation versus survival rate Officer 2 Disruption of  Number of trees planted Annual Zomba District Forest Cost animal habitats versus survival rate Officer covered above 3 Air pollution  Records on rounds of Annual Department of 500,000 water bowser spraying Occupational Safety water on dusty surfaces and 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 versus target Resources and Conservation 6 Generation of  Number of waste Bi-annual Environmental Affairs 500,000 waste handling facilities Department/District provided; and Environmental Officer  Visual evidence. 7 Increased risk of  Water analysis laboratory Bi-annual Environmental Affairs 500,000 water and soil results of tail water is Department/District pollution within the Malawi Bureau Environmental Officer; of Standards limits Central Water Laboratory 8 Increased risk of  Number of PPEs Bi-annual Department of Cost generation of distributed; and Occupational Safety covered noise  Number of vehicles or and Health above machinery fitted with silencers.

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Item Potential Monitoring Indicator Monitoring Frequency Monitoring Estimated No. Impact Institution Budget (MK) 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 Increased risk of  Minutes of sensitisation Bi-annual District AIDS 500,000 incidences of meetings; Coordinator STIs including  Register of Condoms HIV and AIDS distributed;  Prevalence rate; and  Number of new infections. 11 Increased risk of  Number of people aged Bi-annual Zomba District Labour Cost Child labour below 18 employed by Officer covered contractor above 12 Increased risk of  Number of criminal cases Bi-annual Masaula Police Unit; 200,000 criminal recorded due to reasons Traditional Leaders activities related to coming in of the project 13 Increased risk of  Number of GBV cases Bi-annual Masaula Police Unit; 200,000 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; 200,000 Sexual reported due to reasons Traditional Leaders Exploitation and related to coming in of the Abuse (SEA) project 15 Health and  Number of PPEs Bi-annual Department of Cost Safety Hazards distributed; and Occupation Safety and covered  Presence of speed limit Health above signs. 16 Increased risk  Signed contracts between Bi-annual Department of Cost of exploitation of individual workers and Irrigation/Project covered labourers contractors Coordination Office; above

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Item Potential Monitoring Indicator Monitoring Frequency Monitoring Estimated No. Impact Institution Budget (MK) Zomba District Labour Officer. 17 Potential risk of  Archaeological remains Bi-annual Department of 500,000 destruction of Museums and cultural heritage Monuments sites Operation and Maintenance Phase Positive Impacts 1 Increased crop  Tonnage of yields Bi-annual District Agriculture 500,000 production harvested Development Officer; District Irrigation Officer. 2 Increased  Number of assets Annual National Statistical 500,000 income at acquired by project Office of Malawi household level beneficiaries 3 Linkage of  Number of markets that Quarterly Department of 500,000 farmers to farmers linked to Irrigation/Project markets Coordination Office 4 Skills transfer to  Training reports Bi-annual Department of 500,000 farmers in Irrigation/Project value-chain Coordination Office; addition, GAPs, and water District Agriculture saving Development Officer; technologies. District Irrigation Officer. 5 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

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Item Potential Monitoring Indicator Monitoring Frequency Monitoring Estimated No. Impact Institution Budget (MK)

Negative Impacts 1 Increased risk of  Presence of self-draining Bi-annual Department of 500,000 water logging structures such as field Irrigation conditions canals. 2 Increased risk of  Number of people aged Bi-annual Zomba District Labour 500,000 child labour below 18 employed in Officer farming activities 3 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 4 Reduced access  Area reserved for grazing Bi-annual Department of 500,000 to grazing and and drinking of livestock Irrigation/Project drinking areas Coordination Office; for livestock 5 Increased risk of  Water analysis results Bi-annual Central Water 1,000,000 pollution of from laboratory Laboratory water by agrochemicals and human excreta 6 Increased risk of  Number of crocodile Bi-annual Department of 500,000 crocodile attack incidences National Parks and attacks Wildlife 7 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 8 Risk of  Number of HIV and AIDS Quarterly District AIDS 500,000 increased cases; Coordinator

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Item Potential Monitoring Indicator Monitoring Frequency Monitoring Estimated No. Impact Institution Budget (MK) incidences of  Prevalence rate; HIV and AIDS  Number of new infections; and STIs 9 Increased risk of  Soil analysis results Quarterly District Agriculture 500,000 salinization Development Officer; Department of Irrigation. 10 Increased risk of  Number of drowning Quarterly Department of 500,000 drowning in incidences Occupational Safety canals by and Health children and livestock 11 Increased risk of  Number of crop damage Quarterly Department of 500,000 crop damage by by Hippos National Parks and Hippopotamuses Wildlife 12 Effects of Extreme weather Annual Department of Climate 500,000 climate change conditions Change and Meteological Services

Demobilisation Phase Positive Impacts 1 Reduced  Absence of occupation Annual-Once off Department of Cost exposure of safety and health Occupational Safety covered workers from incidences and Health above public health and safety risks arising from construction activities 2 Reduced noise  Absence of noise Annual-Once off Department of Cost levels Occupational Safety Covered and Health above

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Item Potential Monitoring Indicator Monitoring Frequency Monitoring Estimated No. Impact Institution Budget (MK) 3 Cleaner  Absence of waste Annual-Once off Department/District Cost environment Environmental Officer covered above

Negative Impacts 1 Loss of  Number of people laid off Annual-Once off Zomba District Labour Cost employment Officer covered above 2 Reduction of  Number of businesses Annual-Once off Zomba District Cost small-scale closed Council covered businesses above within the project area 3 Increased  Amount of waste Annual-Once off Department/District Cost generation of generated from demolition Environmental Officer covered solid wastes activities above TOTAL 15,600,000

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Chapter 9: Conclusions and Recommendations

9.1 Conclusion The implementation of the proposed Mlooka Irrigation Scheme project is expected to promote economic growth and improve food security in the project area, among other benefits. However, some negative impacts are also expected to come along with the project implementation. This ESIA study has identified both positive and negative impacts that are anticipated and has 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 negative impacts to acceptable levels. The enhancement measures will assist to maximise the benefits that will come along with the project implementation. This ESIA study has also come up with 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 the Environmental and Social Management Plan. The implementation of these plans will need human and financial resources; as such there is need for the Department of Irrigation to put aside required resources, both financial and human, for the implementation of the plans. Through consultations with local communities, it was established that farming activities in Mlooka Irrigation Scheme are mainly hampered by hippopotamus that usually invade gardens and eat farm produce. This demotivates a lot of farmers to dedicate their time to farming activities. The project should therefore come up with measures that will help to deter hippopotamuses from invading their fields.

9.2 Recommendations For the effective implementation of this ESIA Report, the study has made a number of recommendations. These include:

a) The Department of Irrigation should ensure that the Contractor and Supervising Engineer should have personnel responsible for ‘Environment, Health and Safety’ for the effective implementation of Environmental and Social Management Plan;

b) The Department of Irrigation should ensure that there is a vibrant Grievance Redress Mechanism at community level which will assist to solve all grievances that may arise during project implementation. Contractor(s) and Supervising Engineer(s) should also have Workers’

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Grievance Redress Mechanism Committee so that all grievances from workers are amicably solved during project implementation; c) 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; d) The District Environmental Officer for Zomba should be shared with a copy of the approved Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Report so 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; e) Department of Irrigation should ensure that it applies for Water Abstraction Right/Permit from National Water Resources Authority for Mlooka 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; f) 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 from markets. This will assist to boost production from irrigated farming. g) The Department of Irrigation 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; h) The project should consider constructing borehole(s) around the scheme to ensure that farmers do not use water from the canals for drinking when working in their fields. Use of water from the canals (by farmers and surrounding communities) can exacerbate such diseases as diarrhoea and dysentery including infestation of round worms; i) When training farmers value chain addition, GAPs and water conservation methods, topics on social ills and their corrective measures should be deliberately tackled.

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

1. Provide a full description of the nature/components of the proposed Mlooka 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:  Project location (e.g. loss of forest reserves, loss of agricultural land, loss of grazing pastures, impact on flora and fauna, impact on

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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. 11. Undertake stakeholder consultation to ensure key interested and affected stakeholders are involved in the Environmental and Social Impact

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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 2.3: Consultations at Community Level

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Annex 3: Main issues raised during consultations

Annex 3.1: Main Issues raised during consultations with local Communities Main Issues raised Method of Institutions/individuals incorporation that raised the issue People in the project This recommendation SGVH Ebele area want the will be incorporated in contractor that will be the ESIA report hired to have good workmanship. The quality of work for the scheme should be good as other irrigation schemes like Bwanje Irrigation scheme Malaria is one of the This recommendation SGVH Ebele diseases with the will be incorporated in highest prevalence rate the ESIA report in the area. Surrounding communities propose that the design of the project should not make water to stagnate as this will exacerbate the situation in the area The project should This recommendation Kamidwa Akileni ensure that farmers in will be incorporated in (Villager) the scheme are linked the ESIA report to markets. This will enable farmers to sell their produce at a profit. When farmers sell their produce at a profit not only does it improve their socio- economic status but also encourages them to continue irrigated agriculture beyond the project period. Low prices usually demotivate farmers and usually farmers do not

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Main Issues raised Method of Institutions/individuals incorporation that raised the issue do irrigated farming after the project time Access to Mlooka This recommendation SGVH Ebele Irrigation Scheme will be presented to during rainy season is Department of usually problematic Irrigation for because of the consideration either condition of the access through this project or road. It is therefore other projects recommended that the access road should be improved The project should This recommendation SGVH Ebele consider constructing a will be presented to warehouse where farm Department of produce will be kept Irrigation for before being sold consideration either through this project or other projects The project may This impact will be Chistopher Iphani increase dropout rate included in the ESIA (Villager) for girls through report pregnancies because of influx of migrant workers The project has This impact will be Luciano Kandulu potential to increase included in the ESIA (Villager) risk of HIV and AIDS report infections Farmers should be This recommendation Luciano Kandulu sensitised not to engage will be included in the (Villager) their children in ESIA report farming activities during school time The contractor should This recommendation SGVH Ebele ensure that most of the will be included in the labour force is sourced ESIA report as one of from the surrounding the mitigation communities as a way measures of creating employment to surrounding communities

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Main Issues raised Method of Institutions/individuals incorporation that raised the issue The contractor should This recommendation Livinesi Petulo 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

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Annex 3.2: Main issues raised during consultations with Vulnerable Groups No. Main Issues Method of Institution/Individual raised incorporation in the that raised the issue(s) ESIA Process 1 People in the The project will link Linda Dinesi area plant same farmers to markets as kind of crops one of the interventions thereby making to solve the problem of the supply high crops fetching lower as such crops prices usually fetch lower prices. There is need therefore for the Project to promote diversification of crops and link the farmers to markets so that farmers are incentivised 2 Culturally, District Health Officer Trezzer Matiasi women are for Zomba should be discouraged from engaged to do child spacing. sensitisation on child Such being the spacing case women in the area tend to have children frequently and this affect productivity in the garden as most time is spent taking care of children 3 One of the The project should have Linda Dines bottlenecks to a component of finding good improving access to markets for their markets farm produce is poor road condition. This makes access to

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No. Main Issues Method of Institution/Individual raised incorporation in the that raised the issue(s) ESIA Process better markets a challenge 4 Women usually This has been included Linda Dinesi lack farm inputs as one of the such as recommendations in fertilisers, hybrid the ESIA Report seeds, pesticides and hoes. It is therefore proposed that vulnerable groups should be given starter-up inputs 5 Most men in the The project should Linda Dinesi area are make deliberate effort polygamists as to include topics on such men tend social ills in the society to sell part of and corrective proceeds to measures when farmers support the are being trained on other spouse(s) Value-Chain addition, and this instils Good Agricultural laziness to most Practices, Water women Conservation Methods etc. This has been included as one of the recommendations. 6 Mlooka is Effects of climate Trezza Matiasi usually affected change and their by floods. Such mitigation measures being the case have been highlighted crops are usually in the ESIA Report affected and most people do not have food to take them throughout the year. This affects their productivity in the gardens because people

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No. Main Issues Method of Institution/Individual raised incorporation in the that raised the issue(s) ESIA Process spend much of their time doing casual labour to earn money to buy daily food. 7 Most of the As explain above, topics Asante Ndomondo people in the on social ills and their project area are corrective measures Yaos as such should deliberately be there are a lot of included when there initiation are trainings or when ceremonies such traditional leaders are as Chinamwali. addressing their In addition, most subjects. This has been people hold included as one of the ceremonies in recommendations. commemoration for the dead, commonly known as Sadaka. During all these traditional ceremonies people prepare a lot of food and invite a lot of people to celebrate with them. This also negatively affects food security in the area. 8 Farmer Field This has been included Amadu Yassin Schools are as one of the being recommendations in implemented in the ESIA Report 2 villages only. There is need to extend this concept to other villages.

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No. Main Issues Method of Institution/Individual raised incorporation in the that raised the issue(s) ESIA Process 9 Construction of This impact has been Rober Mlooka canals in the included in the ESIA (VH Mlooka) project area will report bring increased risk of accidents- children and livestock; including malaria 10 The This impact has been Manga Mfiti implementation included in the ESIA of the project will report increase risk of HIV and AIDS spreading 11 The This impact has been Manga Mfiti implementation included in the ESIA of the project will report increase risk of marriage disruption 12 There are about This has been Rober Mlooka 5 graveyards in considered in the (VH Mlooka) the project area designing of Mlooka as such the Irrigation Scheme project should ensure that its implementation does not disturb the graveyards 15 Increased risk of Mitigation measure on Manga Mfiti hippopotamus this impact has been attacks included in the report 16 proposed This has been Amadu Yassin mitigation incorporated as one of measures for the mitigation measures in Hippos include the ESMP fencing and trenching around the scheme especially in

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No. Main Issues Method of Institution/Individual raised incorporation in the that raised the issue(s) ESIA Process areas close to the river. This will make the Hippos unable to cross

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Annex 3.3: 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 3.4: 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 Mlooka Irrigation Scheme

SN Scientific Name Family Form 1 Philenoptera veolacea Papilionoideae Tree 2 Markhamia sansibarica Bignoniaceae Tree 3 Diospyros sinensis Ebenaceae Tree 4 Urochloa mossambiacensis Poaceae Grass 5 Capparis tremulus Cyperaceae Sedge 6 Sanseveira longiflora Agavaceae Shrub 7 Ascolepis Africana Cyperaceae Sedge 8 Premna tettensis Verbenaceae Shrub 9 Asparagus Africana Asperagaceae Shrub 10 Trichilia volkensis Meliaceae Tree 11 Capparis tomentosa Capparaceae Shrub 12 Ficus bussei Moraceae Tree 13 Crinum mackowani Aamryllidaceae Herb 14 Corchorus olitorius TilIacaeae Herb 15 Thilacium triphylla Capparaceae Tree 16 Setaria sphacelata Poaceae Grass 17 Acacia siberaiana Mimosoideae Tree 18 Azanza garckeana Malvaceae Tree 19 Dalbergia boehmini Papilionoideae Tree 20 Diospyros menispiliformis Ebenaceae Shrub 21 Lannea STuhmanni Anacardiacaeae Tree 22 Cyperus alternifloius Cyperaceae Sedge 23 Sterculia Africana Sterculianaceae Tree 24 Adansomia digitata Bombacaceae Tree 25 Blepharis grandis Acanthacaeae Herb 26 Clerodendrum Johnstoni Verbenaceae Shrub 27 Cissus intergrifolia Vittaceae Climber

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SN Scientific Name Family Form 28 Albizia anthelmenthia Mimosodieae Tree 29 Grewia micrantha Tiliaceae Tree 30 Dioscorea dumentorum Dioscoreaceae Climber 31 Cassia abreviata Papilionoidea Tree 32 Acacia melanophloae Minosoideae Tree 33 Gonotopus fischeri Aracaea Herb 34 Chloris gayana Poaceae Grass 35 Solanum Padurifumies Solanaceae Herb 36 Sovadora persica Savadoraceae Shrub 37 Combretum panicuta Combretaceae Tree 38 Cyprus papyrus Cyperaceae Sedge 39 Kirki acuminate Simaroubaceae Tree 40 Maerua angolensis Capparidaceae Tree 41 Panicum maximum Poaceae Grass 42 Aristochiton natalensis Araceae Herb 43 Sterculia appeduculata Sterciliaceae Tree 44 Clerodendrum glauca Verbenaceae Shrub 45 Ehretica amoena Boraginaceae Tree 46 Albizia harveyi Minosodidea Tree 47 Paederia bojerana Rubiaceae Climber 48 Digitria pumila Poaceae Grass 49 Combretum mossambicensis Combrataceae Climber 50 Croton megalobotrys Euphorbiaceae Tree 51 Deimbollia nyikensis Sapindaceae Tree 52 Acacia nigrescens Minosodidea Tree 53 Faidherbia albida Minosodidea Tree 54 Lucaena decepiens Caesalpinoideae Tree 55 Acacia polyacantha Minosodidea Tree

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SN Scientific Name Family Form 56 Alzeria quanzensis Caesalpinoideae Tree 57 Senna Siemea Caesalpinoideae Tree 58 Albizia lebbeck Minosodidea Tree 59 Bambusa vulgaris Aracaceae 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

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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

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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

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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; c) Environmental investigations;

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

4.0. Procedure for accidental archeological 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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