The European Union (EU) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of United Nations has given 220 motorcycles to the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water development.
The motorcycles will be used to support the implementation of two projects called Kulima and Afikepo that FAO and UNICEF supporting the government of Malawi.
Speaking with reporters, European Union Ambassador to Malawi Sandra Paesan said the motorcycles should be beneficial to both men and women in the 10 districts where the two projects are being implemented.
“I want to see females using these motorcycles and I promise that I will visit these areas. We believe that these motorcycles will contribute to the success of the projects,” she explained.
In his remarks, Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development Joseph Mwanamvekha thanked the European Union for the support and assured that the motorbikes will be used for intended purpose.
He added that the EU also supported Malawi in dealing with fall armyworms and Banana Branch top.
FAO Representative James Okoth said that the projects will address the challenges of nutrition more especially in areas that are usually affected by food shortage due climate change.
The 220 motorcycles – 70 for Afikepo and 150 for Kulima – are the first batch of 450 motorcycles to be procured to ease mobility of extension workers supporting the community outreach at the grassroots level.
The projects are being implemented in the districts Chitipa, Karonga, Nkhatabay, Mzimba, Nkhotakota, Salima, Kasungu, Chiradzulu, Thyolo and Mulanje.
