The IFSRI Project aimed to reduce food insecurity among targeted vulnerable households and communities in densely populated districts in Central Malawi (Lilongwe rural, Dowa and Ntchisi). Specifically, the project expected to increase food production capacity and mitigate risk of drought in the vulnerable communities. Integrated Food Security Response Initiative (IFSRI) was a 22 month project with1, 150, 000 Euro funded by the European Commission which started on 1st January2010. Small Scale Livestock Promotion Programme implemented the project in partnership with CWERE Malawi, National Aquaculture Centre and Ntchisi, Dowa and Lilongwe District Assemblies. The project aimed at reducing food insecurity among 3,000 targeted vulnerable households in the three densely populated rural districts of Malawi. The project had overall reached 3209 beneficiaries.

The project had three expected result areas for intervention namely:

– Agricultural production increased and diversified through adoption of sustainable agriculture practices, improved seed, small-scale integrated irrigation, fish farming and poultry production.

– Irrigation, fish farming and supporting infrastructure made operational through Cash for Work (CFW) programs and linked to a community based savings mechanism.

– Crop storage losses reduced through adoption of improved post-harvest storage technologies.

The Consolidation & Institutional Capacity Development Project aimed to achieve3main objectives;

– By 2010, SSLPP Malawi will have developed capacity in 3 regions to promote and support sustainable small livestock farming (SL) & dairy cattle projects.

– By 2010, 30 communities in 3 regions of Malawi will have increased their household income by at least 50% from small livestock and sale of dairy products.

– By 2010, 3300 families (300 from dairy, 600 from goats, 900 from pigs, 900from beekeeping and 600 from fish farming) will have improved their nutrition through consumption of livestock products.

The project aimed to deliver several outputs including

1. Improved dairy cows, dairy goats, high grade pigs imported and supplied to farmers
2. Market opportunities for various livestock products identified
3. Dairy cooperatives established
4. Mini dairy processing plants established
5. Milk chilling and slaughter houses established by cooperatives
6. Production of technical user manuals of good livestock management