UNDPm a l a w i Newsletter 2016 Issue

Story on page 3 Govt, undp inaugurate first Peace Committee

Lands Minister Calls China, Govt for Collective Efforts of Malawi, in Promoting Sustainable page UNDP Newsletter Undp join hands Urbanisation for DRM SUSTANABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS SDG s

page UNDP Newsletter SDG s Published by UNDP Malawi What’s inside P.O. Box 30135 , Lilongwe 3, Malawi Tel : 0 1 773 500 China Partners with the Email: [email protected] 4 GOVT of Malawi, Undp In Disaster Risk Management Executive Editor: Through Small Grants Carol Flore-Smereczniak Scheme

Editor: Innocent Mbvundula 8 Youth Helping Make His Household Income And Contributors: Food Secure In The Face Pauline Achoka Of Climate Change Busekese kilembe Rebecca Adda donto John Chome Malawi Government, 32 UNDP launch Malawi National HDR with Design and Layout: Corporate Promotions Limited Parliamentarians.

Enquiries 35 UNDP, Government [email protected] engage information officers on SDGs

ABOUT UNDP UNDP partners with people at all levels of society to help build nations that can withstand crisis and sustain the kind of growth that improves the quality of life for everyone. On the ground in more than 170 countries and territories, we offer global perspectives and local insights to help empower lives and buildpage resilient nations. UNDP Newsletter Message from the UNDP Resident Representative elcome to this issue of UNDP Malawi Newsletter. The purpose of this newsletter is to highlight some of the programmes that UNDP and its partners are implementing in Malawi as well as initiatives that UNDP, as a global development partner is undertaking. Through this newsletter we hope to highlight some important development issues facing Malawi. I, therefore, hope you will find it interesting to read. WAt UNDP, the year 2016 is no ordinary year. It is the year in which we are commemorating our 50th Anniversary. We are, therefore taking time to reflect on the development challenges and looking forward to the future, energised by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) world leaders adopted in September, 2015. After 50 years of development work in Malawi, we can be proud the progress the country has made. UNDP supported the National Constitutional Conference in 1993, leading to the development of the new constitution which allowed for a multiparty democracy and subsequent elections. UNDP has continued to support every election since 1993. We are also proud that the Malawi Institute of Tourism, a training institution that UNDP supported back in the 70’s when it was Government Hotel Training School has evolved and grown, enrolling 350 students every year and owning its own accommodation facilities in three regions of the country. UNDP supported the Malawi Institute of Management (MIM) and today, it is an institution that is training managers in private and public sectors for effective service delivery. Through the UN volunteers, we have assisted in filling human resource gaps, especially in the health sector thereby saving many lives. While we have made strides in the last 50 years together with our partners, it is undeniable that we have a long way to go. Statistics show that Malawi still lags behind on some key development indicators. Poverty, for instance, is wide spread, with over half of the population living below poverty line. The global Human Development Report for 2015 ranks Malawi at 173 of the 188 countries on the global Human Development Index. Earlier this year UNDP supported the launch of National Quality Strategy, the Buy Malawi Strategy and Malawi National Development Report among other key documents. It is also pleasing to note that cabinet has approved the National Climate Change Management Policy, National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy and the National Forestry Policy. In addition, UNDP supported the development the National Industrial and Trade Policies which will help to transform the productive sector and deal with factors that determine the growth of the private sector, industry and economy in Malawi. The signing of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change in September this year marks a big milestone on Malawi’s path to climate resilience. It is my hope that the agreements, policies and strategies we have will help to deal with challenges that beset the country in various ways. Let me take this opportunity to thank our partners for their continued cooperation and support. In particular, I wish to thank our development partners and the Government of Malawi for cooperating with UNDP in our quest to empower people and build resilient communities. We hope to continue being a partner of choice in the coming years, especially as we commence this SDG era. Join us as we commemorate our 50th Anniversary. Thank you and enjoy your reading.

Ms. Mia Seppo UN Resident Coordinator & UNDP Resident Representative in Malawi

page UNDP Newsletter page 2 UNDP Newsletter MANGOCHI BECOMES FIRST DISTRICT TO HAVE PEACE COMMITTEE smie Botomani, a 32-year old has had a fair share of violent activities She stressed that the launch of the first business woman who lives at ignited by religious intolerance, political DPC in Mangochi resonates with Goal 16 Mtalimanja in Mangochi Town differences and land disputes. Esme which calls for Peace, Justice and Strong was once affected by violence that hopes that for once she can conduct Institutions. Eerupted in the aftermath of the 2014 business in a peaceful environment. tripartite elections. Dissatisfied with the She added that violence comes with a elections results, people looted property, “Violent conflict can disrupt development. cost. “The cost of violence is very high. It disrupts education, businesses and destroyed infrastructure and fought with Direct cost of violence to the victim, indeed, any development initiative,” said each other. perpetrator and the government,” she the Chief Secretary for the Government said, citing the 2016 Global Peace Index Esme’s phone business was not spared in of Malawi, Mr. George Mkondiwa who report which shows that violence has the violence. One morning she found her was the guest of honour at the launch costed Malawi about US$1Billion in the branded telephone booth removed and of Mangochi District Peace Committee, last ten years. set on fire. All this because people did not held under the theme; DPCs as building pursue peaceful means to resolve their blocks for Sustainable Development One of the youth representative in the differences. Goals. DPC, Emmanuel Simbani said he will use his position to ensure that the youth are “I lost the telephone booth. I used to do Mr. Mkondiwa commended the people not used in perpetrating violent activities my business in that booth. To me this was of Mangochi for being the first to as was the case in previous conflicts in a big loss because people were attracted embrace the peace initiative, saying it the districts. to my business because of the visibility demonstrates that the people of the of that beautiful booth. Today I’m district have chosen a path to peaceful “I will be encouraging the youth to use using a simple table which can’t attract means of resolving their differences. dialogue to resolve conflicts,” Simbani customers,” said Esmie as she sat and The Chief Secretary advised members said. managed her business some few meters of the DPC to adhere to the Code of District Peace Committees (DPCs) from where the Government of Malawi Conduct which they have signed. are district peacebuilding, conflict and the United Nations Development Among other things, it calls for members prevention and transformation structures Programme (UNDP) were launching the to exercise impartiality, professionalism, of the National Peace Architecture (NPA) first ever District Peace Committee (DPC), integrity and independence in order to supported by UNDP and Government attended by a cross section of business instill confidence in their community of Malawi through the Office of the operators, party leaders, traditional members. President and Cabinet. leaders, religious leaders of different faiths, government officials and the On her part, UNDP Peace and youth. Development Advisor, Rebecca Adda- Donto said UNDP will continue to Mangochi, Kasungu and Karonga As Esmie followed the proceedings at accompany Malawians in providing the are the first districts in Malawi to pilot the launch of the DPC from her business necessary technical support that will District Peace Committees (DPCs) in desk, she was reminded of the loss she enable the advancement of peace to 2016, as a first step and a test towards encountered in 2014. The inauguration fulfil the aspirations of Malawians to keep learning lessons for the roll-out of the of the Mangochi DPC was personal to Malawi ‘a land of peace’ as stated in the National Peace Architecture structures her as it was befitting for a district that Malawi National Anthem. nationwide. page UNDP Newsletter page 3 UNDP Newsletter China Partners with the Government Of Malawi, Undp In Disaster Risk Management Through Small Grants Scheme

he Government the People’s Republic of China has partnered with the Government of Malawi and the United Nations Development Programme If you fail, (UNDP) in supporting disaster risk management programmes through Tthe launch of the Small Grant Scheme for community based organizations in you will disaster prone areas. During the official launch of the Small Grant Scheme on disaster risk management in Lilongwe, Principal Secretary in the Office of the Vice President who is also Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs, Mr. Ben Botolo not just be commended UNDP and the People’s Republic of China for the timely support towards the management of disasters in Malawi’s 15 disaster prone districts. failing your “This support has come at the right time, when we are in a serious food insecurity situation and we anticipate more disasters in the coming La Nina year,” said Botolo, noting that the country faces multiple hazards like drought and floods communities, for which more support will be needed to mitigate the impacts these bring to the communities. Six CBOs from Mangochi, Nsanje, Chikhwawa and Salima whose proposals but you qualified for the small grant scheme were recognized at the function. The Principal Secretary urged recipients of the grants to make use of the grants in a will be prudent manner in order to reduce the risks of disasters in their communities. “If you fail, you will not just be failing your communities, but you will be failing the whole country,” the Principal Secretary advised representatives of the CBOs. failing the On his part, the Chinese Ambassador to Malawi, His Excellency Wang Shi-Ting said his government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with UNDP on Trilateral Cooperation, a broad framework for collaboration among countries whole country of the South in the political, economic, social, cultural, environmental and technical domains. Ambassador Wang said the trilateral cooperation between China, Malawi and continuies >>> page 5

page 4 UNDP UNDPNewsletter Newsletter <<< From Page 4 China Partners with Government Of Malawi, Undp In Disaster Risk Management Through Small Grants Scheme

UNDP on disaster risk reduction is a component floods of 2015 from which communities are still of China-Africa-UNDP Cooperation Umbrella recovering. Programme which started in 2013. The call for proposals from CBOs and Civil Protection UNDP Deputy Resident Representative for Committees (CPCs) for the small grants scheme programmes Ms. Carol Flore-Smereczniak, said the attracted 220 submissions from 15 disaster-prone project is unique because it targets community- areas for which the scheme is earmarked. Out of based structures recognized by the Malawi’s Disaster these proposals, six qualified based on an extensive Risk Management Act. assessment and field appraisal of the proposals. “This project is shifting the focus of affected Under this small grant scheme, communities will populations from being victims to becoming active construct dykes and safe havens with 20% of cost agents of change,” said Ms. Flore-Smereczniak, as community contribution, mostly in kind. The noting that the support comes at the right time as awardees are Michesi and Luwi CBOs from Mangochi; vulnerable communities look for innovative solutions Njale and Mchere CBOs from Chikhwawa; Abwenzi to minimize the impacts of floods and become more CBO from Salima and Mwabulambu Village Civil resilient to risks and shocks following the devastating Protection Committee (VCPC) from Karonga.

SDGs, an opportunity to refocus the global development Agenda says UNDP BERA Director UNDP Director of Bureau for External security. Affairs and Advocacy (BERA), Michael While there are many challenges, O’ Neill O’Neill, says Malawi should utilize says, UNDP is working to address the the opportunity presented by the root cause of the crisis facing the world sustainable development goals adopted today. by world leaders in 2015. “In the coming years, UNDP will be largely O’Neill was in Malawi to attend the 9th involved, together with other partners Steering Committee meeting for Global at various levels, in the implementation Partnership on Effective Development of the sustainable development goals Cooperation being supported by and agenda 2030,” he said, noting that UNDP and Organisation of Economic Malawi should take advantage of these Cooperation and Development (OECD). ambitious development goals. The Steering Committee is being co- chaired by Malawi, Mexico and the On the 50th anniversary of UNDP, O’Neill Netherlands. said the centre piece of the anniversary was the ministerial meeting held in New He said the world is facing a number Michael O’Neill, York which attracted heads of states, of challenges like the refugees crisis in UNDP’s BERA Director ministers and representatives of member Syria, economic challenges and food states across the globe.

page 5 UNDP UNDP Newsletter Newsletter MALAWI LAUNCHES BUY MALAWI STRATEGY

alawi has launched the Buy Malawi Strategy senior government officials, private sector representatives (BMS) in a bid to promote locally produced and local producers. goods and services. UNDP supported the M She then underscored the importance of buying locally Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism to develop and launch the strategy in collaboration with the private sector. produced goods and services. Launching the Strategy, President Prof. Arthur Peter “Buying locally has countless positive effects. It contributes Mutharika thanked UNDP for the financial and technical towards job creation and it’s a safeguard for existing jobs; support in the development and launch of the Strategy. it contributes towards poverty reduction and it grows local investment; it reinforces the industrial base and The President called on people to support local industry. encourages self-reliance and food security; it addresses the He also called on local producers to strive for quality and trade deficit account and encourages entrepreneurship reasonable pricing in order to stay competitive. and innovation,” she said. “People will not buy from you simply because you are Malawian, but because your products are of high quality During the launch the President outlined some measures and your prices are reasonable to compete on global to boost local industry. Among the measures, the President regional markets,” the President said, stressing that mentioned, as a way of kicking off implementation of the Malawians deserve quality products.UNDP Resident strategy, “all public procuring entities will buy at least 30% Representative in Malawi, Ms. Mia Seppo commended the of their goods and services from Malawi based enterprises; Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism for its leadership the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development and commitment towards the formulation of the BMS, will prioritize allocation of land to enterprise and investors saying the strategy complements other important that intend to manufacture goods and provide services on ongoing initiatives of the Government of Malawi aimed our land; commercial banks to put emphasis on lending at advancing the industrialization agenda of the country. money to enterprises that produce goods and services “The success of the Buy Malawi Strategy will require locally rather than only emphasizing on enterprises that effective collaboration and strong partnerships between import finished products for re-sale. The President also the private and public sectors,” said Ms. Seppo in Lilongwe urged the hospitality industry to set aside a day when they at the launch of the strategy attended by a cross section will be serving local dishes. He also declared 18th March of society including Malawi’s President, cabinet ministers, every year as Malawi Day.

page UNDP Newsletter page 6 UNDP Newsletter he Indigenous Businesses Association of Malawi (IBAM) Zomba City Becomes the first City Thas hailed the coming of IBAM welcomes BMS the Buy Malawi Strategy (BMS), saying it will help in the growth of to have Resilience Action Plan local enterprises in Malawi. IBAM President, Mike Mlombwa, a renowned Malawian businessman himself said the launch of the Buy Malawi Strategy comes at a time when Malawians’ appetite for imported commodities has grown exponentially thereby draining the much needed forex. Mlombwa said the Buy Malawi Strategy will help boost local production as enterprises will be assured of a ready market. “Further, the strategy will also ensure that the hard earned forex which the country is generating is used only for essential imports which we are not able to produce ourselves. We are confident, that with the right policies in place, an example being this strategy, we will see blossoming of local industries in many sectors of the IBAM President, Mike Mlombwa (right) greets the President at the launch economy,” he said. of BMS in Lilongwe “The Buy Malawi initiative is at give plausible reasons and seek 5. I request all hospitality facilities my heart and the heart of my a waiver from the office of the to set aside at least one day in a government. We pledge to buy Director of Public Procurement week to serve Malawian dishes. Let Malawian because we are proud (ODPP). us be the pride of Malawi. And let me congratulate those that have that Malawi can produce fine 2. From now onwards, civil already started implementing products and services worth of servants and public servants this initiative like Sunbird Tourism our pride and money. Malawi is in all Government Ministries, Limited. set to take her place in the world. Departments, Agencies and And we will succeed,” he said. Parastatals should, on Fridays, 6. I request all Malawians that we UNDP and the Ministry of Industry, be wearing clothes produced in should be the first to patronize our Trade and Tourism are in the Malawi. tourism facilities. Let us be proud of our country. process of developing a Marketing 3. The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Communication Plan to and Urban Development will 7. I request commercial banks to support the implementation and prioritise allocation of land to put much emphasis on lending popularization of the Buy Malawi enterprises and investors that money to enterprises that produce Strategy. intend to manufacture goods and goods and services locally PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVES TO provide services on our land. rather than only emphasizing on enterprises that import finished SUPPORT BUY MALAWI STRATEGY 4. I declare that 18th March each products for re-sell. year, will be a Malawi Day. On this 1. I urge all public procuring day, Malawians shall wear, eat and 8. Last but not least, the Buy entities will buy at least 30% of use Malawian products. During Malawi Strategy Secretariat their goods and services from this day Malawians shall celebrate should ensure that the Monitoring Malawi based enterprises. Those our uniqueness and send a and Evaluation Framework is that cannot manage because of message to the whole world that water tight. the nature of their business should we are Malawi.

page UNDP Newsletter page 7 UNDP Newsletter YOUTH HELPING MAKE HIS HOUSEHOLD INCOME AND FOOD SECURE IN THE FACE OF CLIMATE CHANGE t the age of 19, Chifundo in the village he dedicates his time to in the process. Under the NCCP, the Kananji from Chole productive activities in his fish pond community fish ponds, managed by Village in Traditional and garden. Chifundo is a student at clubs are designed to be a learning Authority Mkanda in Namaluwo community day secondary point for people who want to venture Mulanje is extraordinary. school, currently awaiting results of the into household fish farming. He is a young man who junior certificate exams. is set apart from his contemporaries. Learning from what he observed from A He got inspiration from the fish ponds the community fish ponds, coupled Chifundo strikes the right balance he saw in his community. In 2013, with the advice he received from between education and farming to under the National Climate Change make his household food secure. the fisheries officer from the District Programme (NCCP), community Council, Chifundo dug his own fish In his short time, he has observed how members from Chole village were pond on a land handed to him by his extreme and erratic rainfall adversely provided with materials to construct grandmother. He received fingerlings impact his community that largely fish ponds. NCCP is a collaborative from the NCCP project and benefited depends on agriculture production for programme coordinated by the from trainings on fish farming. income, nutrition and food security. In Government of Malawi with financial 2015, his area was one of the worst hit support from Government of Flanders “I made K11, 000 from fish sales after areas by flooding. and the United Nations Development the first harvest. I bought clothes and a Programme (UNDP) to enhance second hand mobile phone,” Chifundo For Chifundo, memories are fresh community resilience to climate said, adding that some of the fish about how destructive the floods have change. supplemented his family’s food and been, followed by a dry spell that has nutrition needs. significantly reduced crop production. Through this support, the community Impressed by his assertiveness, the He recalls how his adopted parents constructed two fish ponds, some project has given him a female goat struggled to bring food to the table 100 meters from Chifundo’s home, and two ducks on a pass-on model, in the family of eight members who close to the land belonging to his grandmother. Chifundo was following where a community member gets a suffered low maize yields in 2015. the developments with keen interest, goat or duck from another community In contrast to most youths of his age learning how to look after the ponds member on the understanding that he continues >>> page 9

page 8 UNDP UNDPNewsletter Newsletter <<< From Page 8 youth helping make his household income and food secure in the face of climate change or she will also pass on the offspring to another For a young man still in his teens, money is member. not a big problem as is the case with many of Not only will the ducks and the goats help his peers. He is able to buy clothes and other meet the long term food and income needs for basic things that many young people of his age Chifundo and his family, but in the meantime, would request from their parents or guardians. their droppings are used in ponds as fertilizers At such young age, he is able to hire casual to increase the production of natural food for labourers, more than twice his age to help him the fish. with some work in the garden. “I take the ducks to the fish pond. They like More importantly, even with such a success, playing in the water but in the process, their Chifundo values education. Having money and droppings help the growth of some plants which are natural food for my fish,” said Chifundo property like goats, ducks and chickens is not proudly. reason enough to abandon school. “Though I am devoted to farming, I feel education is This is how he is integrating animal farming with important. I look forward to completing my fish farming. Further to this, he is maximizing the use of water in the pond to venture into secondary education,” he said. small scale irrigation farming. In 2015, he grew Chifundo’s success exemplifies how determined rice using water from the pond. youth, provided with skills and resources, can “I decided to grow rice near my fish pond. help lift families and communities out of dire It wasn’t a big garden but I managed to get poverty. 200kgs,” he said. He decided not to sell the rice, opting to use rice as an alternative food for the Besides, fish, irrigation and animal farming, household so that the family could be food the NCCP is helping communities in disaster- sufficient up to the next harvest season. prone areas of Mulanje in the adoption of new methods and technologies, including rainwater As Chifundo awaits the second fish harvest, he is also growing tomatoes. He chose to plant harvesting, conservation agriculture and post- tomatoes because it is a less water demanding harvest loss management, with an ultimate crop that ensures that water in his pond remains aim of building resilient communities in disaster at the desired level for proper growth of the fish. prone areas.

Chifundo grows tomatoes and other vegetables using water from his fish pond

page 9 UNDP UNDPNewsletter Newsletter that we gathered. We planted 1000 trees on a woodlot and about 500 on the river banks,” said Raphael Chirwa, a lead farmer and coordinator of Justin Village Tree Management committee. SALIMA Chirwa said, apart from the woodlot, some seedlings were provided to other institutions to broaden participation in the tree planting campaign. COMMUNITY “We gave some seedlings to a nearby school. We also gave some to a group involved in making energy saving cooking stoves,” said Chirwa, adding that, this year, they have a nursery of 3000 WORKS TO tree seedlings which they hope to distribute to households to plant near their homes and on their land. RESTORE TREES Cognizant of the need to safeguard existing trees, the village headman enacted by-laws to control tree cutting. “Any person caught cutting down a tree without FOR ITS POSTERITY permission and without a proper reason, is given a fine of a chicken,” said village headman Justin. He said, with the fine, people are afraid to cut down trees because a chicken is a valuable asset for people in the village which they do not want to ustin, the village headman of Traditional part away with as a penalty for cutting down trees. Authority Ndindi in Salima district, ascended When there is a pressing need to cut a tree, the to the throne as a traditional leader in 2002. village headman and his committee provide When he became a headman, 14 years ago, guidance. houses were separated by trees so thick that it wasJ difficult to see houses some kilometers away. Wild “Our aim is to control unwarranted damage to animals were a common sight even in day time. That is trees. We want to pass on an environment that how the area was populated with trees not so long ago. will be conducive for the next generation,” Village headnman Justin said. Today, the story is different. In the last two decades, the area has experienced high rate of deforestation Salima District Agriculture Officer Jakaya Kipandula owing to wanton cutting down of trees for charcoal commended village headman Justin and his production. community for working together to restore their forests, saying trees help to control soil erosion “It’s a worrisome situation. If you came here twenty and ultimately, boosts agricultural production. years ago, you wouldn’t have seen the houses that you are seeing from the hills,” Justin said, as he pointed to Faced with food shortages and climate change, the houses to the west of the area. community-based agroforestry initiatives like this one in Ndindi are essential to strengthen people’s Concerned with the trend, the village headman resilience to changing environmental conditions. mobilized his community to reverse the situation. By restoring its forests for posterity, Ndindi is also Together, they decided to protect trees by maintaining forging a path to prosperity. the existing forests and planting more trees to restore the environment for both the current and future generations. Through the National Climate Change Programme which is a supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Malawi with financial assistance from Government of Flanders, the community was provided with 1000 tree seedlings. On its own, the community secured an additional 1500 seedlings. “We decided to have a woodlot with the tree seedlings

page 10 UNDP UNDP Newsletter Newsletter ON BOARD new staff Pilirani Chikwese joined UNDP Malawi on 1st June 2016 as Human Resources Assistant. Pilirani graduated with a Bachelor of Social UNDP unveilsScience degree new from Chancellor tagline College, a constituent college of the University of Malawi in 2009. She previously worked for TechMahindra Malawi as a Human Resources Executive for two years. She comes to UNDP after serving a year as Payroll and Benefits Specialist and two years as Human Resources Officer at the Opportunity Bank Malawi. She hopes to grow her career in Human Resources Management in the UN system. Pilirani Chikwese Human Resources Assistant

Ben Twinomugisha hails from Uganda and is a graduate of Development studies and a former fellow of Capacity Strengthening in Least Developed Countries for Adaptation to Climate Change (CLACC) from 2005 to 2009. He is part of international climate change adaptation experts from Africa and Asia who network under the auspices of International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) to support LDCs to adapt to the impacts of climate change. Before joining UNDP Malawi, he worked in Rwanda where he helped to facilitate implementation of Community Based Climate Change Adaptation (CBCCA) project. He also worked for UNDP Tanzania as a focal point person for the Africa Adaptation Programme. Early in his career, Ben worked at Oxfam International Uganda as Climate Change Programme Manager. He takes keen interest in publication of articles on climate change and adaptation with special focus on food security and indigenous adaptation. He Ben Twinomugisha brings to UNDP Malawi passion and compassion of UN Volunteer to Programme Analyst Climate Change contribute to uplifting the plight of vulnerable people at the center and Disaster Risk Reduction of climate change risk.

Andrew Spezowka joined UNDP Malawi on 1st August, 2016 as the new Resilience and Sustainable Growth (RSG) Portfolio Manager. Andrew brings to UNDP Malawi, and to the RSG portfolio in particular, a unique combination of expertise and experience accummulated from his work in different countires and insitutions in management, partnership building with a focus on climate change, disaster risk management, sustainable growth and resilience. He joined UNDP in Vietnam in 2014, where he supported the Ministries of Planning and Investment, Finance, and Industry and Trade to advance initiatives in green growth and climate resilience. Prior to that, Andrew worked at the World Bank office in Vietnam from 2011 on issues related to International development Association (IDA) graduation, partnership engagement and social accountability. He also served as Director and Deputy Director of Programmes >>> to page 27 Andrew Spezowka in the Environment and Food Security Bureau based in Canada’s Resilience and Sustainable Global Affairs Department, responsible for a range of policy and Growth (RSG) Portfolio Manager programme issues to address global food insecurity, climate change,page and inclusive UNDP growth. Newsletter page 11 UNDP Newsletter A water tank in Karonga which collects water from the roof top during the rainy season. The tank was constructed with support from UNDP and Government under NCCP

MAKING THE MOST OF RAIN WATER

ne of the challenges that constructed an underground water “We realized k25, 000 from the sales most parts of Malawi tank which collects water from the of vegetables. We decided to plant currently face is that rivers canals during the rainy season. vegetables because vegetables dry up soon after the rainy don’t require a lot of water,” said Fodrick John, chairman of Mlambe season. In the lakeshore John. districts of Salima and Karonga, Lake Club which has a membership O of 25, said the project provided The club invested the money Malawi provides a reliable source of water for areas along it. However, construction materials for the rain into their village savings and loan in areas located far from the lake, water harvesting tank. (VSL) group, where shareholding members can borrow at a moderate water is a challenge, especially in dry “This area is usually dry. During the interest to support their household season. dry season our rivers are dry and needs. Through rain water harvesting it is very difficult to have water for technologies, some communities in irrigating even vegetable gardens,” In Karonga, the project has also Karonga and Salima are making use said John. supported roof-top rain water harvesting tank, which collects water of water that they collected during John said when NCCP approached from roof-top into a water tank. the rainy season crop production. the club for the construction of the Mlambe Club in Bibi Rabson village rainwater harvesting tank, it was The District Commissioner for traditional authority Ndindi in an opportunity for the members to Karonga, Ms. Rosemary Moyo expand the range of activities they Salima is one of the early adopters applauded the project for do. In 2015, the tank was completed introducing and promoting of the rain water harvesting and immediately, in the 2015/2016 technologies that, if adopted at large technologies. Through the National rainy season they collected water scale, can help make communities Climate Change Programme (NCCP) into the tank. food secure even in times of erratic which is being coordinated by the rainfall. Government of Malawi with support In 2016, for the first time, they used from the Government of Flanders and the tank to irrigate a vegetable “If these interventions are scaled up, the United Nations Development garden from which they got k25, most households would be food Programme (UNDP) the club 000. secure,” said Ms. Moyo.

page 12 UNDP UNDP Newsletter Newsletter UNDP/UNDSS staffa ssociation elects new office bearers here are new office bearers for UNDP and United Nations Department of Security Services (UNDSS) joint Staff Association, with Titus Kavalo, (Programme Analyst-Economic Competitiveness &T Private Sector Development at UNDP) elected president. In accepting the responsibility, Kavalo said he was humbled to be elected president of the association, promising to make the Staff Association attractive and responsive to the needs of its members while standing for the truth to protect those that are disadvantaged. “I accepted the offer. I have to mention though that it took some deep thought to accept upon realizing that declining would mean betrayal to those who elected me to serve in the Staff Association,” said Kavalo who is being deputized by Mrs. Etta Mmangisa, UNDP Programme Analyst for Climate Change Adaptation. New Staff Association Chairman, Titus Kavalo-wants the Association to be responsive to the needs of its members Going forward, Kavalo said, he and his executive Other members of the UNDP/UNDSS staff association committee will be taking a step further by specifically elected include; Mavuto Nkhoma (UNDP) as Treasurer, consulting those that served in the previous executive Linda Liwimbi of UNDSS as the Secretary and her deputy committee, other agency representatives and the global is Busekese Kilembe (UNDP). Executive members of the staff association executive to ensure that the decisions of staff association are United Nations Volunteer (UNV) the association reflect the wishes of its members and are Coordinator, Maryrose Ikumi and UNDP’s Alice Kanthungo in line with the UN policies and regulations. and Laureen Pereira-Kayuni.

UNCARES HOLDS UNCARES, a United Nation system wide workplace programme brought together UN female and male staff in separate health SEPARATE MEN AND awareness events dubbed woman to woman and man to man WOMEN HEALTH EVENTS sessions respectively. UNCARES Health and Wellness Coordinator, Mrs. Veronica Chikafa said by gathering women and men separately, it afforded UN staff an opportunity to freely discuss issues that otherwise they would not discuss in the presence of both sexes. “Our role is to create a platform for both men and women to discuss gender sensitive topics that staff cannot freely discuss in the presence of opposite sexes,” said Mrs. Chikafa. In man to man session, UN male staff discussed wide ranging health topics including human papilloma virus, non-communicable diseases and sexual dysfunction. Female UN employees discussed women health issues like menopause, hemorrhoids and fistula among other topics in their woman to woman session. The Woman to Woman session took place at UN Resident Coordinator’s residence while the Man to Man session took place at the Residence of WHO Resident Representative, Eugene Nyarko. UNCARES seized the opportunity to provide health services such as Mavuto Nkhoma of UNDP’s Procurement Section being checked for Blood Pressure at the HIV testing, blood pressure check, examination of sexually transmitted Man to Man health sesession infections such as syphilis. Crossroads dancing group spiced up the sessions with traditional dances.

page 1 3 UNDP UNDP Newsletter Newsletter KEEPING THE LITTLE HARVEST SAFE USING MODERN GRANARY ith crop production on the decline, members. Her family harvested 80 bags of maize in the owing to changing rainfall patterns, 2015/16 harvest season. farmers cannot afford to lose the little they harvest. Proper storage of crops can In 2015 under the NCCP, Salima District Council go a long way to enhance food security constructed this modern, one cubic meter maize Wat household level. storage granary, made of cement. The project provided The 2016 Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee cement, iron sheets, lime and other materials while (MVAC) estimates that over 6.5 million Malawians will the family provided sand, bricks, poles and labour for be food insecure because they did not harvest enough the construction of the granary. The modern granary to take them to the next harvest season due to among is designed to be a learning point for post-harvest others, heavy and early cessation of rains in some parts. management. Among a range of interventions that the United Nations Where this granary has been used, its advantages are Development Programme in collaboration with the Government of Malawi under the National Climate well documented. “Children cannot access it without Change Programme (NCCP) is undertaking in districts key, it’s locked. If one wants to get maize I know because such Karonga, Salima and Mulanje, post-harvest I keep the keys,” said Mrs. Gondwe, management is central to food security. Under the post- harvest loss management, the NCCP is working with In the past, the family could lose about four bags of communities to minimize crop harvest losses. maize after harvest, enough to feed the family for two complete weeks. Mrs. Jane Gondwe from Kapanda village, Traditional Authority Kambalame in Salima was one of the first In addition to reducing crop harvest losses, the modern farmers who expressed a desire to adopt a modern granaries help in conserving trees, compared to the maize granary that was tested and proven to store maize traditional maize granaries which are made of wood and with minimal losses. bamboo and only last for a year or two. Gondwe is a committed farmer. She is one of the lead farmers in the area. She grows all kinds of crops for “The traditional granaries had a lot of disadvantages. both commercial and subsistence purposes. She and They are prone to attacks from weevils, rats and thieves her husband look after a large family of fifteen (15) can access the produce easily,” she said .

page 14 UNDP UNDP Newsletter Newsletter President of the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI), Karl Chokotho (left) and an entrepreneur from Blantyre listening to proceedings at the launch of MICF Round Two in Blantyre. Dfid, Kfw and Undp Pull Resources to Support Second Round of the Malawi Innovation Challenge Fund (Micf)

he UK Department viability with high social impacts, Perrin said the introduction of for International but where the commercial returns new technologies and practices, Development are uncertain, and therefore that are based on commercial (DFID) and the high risk and ultimately requires opportunities, and driven by the Federal Republic of grantees to at least match the private sector has the ability to Germany through funding provided by the Challenge transform smallholder agriculture KfWT have joined hands with the Fund, as an indication of their to meet these challenges United Nations Development commitment to the commercial and provide a step up to an Programme (UNDP) to support viability of the project. agribusiness sector to deliver the second round of competition greater value-added products of the Malawi Innovation Speaking to representatives and services. Challenge Fund (MICF) for the of the private sector including Manufacturing and Logistics, and the president of the Malawi On her part, Christine de the Agribusiness Windows. Confederation of Chambers of Barros Said, Deputy Head of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) Development Cooperation at the The Malawi Innovation Challenge German Embassy said although Fund (MICF) is a competitive, in Blantyre at the launch of the two MICF Windows, Growth the concept behind MICF is transparent mechanism that new to the German-Malawi and Resilience Team leader and provides grant finance for Cooperation it is innovative and Acting Head of Office for DFID innovative, inclusive business holds significant potential to scale in Malawi, Rachel Perrin said projects proposed by the and embrace new thinking. private sector in Malawi. The the Agribusiness Window that fund aligns development and DFID is supporting in the second She said the support that KfW business objectives; harnesses round of the MICF is designed to is providing to MICF on the the strengths of the private bring real impact, both in terms Manufacturing and Logistics sector to generate and test new of attempting to change market Window marks an important step ideas; triggers innovation, which systems and increase employment in supporting Malawi’s pursuit of combine potential commercial and incomes of the poor. continues >>> page 16

page 15 UNDP UNDP Newsletter Newsletter <<< From page 15 Dfid, Kfw and Undp Pull Resources to Support Second Round of the Malawi Innovation Challenge Fund (Micf) inclusive private sector development that The first round of MICF in Malawi was broadens its exports base and ensures that launched in 2014 with support to 10 projects more Malawians benefit from economic which have already started impacting the growth. lives of thousands of poor households and creating hundreds of jobs in the process. “By providing the risk capital to allow The agriculture window is supporting five companies to link small and medium projects targeting livestock, horticulture, farmers and other enterprises to formal or tea, ICT and groundnuts that will increase structured market channels, we believe this the incomes of 11,800 poor households will provide access to higher value markets and will create almost 300 jobs; whilst the and lead to increased incomes,” noted Said, manufacturing window is supporting five adding that the Challenge fund contributes projects in processed agricultural products, to private sector development in rural areas low cost water filters, milk products that will which is one of the key pillars of the German- improve the incomes of 21,500 households, Malawian Cooperation programme. create 850 jobs and impact 20,000 Said added that Germany’s support to the consumers. Manufacturing and Logistics The total MICF Grant Window of MICF will go request for the first round a long way in helping the “We hope the launch of of competition amounts to agriculture producers in the two windows will US$ 5.3 million whilst the delivering inputs, collecting contribution from companies produce, providing post- continue supporting the amounts to US$ 8.6 million. harvest, processing and growth of progressive ultimately distributing to and innovative One of the attendees, Haroon both local and international businesses which will Mia who runs a dairy farm markets. take a hard-headed, at Zalewa in Blantyre rural expressed optimism that UNDP Deputy Resident business-oriented many poor people will benefit Representative for approach to the critical from the MICF support, Operations, Ms. Katarzyna issue of ultimately especially those that have no Wawiernia, commended the benefitting the poor.” access to markets for their governments of Germany products. On his part, Malawi and United Kingdom for Confederation of Chambers their financial support to of Commerce and Industry the two MICF windows, saying the support (MCCCI) president Karl Chokotho applauded will contribute to both private sector the Fund saying it has potential to turn development and poverty alleviation in around the economic growth of the country. Malawi. Under the second round of MICF, the Wawiernia said experiences from the first Agribusiness Window seeks to increase the round of the MICF demonstrated that there supply of processed and semi-processed is a resilient and emerging private sector in agricultural commodities produced by poor Malawi with capacity to innovate and evolve producers in Malawi. The Manufacturing and despite the country’s challenging economic Logistics Window, on the other hand, seeks environment. to work with companies to integrate their “We hope the launch of the two windows processes and incorporate locally produced will continue supporting the growth of products and services to reduce reliance progressive and innovative businesses which on imported goods. It will also support the will take a hard-headed, business-oriented export of manufactured goods and support approach to the critical issue of ultimately improvements in the efficiency of the benefitting the poor,” said Wawiernia. distribution and logistics sector.

ppageage 16 UNDP UNDP Newsletter Newsletter Reflections

Malawi Institute of Tourism-41 Years of Sustaining the Hospitality and Tourism Industry in Malawi From its humble beginning as the train and teach individuals. The objectives to upgrade the tourism and hospitality Government Hotel Training School back in of the project were initially the construction training to fill the gap of qualified personnel the 70s to becoming the Malawi Institute of of a hotel and a catering school that would in the tourism and hospitality industry. Tourism (MIT), this institution has seen 41 be a government training institution to The institution currently admits over years of growth, development and success. advance the skills and knowledge of the 350 students a year. The Institution employees in the hospitality and catering The growth of the hospitality and tourism offers globally recognized diplomas establishments across Malawi. industry is undeniably incomplete without and certificates in various fields in travel, MIT. The two UN agencies, UNDP and ILO tourism and hospitality programmes. MIT Situated in middle of Blantyre city, MIT has provided the institution with machinery, introduces innovative new courses every a long story. It was not until the early 1970s cutlery and state of the art hotel equipment; year. they provided an impeccable education that the world began to recognize and Over the four decades the institute system with the introduction of many acknowledge the potential of the tourism has progressed from simply training culinary courses that have produced some industry. The Government of Malawi, also students. It furthermore acquired three of Malawi’s signature dishes throughout realised that the tourism industry would accommodation facilities that the institute the hotels and resorts of the country today. become of great national importance as manages in the three major cities of Malawi. UNDP and ILO provided financial and well as one of the fastest growing industries These consist of Alendo Hotel in Blantyre, technical support from 1974 all through to in the country’s economy. Four decades Lingadzi Inn in the city of Lilongwe and the mid-1980s. later, this realization became true. Today, the Mzuzu Tourist Lodge in Mzuzu city. Not only hospitality and tourism industry has grown Through the UNDP/ILO support does MIT offer opportunities for graduates tremendously, providing employment to international consultants were deployed and trainees to apply the skills gained they many of the students who pass through the to Malawi to assist in training employees to also provide accommodation for tourists corridors of MIT. offer services that would meet international who want to gain the Malawian experience Malawi has proven to be a good holiday standards. Many new styles of cooking to its fullest capacity. methods emerged that promoted destination and the government saw What was formerly known as the Malawian products, a favourite method this as an opportunity for a good foreign ‘Government Hotel Training School’ is now of cooking became one that used only exchange earning. The government knew Malawi’s centre of excellence in tourism all Malawian produced ingredients, while that in order for the tourism sector to be training. MIT has contributed to the tourism adapting a French style of cuisine. This style successful, the provision of international sector significantly and produces some of cooking is still very popular today and standard hotel facilities was necessary of Malawi’s best hospitality and catering used by many famous hotels in Malawi which the government did not have at the professionals across the country. time. In light of all these considerations the such as the five- star hotel-Protea Ryalls government requested assistance from the Hotel in the city of Blantyre. As UNDP commemorates 50 years of existence it can be proud that a decade after United Nations Development Programme “The two UN agencies also provided UNDP started supporting the Government (UNDP) through International Labour office equipment and industrial kitchen of Malawi in development, an institution Organization (ILO) in 1974. equipment to the training institution; some now called MIT was born. After 41 years, MIT of which are still being used to this day,” says The government asked for assistance after continues to be as relevant as ever before. the current Executive Director for MIT, Isabel having examined the full potential of the MIT has indeed grown and come a long Tamanda Chakhumbira. tourism sector as well as the appropriate way and it remains a top and dedicated resources required that would help them MIT became a trust in 1997with a mandate tourism training institution in the country. page UNDP Newsletter

page 17 UNDP Newsletter Reflections

Undp Young Professional Programme Pushes Priscilla High into the Un System n 2010 Priscilla Chimwele was one the UN system. The experience was She feels the YP programme has had of the eight young professionals that great. I learned a lot from the Resident an impact on her career. Her position at Ijoined the United Nations Young Coordinator (RC) at the time (Mr. the UNDP RSCA is a fruit of her work as Professional Programme, a recruitment Richard Dictus), from my supervisor a young professional. initiative of UNDP for talented, highly (Ms. Van Thi Ngoc Nguyen) and my “Being part of the programme certainly qualified professionals aged below 32 colleagues (Mr. Tinkhani Msonda, Ms. with at least a first degree to start a Atupele Kapile, Ms Emma Dwyer and set the groundwork for me to be able career as international civil servants in others too numerous to mention). The to take up other opportunities in the the UN system. experience I got from my work in the UN system,” she says, adding that the RC Office set me up to be able to do programme created an entry point Being a young professional was to much of the technical work I have done for her and other young qualified her the best way to begin to realise after well, “she says. Malawians into the UN system, her dream of working for the UN and something which is not easy and not contribute towards a better world. When From her supervisors and interaction always available. she saw a call for young professionals in with development partners and her newspapers, Priscilla did not hesitate participation in the development As UNDP commemorates its 50 to apply and successfully joined the of strategic development plans and years anniversary, Priscilla is of the programme as a Coordination Analyst frameworks for Malawi (including the opinion that the Young Professionals in the UN Resident Coordinator’s UNDAF), she understood the complex Programme should develop a stronger office. True to her dream, four years nature of development. exit structure for the YPs out of the after she completed her tenure in programme into mainstream UN “I had a great experience. There were the YPP, Priscilla is currently working positions in order to truly make the not that many negative lessons to learn internationally as a Programme Analyst programme a stepping stone for the during my time in the UN Malawi RCO. I at the UNDP Regional Service Centre for YPs to take on opportunities within guess what I really took away from that Africa (RSCA) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. the system after they complete their experience, and which I have grown tenure. As a young professional in the Resident more convinced of with time, is that Coordinator’s office, she coordinated having a good leader and a good team Priscilla adds that young people are the input and contributions towards the can very often be more critical for the future. Giving young people concrete formulation of an inclusive all UN successful delivery of your work than opportunities to develop and grow as agency and gender responsive UN anything else,” recalls Priscilla. professionals through programmes Development Assistance Framework like the YPP is a way to facilitate a bright Now working in the Regional Private (UNDAF) 2012-2016, its related Action future for them. At the same time, Sector Unit within the Inclusive Plan and a UN Transformation Plan institutions like UNDP benefit from this Growth and Sustainable Development 2012-2013. In addition, Priscilla was because it ensures business continuity Cluster (IGSDC) of the UNDP RSCA, instrumental in providing input and in the very long run. Priscilla is the technical focal point for technical support to the Government of the delivery, management, capacity Since its inauguration in 2010, thirty Malawi to draft, finalise and implement development and quality control of young professionals in Malawi have the Millennium Development Goals the unit’s work on impact investment passed through the YP programme, (MDGs) Acceleration Framework (MAF) in Africa; Financial Inclusion (with a with many of them going on to and Country Action Plan. focus on Inclusive Business Ecosystem work in international development “It was my first experience within Building) and Youth Entrepreneurship. organisations. page UNDP Newsletter page 18 UNDP Newsletter Reflections EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW ALLAN CHINTEDZA

After serving for 15 years in various capacities in UNDP Malawi, Allan Chintedza still recalls the role UNDP played when he first joined. In this interview, Allan Chintedza looks back at the time he was with UNDP, the contribution that UNDP made and his personal experiences.

1. When did you join and leave UNDP Malawi? I joined UNDP Malawi in April 1985 from the Reserve Bank of Malawi. I left in 2000 after 15 years of service.

2. Explain your role in UNDP Malawi- the positions you held and main responsibilities When I joined UNDP, I was recruited as a Senior Programme Assistant and later on was promoted to National Officer (NO) to handle the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) programme. I was then of a comprehensive salary survey following promoted to the position of Assistant Resident deterioration of the economy in the country. Representative (UNCDF). The UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) programme was in infrastructure development with 1. What major strides did UNDP make, owing projects like the Village access roads and to your own contribution or under your bridges, Low Cost housing, Sanitation and leadership? Do we have examples that we can later concentrated in two main areas of trace today? decentralization (Local Development Fund/ District Development Fund) and Microfinance. The low cost housing project won international The UNCDF programme grew during the 5th recognition and received a global award from Country programme to a portfolio of US$26 UN Habitat. We presented the award to the then million. President of Malawi, Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda at the State House in Zomba. The decentralisation programme was one of our best programmes During my 15 years with UNDP, I was (UNDP/UNCDF) in that we collaborated with the Chairman of the staff association for 14 World Bank. Malawi was chosen as one of the years and was instrumental in improving the 15 concentration countries in Africa for UNCDF, based on the government’s adoption of the welfare of general service staff through the decentralisation policy in 1998. In Microfinance, establishment of the Bereavement Fund. I UNCDF changed its funding approach also led the first sit-in by UN staff in Malawi emphasizing working with and establishing which led to an increase in salaries by 100 % micro finance institutions. We established PRIDE after we demanded an immediate fielding continues >>> page 20

page UNDP Newsletter page 19 UNDP Newsletter Reflections

ALLAN CHINTEDZA from <<< page 19 Malawi under UNCDF funding which helped plans rather than short run solutions based to provide access to financial services mainly on political survival. Priority setting should for the poor and low income population in prevail. For Africa , this has been the main rural areas. problem given our lack of political maturity 2. On a rather personal note, how did and undemocratic tendencies. The SDGs UNDP help you in your career? have expanded the development realm hence the need for diverse expertise and My whole career life has been shaped by the experience - UNDP has the cutting edge. work I started with UNDP. I have never done anything outside the development agenda. For example, from UNDP, I joined PRIDE 5. Do you think UNDP has helped Africa in Nairobi (micro finance), thereafter, I Malawi deal with the country’s most joined an EU Capacity Building Programme assisting the Ministry of Finance, Office of pressing challenges over the last 50 years? the Vice President, and Economic Planning The Government of Malawi has benefitted and Development. I set up 10 village banks a lot from the technical expertise which under DFID programme. I am currently has facilitated development of policies giving grants to civil society organisations and development strategies from the 1st for development initiatives in Malawi. National Water Master Plan, the National physical Development Plans, the Vision 2020, the National long-term Planning strategies, 3. What do you remember the most the Decentralisation Policy, the Poverty during your stay at UNDP? Reduction Strategy and the focus on Gender Resident representatives and their deputies and the environment. It is more difficult coming in with different management to abuse technical expertise than financial styles - some built the programmes and assistance. Although implementation has some killed the programme! I remember the been the main problem UNDP has always Chief Technical Advisers and UN volunteers. been there with a facilitating hand. The 5th Country programme was a turning point for UNDP Malawi in terms of setting up systems at the district level. We started 6. Do you have any information that off with six local impact areas and trained you would want to share with us as we district Development officers up to Master’s commemorate 50years of existence? degree level. HIV and AIDS had just hit its peak in 1986 and we lost a lot of government UNDP has come a long way. Its recruitment counterpart staff, including some of our processes are now more transparent staff members. I also remember the telex and conducive. There are a lot young and fax machine! That is how we used to professionals including Malawians making communicate with our headquarters and the international staff compliment based on external partners. merit.

4. Going forward, what do you think 7. What is your current job title and of the role of UNDP in light of the Agenda which organisation? 2030 for sustainable development? I am currently the Programme Manager for Technical assistance has always been UNDP’s the Tilitonse Civil Society Governance Fund strength. The SDGs, especially agenda 2030 funded by Department for International and 2063 brings in advance planning and Development (DFID), Irish Aid, and the forces governments to focus on long terms Norwegian Embassy.

page UNDP Newsletter page 20 UNDP Newsletter UNDP SUPPORTS NATIONAL CAPACITIES FOR DIALOGUE AND CONFLICT PREVENTION IN MALAWI

ince 2012, UNDP has supported Government of Malawi and civil society representatives to further develop mutual trust and the necessary coalitions and Sconsensus to embark on a collaborative process to establish a National Peace Architecture (NPA), also known as Infrastructures for Peace (I4P) in Malawi. As a result, Government established a National Peace Architecture Secretariat at the Office of President and Cabinet (OPC), thus providing a solid foundation for national ownership of social cohesion and conflict prevention initiatives. Government Civil society organizations were supported in a consultative process that nominated a established a civil society taskforce to collaborate with government in the process of establishing the NPA. Extensive consultations with political leadership at multiple levels - political parties, National Peace the executive branch, and the legislature - faith-based organizations, women’s groups, Architecture business and other entities determined the proposed nature of the NPA structure, and Secretariat at the resulted in a draft National Peace Policy and strategic plan. These would serve as the policy framework and plan to guide the NPA establishment process. Pilot District Peace Office of President Committees are being rolled out in 2016 in Mangochi, Kasungu and Karonga. and Cabinet To address the near-absence of women in peacebuilding initiatives, UNDP supported (OPC) to provide women-specific consultations and nation-wide workshops to raise awareness on UNSCR a solid foundation 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, and the need for women to actively participate in for national peacebuilding, as well as for women to be included in all peace-related processes. ownership of Through the NPA Secretariat, two youth networks – the Young Politicians Union (YPU) and Youth Consultative Forum (YCF) were assisted in mobilising youth groups and young social cohesion people to actively participate in peacebuilding. Youth wings of political parties were and conflict subsequently mobilized and engaged in peace activism prior to the 2014 elections and prevention after. Regional ‘Youth in Peacebuilding’ forums have also led to the establishment of ‘Youth initiatives. District Ambassadors for Peace’ in the three Regions of the country, who are promoting peace initiatives among the youth. Peace Committees UNDP also supports the Public Affairs Committee (PAC) as ‘insider mediators’ to play the (DPCs) are district roles of intermediaries between national leaders; and as advocates for peace. peacebuilding, Prior to the 2014 tripartite elections, UNDP supported PAC to establish a high level conflict prevention gender-sensitive panel of ‘insider mediators’ who engaged the 12 presidential candidates and transformation and facilitated signing of the ‘Lilongwe Peace Declaration’ that contributed to a violence- structures of the free 2014 tripartite elections. The Women in Faith peacebuilding network, mobilising and developing women’s capacities to increase women’s participation in peacebuilding National Peace processes in Malawi is a result of this support. Architecture (NPA) supported by UNDP and Government of Malawi through the Office of the President and Cabinet.

page UNDP Newsletter Chief Secretary to Government Mr. George Mkondiwa unveils Mangochi district peace committee I See Better Days

Mr. Wyson Bwanali (one of the proposal winners) “I lost my 3 goats, many bags of maize and 2.5 acres of farmland,” said Mr. Wyson Bwanali, a father of three, as he lamented devastating effects of the floods. The 2015 floods they lived. There were few toilets The first two winning proposals were when destroyed livestock, crops and and a shortage of clean water. There submitted by Ms. Jenipher Chingadza homes. “Our livelihoods depend on was also an increase in Sexually as an individual and Wyson Bwanali agriculture. If my 3 goats were not Transmitted Infections including HIV and Emmanuel Thumbula as a washed away, I could have sold one and AIDS. Team respectively. They proposed or two to replace the lost property,” he “Seeing the next generation thriving to combine construction of storm continued. in this area without the fear of barriers with community sensitization Mr. Wyson Bwanali feels the need relocation will complete my vision for about water storage and conservation to contribute towards reducing the this area, my home land. To me it is a techniques, long-term resilience severity of the effects of flooding dream coming true that my proposal strategies particularly afforestation, in Group Village Headman (GVH) was successful. Nevertheless, I reforestation and community forest Kandulu in Salima. To him, river attribute it all to the love and patience management and conservancy. bank management initiatives such as I have for the area,” said Bwanali. maintaining vegetative cover along The Winning Proposals the river bank by planting elephant The third proposal by Chikowa grass, maintaining and planting trees In 2014, UNDP launched the UNDP Primary School introduced as well as community sensitization Innovation Facility that supports community irrigation improved from upstream the river to the innovation to address development house construction technologies downstream are key to mitigation. challenges. The facility is a funding and designs as well as large scale mechanism administered by communication on flooding. Kandulu As a result of the torrential rains from respective UNDP Regional Centres. Village Development Committee end of December 2012 to April 11th, in 2015, UNDP Malawi Country office proposed community partnership 2015, 890 families were displaced. was one of the 11 countrries that These families took refuge at Chikowa successfully bid and received funding with government in developing and Primary School, a small school with for the Malawi Resilient Innovation enforcing regulations and penalties only 4 blocks. Consequently, all the 70 Lab (MRIL). Part of the implementation to protect the environment. Alison Primary School Leaving Certificate of process entailed generation of Mitawa’s idea added a component Examination (PLSCE) candidates did innovative ideas from the grassroots of dredging river channels and not perform well. to build community resilence. a establishing environmental A devastpting effect of the floods competition was launched which management clubs. There intiatives was a cholera outbreak due to the invited individuals and community confrm that when communities work unhygienic conditions in which grouos to propoose innovative ideas. together, everyone benefits. page UNDP Newsletter page 22 UNDP Newsletter UN WELLness DAY communion 2016Joy, Health and

On 2nd September 2016, the UN family gathered at the Peak Garden in Lilongwe for the Wellness Day activities held under the theme; Stress Management-Our Responsibility. The day provided an opportunity for UN staff and their families consult doctors and medical personnel that were invited to the event. Here are some of the highlights of the event.

page UNDP Newsletter page 25 UNDP Newsletter Malawi Judiciary Launches Strategic Plan

he Malawi Judiciary has Honourable Justice Andrew launched its Strategic Plan Nyirenda, SC said successful whose goal is to contribute institutional strategy to socio-economic implementation by the Judiciary will development and achieve Tjustice, peace and security in the be demonstrated by several changes country in collaboration with justice reflecting improved access to justice, stakeholders. The Plan will run up to especially by vulnerable and poor 2017. groups. Minister of Justice and Constitutional Chief Justice Nyirenda expressed Affairs, Hon. Samuel Tembenu hailed optimism that, with the Strategic the launch as a milestone in the Plan, the Judiciary will in the coming quest by the Judiciary to provide access to justice to all Malawians. years, maintain its longstanding position as a national resource The Minister commended the and leader in all aspects of the Malawi Judiciary for aligning its administration of justice and Strategic Plan to the Democratic Governance Sector Strategy (DGSS). successfully take on new challenges. The DGSS seeks to strengthen Justice Nyirenda called on his democratic governance processes colleagues in the Judiciary to by focusing on effective democratic The Plan seeks renew their minds to successfully governance sector institutions; to, among strengthening rule of law, improved achieve the strategy, saying that other things, access to justice, public safety and the successes the Judiciary strives strengthen the security; improving promotion to achieve in the Plan, will be an independence and protection of human rights; outcome of the effort and influence of the Judiciary, ensuring free, fair and credible of the judiciary. promote use of elections, transparent, accountable alternative justice and responsive democratic The Plan seeks to, among other things, mechanisms, governance sector institutions and; strengthen the independence of the improve its more effective independent and Judiciary, promote use of alternative capacity in terms of financial, representative legislature. justice mechanisms, improve its human and “I commend the Judiciary on this capacity in terms of financial, infrastructure initiative of bringing their aligned human and infrastructure resources, resources Strategic Plan to public attention. increase public awareness of its role It reflects the spirit of partnership and functions, promote easy and between the Judiciary, the Executive, wide access to legal information. the Parliament and the community it serves,” said Hon. Tembenu. The development of the Strategic Hon. Tembenu said achieving the Plan was supported by the Ministry overall goal of poverty reduction and of Justice and Constitutional sustainable growth in Malawi hinges Affairs with technical and financial on efficiency and effectiveness of assistance from the Delegation of the the justice system and democratic European Union, Irish Aid and UNDP governance institutions. under the Democratic Governance The Chief Justice of Malawi, Sector-Wide Approach (DGSWAp).

page 24 UNDP UNDP Newsletter Newsletter Malawi Launches National Quality Strategy Undp Calls For Inclusive, Speedy Implementation

ith financial and technical support from the United Nations Development WProgramme and the European Union, Malawi has launched the first ever National Quality Strategy (NQS) with a call for an inclusive and immediate implementation of the strategy. The National Quality Strategy (NQS) is a roadmap for the implementation of the National Quality Policy. The main outcomes of the strategy include a National Quality Infrastructure; an enabling quality environment; Industrial Speedy implementation of NQS is critical: UNDP Deputy productivity; and consumer rights Resident Representative for Programmes, Carol Flore-Smereczniak protection. She urged all the relevant that meet the needs of UNDP Deputy Resident stakeholders to implement the consumers in terms of Representative responsible the strategy. “Just launching standards and quality. for programmes, Carol Flore- or having strategies and “Based on feedback from the Smereczniak, commended the policies in place is not an end private sector, there is a general Government of Malawi for taking a in itself, as implementation is consensus that the “Buy bold step in launching the NQS but what matters most,” she said, Malawi” strategy is a critical was quick to call for speedy and noting that results-oriented contributor towards building multi-stakeholder involvement in implementation of many of the quality infrastructure, as the implementation of the strategy. Malawi’s policies and strategies it aims to promote products remains a challenge for the “This strategy requires both a that are being processed country. concerted effort and strong by the Malawian industry. leadership from Government. Flore Smereczniak said the If Government is consistent This is not the sole responsibility National Quality Strategy in their support towards the of the Ministry of Industry, Trade comes at an opportune BMS, this would have a large and Tourism, nor of Malawi Bureau time when the Ministry of overall impact in supporting Standards. It is the responsibility Industry, Trade and Tourism local industry to invest in the of all identified parties, from is also implementing the country and at the same time regulators, to conformity recently launched Buy Malawi work towards improving the assessment bodies, to the private Strategy (BMS) which was also quality of both their products sector, the public sector and supported by UNDP. The BMS and processes to match or consumer associations. It calls for aims to among other things, even surpass the products that an intentionality to make things instil a quality culture amongst are being imported into the happen in Malawi,” said Flore- Malawians and incentivize Smereczniak at the launch of the the private sector to produce continues >>> page 26 Strategy in Blantyre. Malawian goods and services

page 25 UNDP UNDP Newsletter Newsletter >>> From page 25 Lands Minister Malawi Launches National Quality Calls for Collective Strategy Efforts in Promoting country,” she added. Sustainable Chief Director in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism, Charles Kambauwa said the NQS is an effort on the part of Malawi Government promote a culture of high quality products Urbanisation that can be exported to international markets. “Government of Malawi wants to inculcate he Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban a quality culture through the creation of a Development, Honourable Atupele credible quality infrastructure and creation of Muluzi has called for collective effort to awareness among our people on the need to manage urbanization in Malawi which place emphasis on producing quality products rising faster than the pace of urban and to actualize the National Export Strategy Tservices and infrastructure development. through the production and verification of The Minister told a cross section of representatives products that are exportable and perceived from the private sector, government departments, as credible in foreign markets,” said Mr. media, city councils and civil society at the Kambauwa. Habitat III Urban Breakfast in Lilongwe which was organized by the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Director General of the Malawi’s only Urban Development with support from UN-Habitat standardisation body, Malawi Bureau of and the United Nations Development Programme Standards, Davlin Chokazinga underscored (UNDP). The Urban Breakfast was held under the the importance of the NQS for the country. theme; Financing Urban Development in the Context of the New Urban Agenda. “Without the National Quality Policy and Strategy it will be difficult to attain government The Minister said Malawi needs to ensure that goal of turning Malawi into a producing and urban centers are well planned and well managed exporting country,” he said. whilst taking full advantage of the benefits of globalization, innovation and technological advances. The development of the NQS has been “At the current rate and pace of urbanization, supported by UNDP and EU under the Malawi is well positioned to plan ahead in order Standardisation, Quality Assurance to maximize the benefits of urban agglomeration, Accreditation and Metrology (SQAM) project whilst addressing the congestion effects,” said Hon as a road map for the implementation of Muluzi stressing the need to collectively build the the National Quality Policy adopted by the capacity for urban development financing. Government of Malawi in 2014. The Minister noted that there are projections that The Government of Malawi is also supporting by 2030, 30% of the population of Malawi will be the Malawi Bureau of Standards, with urban based, which will rise to 50% by the year assistance from the EU, UNDP and UNIDO, 2050. through the SQAM Project, to upgrade its infrastructure to meet the requirements “This increasing population concentration in for International accreditation. As such, the our cities, has posed massive sustainability construction of a state-of-art laboratory >>> to page 27 complex for the Malawi Bureau of Standards in the commercial city of Blantyre is an ongoing effort that shall see completion by 2018. page UNDP pNageewsletter 26 UNDP Newsletter >>> From page 26 Lands Minister Calls for Collective Efforts challenges in terms of housing, infrastructure, basic services, in Promoting Sustainable Urbanisation food security, health, education, jobs, safety, and pressure on as half of malawi’s urban population will live in urban areas by 2050 natural resources, among others,” said Hon. Muluzi. The Regional and Interagency Coordinator for Habitat III, Mr. Roi Chiti said the New Urban Agenda reaffirms the global commitment to sustainable urban development as a critical step for realizing sustainable development in an integrated and coordinated manner at global, regional, national, sub- national, and local levels, with the participation of all relevant actors. “The new urban agenda focuses Harry Thomson (standing) making his contribution during on universality. We must leave the interface meeting between the PSRC and district council as Llyod Malola, MP for Chikwawa Nkombezi looks on. no one behind and see how we can use urbanization as source of development,” said Mr. Chiti. On her part, the United Nations Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Malawi, Ms. Mia Seppo said the Development- Hon. Atupele Muluzi Urban Breakfast and Malawi’s engagement with the Habitat Mayor for the City of Blantyre Commerce and Industry (MCCCI), III processes have come at an Councilor Noel Chalamanda Chancellor Kaferapanjira said opportune moment when a whose city has laid out a the private sector is a ready national Urban Policy is being development plan to transform partner in supporting the developed and in the near future, the city which is now home to urban development agenda. He the national medium term about one million residents, however called on government development strategy will also urged participants to think to stimulate private sector be elaborated. creatively. He called for new ways contributions. of supporting and sustaining “Malawi cannot chart a way to New Urban Agenda is set to urban development without 2030 without planning for and be adopted in Quito, Ecuador overreliance on funding from the managing urbanization. This is this month contributes to central government which, he why the recent passing of the the implementation and said, is also facing a number of Land related laws is important localization of the 2030 Agenda challenges. for Malawi’s future urbanization,” for Sustainable Development, said Ms. Seppo adding that On the private sector support to including SDG 11 of making the National Urban policy will urban development efforts, the cities and human settlements guide Malawi’s sustainable Chief Executive of the Malawi inclusive, safe, resilient, and urbanization path for the next 20 Confederation of Chambers of sustainable. years.

page 27 UNDP UNDP Newsletter Newsletter fACE To FACE WITH Andrew Spezowka Undp Resilience and Sustainable Growth (Rsg) Portfolio Manager

Kindly tell us about yourself, including your in Nigeria from 2003 to 2007, managing a country education background, experience and the office with a broad portfolio that included democratic countries where you worked before. governance, health systems, natural resource management, agriculture, and climate change. First, let me underscore how thrilled I am to join the I’ve worked with the OECD in Paris on coherence UNDP Malawi team as Portfolio Manager for Resilience of environmental and social safeguards among and Sustainable Growth (RSG). More than ever, member states, and worked in Nepal for two years on Malawi is looking to UNDP to support lasting solutions community-based environmental initiatives with the to its development challenges and, with our cadre International Union for the Conservation of Nature of seasoned professionals, we are well positioned to (IUCN). I have a M.Sc. in environmental management deepen our support to help break the cycle of food and rural economic development from the University insecurity by scaling-up investment in resilience and of Guelph, in Canada, and undergraduate degree in sustainable growth. environmental science . What does your role entail as the Portfolio I’m relatively new to UNDP, joining the country office Manager? in Vietnam in 2014, where I supported the Ministries The Resilience Sustainable Growth (RSG) team is of Planning and Investment, Finance, and Industry composed of dynamic and committed professionals and Trade to advance initiatives in green growth with extensive knowledge and experience. I’m very and climate resilience. Prior to that, I worked at the impressed by the caliber of the team, the diversity World Bank office in Vietnam from 2011 on issues of their skills, and the deep engagement and trust related to International Development Association that they’ve forged with government and other (IDA) graduation, partnership engagement and social development partners. As Portfolio Manager, my accountability. I was Director and Deputy Director of role is to support the team so their talents are fully Programmes in the Environment and Food Security deployed to help Malawi achieve its development Bureau based in Canada’s Global Affairs Department, priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals responsible for a range of policy and programme issues (SDGs). UNDP’s RSG portfolio is well poised to help to address global food insecurity, climate change, support reforms that aim to break the cycle of food and inclusive growth. From 2007 to 2010, I served in insecurity and multidimensional deprivation that Ethiopia as Deputy Country Representative and Team continues to threaten Malawi’s development progress. Leader for food security and agricultural growth for the To this end, the RSG portfolio will continue to play to Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). its strengths: namely strong programme coherence; While in Ethiopia, I had the good fortune of working a steadfast commitment to prevention, risk reduction closely with the government and other development and resilience; an appetite for innovation and new partners on the innovative Productive Safety Net partnerships; and its championing of inclusive growth Programme (PSNP), a flagship social protection localized by people in their communities. Ultimately, initiative, as well as on humanitarian response and our success depends on teamwork and I’m excited to programmes aimed as scaling-up private sector work with my colleagues in RSG, across the UN system, development. I was Country Representative for CIDA and with our government and other development continues >>> page 29

page 28 UNDP UNDP Newsletter Newsletter Portfolio Manager Undp Rsg Andrew Spezowka <<< From Page 28 partners. What do you think is the place of UNDP in these areas - What are your expectations for UNDP in Malawi, disaster risk management, climate change, and private and Malawi as a country, in so far as disaster risk sector development? management, climate change and private sector development issues are concerned? UNDP has clear value added across all three of these areas. In disaster risk management (DRM). UNDP is helping train I’ve always believed the adage that the quality of our expectations determines the quality of our actions. I’m affected people in construction techniques and other also of the view that effective development professionals skills to help them get jobs, build back better, and address are at heart optimists, even in the face of calamity such as business disruptions. In some districts, UNDP is partnering the flood last year and the drought this year in Malawi. with local authorities to make sure that the buildings and The loss of life and damage to people’s livelihoods was other infrastructure being reconstructed meet a minimal profound and heart-rending, and early recovery from code of disaster resilience, and is helping to strengthen El Niño as well as preparedness efforts for La Niña need the government’s crisis observation and early warning urgently to be scaled up. We know that the devastating impacts of the 2015–16 El Niño, compounded by systems to make sure Malawians are better prepared. climate change, will be felt well into 2017, and that Globally, UNDP remains the largest service provider in the the looming La Niña is likely UN system on climate change adaptation to hit communities that are and mitigation. already deeply vulnerable. We also know that crisis Since 2008, UNDP has supported more impedes development and than 140 countries to access more than compromises opportunities for $2.3 billion in grant finance to develop prosperity. and implement their climate change We can expect UNDP to initiatives. A recent example is our deepen its support to vulnerable communities, assistance to help Malawi become of working with its government one of the first countries to benefit from and other partners to help the Green Climate Fund. I think there is implement comprehensive excellent scope for UNDP to expand its and long-term strategies to anticipate, prepare and adapt climate change programming. to disaster risks and take rapid Successful initiatives such as the Malawi action when they manifest. The Innovation Challenge Fund (MICF) also devastating impacts of disaster — hunger, loss of livelihoods demonstrate UNDP’s commitment to and displacement — can be support access by the private sector prevented or mitigated by to much needed finance to grow their well-planned investments business, bring new products to market, in climate-smart agriculture, social protection, physical and to boost their role in building infrastructure, essential health Andrew Spezowka Malawi’s long-term resilience to climate and education programmes, RSG Portfolio Manager change. I am captivated by the breadth and expanded livelihood of opportunity for UNDP to help bring opportunities made possible through a growing private sector. Malawians expect real progress across all of these together action that cuts across all three of these areas, areas, and their high expectations need to be matched by ensuring that they are mutually reinforcing and deliver the ambition and quality of our own actions. lasting benefits for all Malawians.

page UNDP Newsletter page 29 UNDP Newsletter he effects of urbanization and climate change are converging in dangerous Zomba City Becomes the first City ways that seriously threaten Tenvironmental, economic and social stability. That urban areas in Malawi are to have Resilience Action Plan increasingly being exposed to hazards is manifested in the recent disasters in Blantyre, Zomba and Mzuzu. For the city of Zomba, disasters are not new. One of the earliest recorded disasters in Malawi happened in Zomba – ‘napolo’. Environmental degradation and climate change impacts are aggravating Zomba’s vulnerability to natural hazards. Deforestation is a major issue, as it increases the likelihood of floods, mudflows and debris flows. Moreover, deforestation is increasing settlement in marginal areas prone to landslides and floods and exacerbating urban sprawl. Poor sanitation and poor urban growth management are also contributing to reducing Zomba’s capability to face Participatory risk mapping exercises by community members and other city and recover from such events. stakeholders is a key part of the city resilience action planning In Zomba, as in all cities and towns in Malawi, much of the urban expansion (RAP). The Zomba City RAP has Action Planning tool (CityRAP). is “spontaneous”; that is, outside, or created a strategic framework Elaborated by UN-Habitat in the absence of, official planning that identifies comprehensive and DiMSUR, this tool which frameworks. As a result, large numbers and inter-sectoral priority targets city councillors and the of urban residents live in informal actions based on the interrelated municipal staff, urban resilience components of Urban Planning settlements that are often particularly stakeholders, and communities and Environment, Urban vulnerable to a range of natural and to come up with clear actions man-made hazards. At the same time, Infrastructure and Basic Services, Urban Economy and Security, to improve their city’s resilience climate change is increasing natural and reduce risks. The exercise disasters, affecting many urban Disaster Preparedness, Response identified five priority actions to dwellers. Consequently, a range of and Awareness and Urban reinforce Zomba City’s resilience: urban risks are accumulating and Governance. It also defines short, there is an urgent need to develop the medium and long term activities (1) Reduce and mitigate floods; capacity of urban local authorities in to reinforce the city’s resilience (2) Improve the drainage system; and adaptation capacity to the risk reduction and resilience planning. (3) Strengthen Citizens Security; threats posed by climate change. (4) Promote sustainable forest It is with this background that The ultimate goal of the RAP is management and (5) Foster the City of Zomba established a to serve as a guideline for the strategies to cope with rainstorms. partnership with the United Nations interventions of the municipality, Human Settlements Programme of communities and of other The Zomba City Resilience Action (UN-Habitat) and with the Technical relevant partners in the city. Plan is a 10-year plan that runs Centre for Disaster Risk Management, The resilience action planning from 2016 to 2026 and Zomba is Sustainability and Urban Resilience process utilized an innovative the first city in Malawi to formulate (DiMSUR) for the elaboration of the participatory methodology such a plan leading the way for Zomba City Resilience Action Plan based on the City Resilience other city administration to follow.

page UNDP Newsletter page 30 UNDP Newsletter GCPSE Director Max Everest-Phillips (front row centre) with parliamentarians, UNDP officials and Government Representatives Parliament key to public sector reforms team from the UNDP Global Centre for not work, citing Singapore and Ireland as countries Public Service Excellence (GCPSE) based that have successfully implemented a number of in Singapore visited Malawi to support reforms in their public services and yielded positive the progress of the reforms. The centre results in the long term. is supported by the Government of Singapore and UNDP to promote an “As the seat of oversight and accountability, impartial and meritocratic public service, able to parliamentary committees play a scrutiny role to buildA citizens’ trust by implementing incremental chase progress and hold government to account,” reform through continuous learning. said Phillips. In 2015, the centre hosted Commissioners from the In her message to the parliamentary committee Malawi Public Sector Reform (PSR) Commission led on public sector reforms, UNDP Resident by the Vice President, Dr Saulos Chilima. During Representative Mia Seppo said parliament is an their visit, the PSR Commission and the Vice important arm in the successful implementation of President witnessed the impressive success story of public sector reforms. Singapore and the work done by the Global Centre. “Parliament has a role to play in keeping While in Malawi the GCPSE team met with the Vice Government accountable for decisions that are President and the parliamentary committee on made and results that are expected,” said Seppo, public service reforms. adding that Parliament will need to ensure that it Director of the UNDP Global Centre, Max Everest plays this role with regard to ensuring appropriate Phillips who was leading the team underscored budgetary resources are set aside for reforms, and the relevance of public sector reforms, saying monitoring the results. an efficient and effective public service plays She added: “there will be areas where the reforms an important role in dealing with complex will require legal reviews. If such will be the case, development challenges support from Parliamentary committees will be Phillips said though Malawi has suffered repeated important to ensure that the public service reform cycles of failure in public sector reforms since bills are endorsed in Parliament and subsequently independence, it does not mean that reforms do get enacted” .

ppageage 31 UNDP UNDP Newsletter Newsletter Malawi Cabinet approves three key policies on environment and natural resources

abinet in Malawi has approved three important policies namely, the National Climate Change Management Policy, National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy and the National Forestry Policy. CThe National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy seeks to promote sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development with an ultimate aim of contributing to economic growth in Malawi. If fully implemented, the fisheries and aquaculture policy will enhance the capacity to sustainably manage and develop fisheries and aquaculture in Malawi. In addition, the fisheries policy will lead to improved protein and micronutrients intake for Malawians while at the same time increasing decent employment opportunities and increasing the earnings of people and government from fish exports and domestic trade. The National Climate Change (NCC) Policy on the other hand, is aimed at promoting climate change adaptation, mitigation, technology transfer and capacity building for sustainable livelihoods through green SDGs, an opportunity to refocus the economy measures for Malawi. Among other things, the NCC policy will reduce vulnerability to climate global development Agenda change impacts through improved social and ecological resilience in Malawi; control greenhouse gas emissions; increase awareness of climate change impacts, strengthen adaptation and mitigation measures and improve policy coordination and harmonization of climate change management. The new Forestry Policy replaces the one that came into effect in 1996 which sought to provide a remedy to the deforestation problems facing the country. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other development partners supported the development of these policies in collaboration with relevant departments and ministries of the Government of Malawi. During the launch of the climate change week in June this year, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Mia Seppo called for the swift review and approval of these policies. “The economy of Malawi is built on its natural resources and ecosystems. Analysis from the poverty-environment study undertaken under the Poverty and Environment Initiative shows that Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) play an important role in the livelihoods of 95 % of rural and peri-urban households in Malawi, with 18% of household’s incomes Michael O’Neill, being derived from ENR ” said Ms. Seppo. UNDP’s BERA Director

page 32 UNDP UNDP Newsletter Newsletter t the High-Level Event on Entry into Force of the Paris Agreement on Signing of Paris Climate Change, held on September 21, United Nations Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon characterized Agreement a milestone climateA change as the “defining issue of our generation”. It is clear that the international community shares his sense of urgency. Earlier on Malawi’s path to this week, sixty countries formally joined the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, passing one of the two thresholds for the climate deal’s climate-resilience entry into force. These countries represent 48% of global greenhouse gas emissions, falling just short of the second threshold of 55%. With and international investment to adapt its economy, this hurdle surmounted, the UN is ever more particularly its agriculture, energy, transportation confident that the Paris Agreement will enter systems, to the impacts of a changing climate. into force this year, making what once seemed impossible now inevitable. To put Malawi on a pathway towards climate- resilient and sustainable development, we must Among its many benefits to help move the first safeguard the country’s fragile development world towards a greener and cleaner future, the gains. Unprecedented climate-induced disasters Paris Agreement provides an internationally risk erasing past, present and future development China Partners with the Government Of Malawi, Undp In accepted framework for interventions on dividends, especially for the poorest, and even in climate change and enables signatories to those regions of Malawi that are accustomed to access new sources of funds to tackle climate managing major disaster risks. Disaster Risk Management Through Small Grants Scheme change effects such as floods, drought and hunger. We know that humanitarian needs will shrink once communities can arrest and reverse environmental Nowhere is the need for climate action more degradation and transition to more sustainable pressing than in Malawi. The devastating pathways to prosperity. That’s why UN partners floods in 2015 impacted more than 1.1 million in Malawi will continue to support women’s people, displaced 230,000 people, and killed empowerment, quality education for all, food 176 people, while causing damage amounting security and nutrition, climate-smart agriculture, to US$ 286 million. A severe drought continues social protection, private sector-led economic today to affect millions of vulnerable people, diversification, and renewable energy, while also induced by an unusually strong El Niño, with expanding investment in strengthening early warning loss and damage totaling US$365 million and systems, disaster risk reduction, and preparedness. requiring recovery interventions estimated at US$ 500 million. An estimated 6.5 million As ratification of the agreement works its way through Malawians – 39% of the population – face Malawi’s parliament, action is needed on other food shortages and nutrition risks due to the fronts. The range of public investments that Malawi ongoing drought. In the coming months, makes over the next 10 to 20 years will determine its the effects of La Niña pose a real risk that the ability to adapt to a changing climate. Building long- same regions affected by drought may also term resilience requires sustained investment in large face severe flooding. The impacts of these national programmes that all development partners cyclical weather phenomena are exacerbated can stand behind to tackle pressing issues such soil by soil and forest degradation, and made more and forest loss, watershed restoration, and access to complex because of the ‘new normal’ of a clean energy. Working in silos will not get Malawi changing climate. to where it needs to be. This means that managing climate risk must be at the heart of Malawi’s These climate-related shocks underscore development planning, including its next generation the significance of Malawi joining over 186 national development plan. Financial flows at sector other countries earlier this week to become level for climate action need to be better tracked a signatory to the Paris Agreement. This and, at the same time, a comprehensive system for welcome news paves the way for Malawi’s managing all sources of climate finance needs to be eventual ratification of the agreement through put in place so that all stakeholders can work together parliament, and secures its seat at the global under the guidance of a medium-term expenditure table to shape the global rules for low-carbon plan for climate change that is defined, implemented development and to accelerate domestic and monitored by Malawians.

page 3 3 UNDP UNDP Newsletter Newsletter Malawi Government, UNDP launch Malawi National HDR with Parliamentarians. he Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Development in Tcollaboration with UNDP have launched the Malawi National Human Development Report (NHDR) with Members of Parliament (MPs). The official launch of the MNHDR whose theme is Inclusive Growth in Malawi took place at Parliament building in Lilongwe, presided over by the Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development Hon. Dr. Goodall Gondwe and attended by the Chairpersons of various Parliamentary Committees in the Malawi’s National Assembly. In his remarks, Hon. Goodall Gondwe Members of Parliament comment on the findings of the underscored the important role Malawi National Human Development Report MPs can play in ensuring all citizens participate in economic activities and the House to continue engaging in and skills training to accommodate more benefit from the country’s economic constructive debate on the issues people so that they acquire the skills necessary growth, saying the levels of inequality presented in the report. to benefit from the productive economic in Malawi require concerted effort to activities available in the country address. Ms. Seppo asked the MPs to support 5. Malawi needs to invest in physical initiatives and pieces of legislation infrastructure that includes roads, health “Most Malawians are not involved in that UNDP in collaboration with the facilities in rural areas and ensuring that these productive activities. They rely on hand- Government of Malawi and other have adequate drugs outs but the key to inclusive growth stakeholders is supporting. Such 6. Expansion of the scope of financial services lies in increasing people’s contribution initiatives include the Land Bill, Public to include those that are specially targeted and to GDP through their participation in Sector Reforms, Political Parties suitable for vulnerable segments of society such productive activities,” the Minister said. legislation and other policies that are as poor rural women, those with low salaries and those operating marginal businesses Hon. Gondwe said not only should aimed at creating positive change for citizens be involved in the consumption Malawi. 7. Malawi needs to enhance overall participation by the public at large in the development and but also in production in order to fully Among other things, the report embrace inclusive growth in Malawi. implementation of inclusive growth strategies recommends: to ensure that the various inclusive growth On her part, the UN Resident 1. Intensified efforts to increase small-holder programmes address the perceived needs of Coordinator and UNDP Resident agriculture productivity through innovations in the concerned beneficiaries use of high yielding seed varieties, formation Representative Ms. Mia Seppo said the of smallholder production and marketing 8. Routinely monitor and evaluate social main purpose of the report is to bring associations, expansion of irrigation smallholder protection programmes by using all variables farm schemes about public debate and trigger policy that are targeted in the Social Support Policy like action around human development, 2. The need for Malawi to add value to its mineral the elderly, the chronically ill, orphans and other resources through processing by among other vulnerable children, persons with disabilities things, attracting investment and providing economic growth and distribution of and destitute families economic benefits in Malawi. incentives for mineral processing 3. The need for Malawi to invest in the transport 9. Malawi should strengthen policy analysis “We expect the report findings and and tourism sector by among other things, through the establishment of an independent recommendations to spur debate and developing support infrastructure, restock Policy Research Unit wildlife reserves, intensifying marketing of the inform policy decisions pertaining to country as a preferred tourist destination and 10. Malawi should work to depoliticize social inclusive growth,” said Ms. Seppo at simplifying visa applications to attract tourists support interventions, particularly social cash the launch, calling on the members of 4. The need for Malawi to invest in vocational transfer and public works programme.

page UNDP Newsletter page 34 UNDP Newsletter he Government of Malawi through the Department UNDP, Government engage of Economic Planning and TDevelopment (EP&D) and United Nations Development Programme have information officers in SDGs underscored the critical role of the media in the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP in collaboration with EP & D and the Ministry of ICT and Civic Education organized a two-day SDG awareness building workshop for government’s regional and district information officers in Blantyre, aimed at deepening their understanding of the SDGs, their applicability to Malawi and the process of localizing these ambitious global goals. The Minister of ICT and Civic Education, Hon. Patricia Kaliati, stressed that the media has an important role to play in creating awareness and providing a platform for people to express themselves. Ms. Alka Bhatia, UNDP Economics Advisor for Malawi speaking to “People are always looking for the media after the awareness building workshop in Blantyre information to make informed decisions about their lives and participate fully in She called on the Ministry of Information Malawians are consistently appraised on the development process. You need to to partner with private media institutions whether or not the country is on track to constantly keep people aware of the to maximize reach and tap into the achieve the SDGs. different developmental issues taking innovation that private media brings in He said the Ministry’s involvement in place in all parts of the country,” the message delivery. Minister advised information officers at One of the participants at the workshop, the SDGs is consistent with its mandate the opening of the workshop. Ed-Grant Ndoza who is the District of developing, promoting, coordinating and regulating public information She commended UNDP and the Information Officer for Chitipa said the Department of Economic Planning and workshop was timely because it afforded programmes to ensure a well informed Development (EP&D) for supporting information officers an opportunity to and knowledgeable nation for the workshop, saying information understand the SDGs in more detail and accelerated socio-economic growth and officers can only disseminate the right provided information on the role that development. information when they first understand officers can play in the SDG process. During the workshop, participants the issues. “We live in districts. We have firsthand information about the developments developed a draft Workplan which sets Economic Advisor for UNDP Malawi, Ms. out activities the Ministry will undertake Alka Bhatia emphasized the need for taking place in the districts and on the SDGs during the remaining strong and strategic partnerships in the communities and we are better placed process of localizing and implementing to tell the public if we are on or off course months of 2016. the SDGs, saying the media is an in the implementation of the SDGs,” said Ndoza. The SDG awareness building workshop, important partner in the SDGs because which brought together information of their ability to raise awareness and Acting Director of Information, Gideon officers from all the 28 districts of Malawi, set the agenda on important issues of Munthali who also participated in the national development. training urged information officers to was organized by UNDP in collaboration use their understanding of the SDGs to with the Department of Economic “This is neither a government nor a inform the public about the failures and Planning and Development. It is part of UN agenda. The SDGs are everyone’s successes in the attainment of the SDGs. a series of events being undertaken by agenda,” said Ms. Bhatia emphasizing the need to bring together all relevant actors Munthali said the Ministry of Information the UN System to popularize SDGs, build including private sector, civil society, is in the process of formulating a awareness among stakeholders and youth, academia and women into the Communication Plan that will take into strengthen partnerships so that no one process. consideration the SDGs to ensure that is left behind.

page 35 UNDP UNDP Newsletter Newsletter Success of SGDs requires participation of all actors-Graca Machel

ounder of Graca Machel poverty and hunger, achieving Mpinganjira, Chief Executive Trust and Ambassador universal primary education, Officer of the FDH Group stressed for the Sustainable promoting gender equality and that there was insufficient effort to Development Goals (SDGs), improving maternal mortality, engage the private sector in the FMrs. Graca Machel says the success which have an impact on the implementation of the Millennium of SDGs requires a multifaceted status of women. Development Goals (MDGs) and inclusive approach. “The government is undertaking a and only a few multinational Mrs. Machel was one of the review of the Malawi Growth and companies participated. panelists at a discussion that Development Strategy II to inform was organized by her Trust in the SDGs’ implementation. The “There are skills, innovation and collaboration with United Nations establishment of a new National resources to be tapped from the in Malawi and the Government of Planning Commission will be private sector, but an investment Malawi with the aim of creating critical in prioritising the SDG is needed to engage the national understanding of SDGs. targets and indicators that are private sector and small and Mrs. Machel said the SDGs give most important for Malawi. medium entreprises (SMEs). there direction for people, planet and UN Resident Coordinator and are opportunities for public private prosperity. “The universe for UNDP Resident Representative, partnerships in environment and Malawi is its 17 million people and Mia Seppo reminded participants climate change,” said Mpinganjira. we have to understand that the “The SDG declaration resolved, One of the youth representatives, planet has been lent to us by our between now and 2030, to end future generations. The effects of poverty and hunger everywhere; Bridget Ulalo Shumba, a youth climate change are evident and to combat inequalities within activist, reminded government we must start doing what we can and among countries; to build leaders and civil society that to preserve the treasure of our peaceful, just and inclusive they will be held to account for land. As a human family we have societies; to protect human rights commitments made to the SDGs the knowledge and capacity to do and promote gender equality and for betterment of lives of youth. the best for Malawi.” the empowerment of women On the role of parliament, as an Dr. Ronald Mangani, Secretary and girls; and to ensure the lasting to Treasury, highlighted the protection of the planet and its oversight seat of government, progress made by Malawi on the natural resources. It resolved to Agnes Nyalonje, Member of Millennium Development Goals create conditions for sustainable, Parliament, emphasized the need (MDGs) in the reduction of child inclusive and sustained economic for political will, the alignment mortality; combatting HIV and growth, shared prosperity and between national priorities and AIDS; environmental sustainability decent work for all, taking into budgets, availability of district data and partnership for development. account different levels of national and analyses to make informed development and capacities.” He acknowledged that there is an decisions, monitor progress and unfinished agenda on eradicating In his contribution, Thomson ensure accountability.

page UNDP Newsletter page 36 UNDP Newsletter SUSTANABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS SDG s

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