DOWA-(MaraviPost)-Stakeholders in the agricultural and irrigation sectors have expressed strong support for a proposed irrigation scheme management arrangement by FISD Limited Company following a successful stakeholder engagement meeting held at the Dowa Dambo Irrigation Scheme.
This follows the meeting that attracted representatives from the Dowa District Council, the District Agriculture Office, the District Irrigation Office, extension service staff, officials from Madisi EPA, representatives from Kasungu Agricultural Development Division (ADD), traditional leaders, and leadership structures representing farmers at the scheme.
The engagement focused on a proposed management and operational framework under which FISD Limited Company would oversee the operation of the irrigation scheme to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and long-term profitability.
FISD Limited Company Managing Director Frank Mwenechanya told The Maravi Post that the initiative aims at addressing sustainability challenges in the area.
According to Mwenechanya, during the meeting, the company outlined the rationale behind its proposed management model, noting that many irrigation schemes across the country face operational challenges due to limited technical capacity, inadequate maintenance systems, and prolonged downtime of critical infrastructure.
He added that the approach seeks to ensure continuous operation of irrigation infrastructure while supporting farmers to maximize productivity and returns from irrigated agriculture.
Mwenechanya explains further, “The model is designed to reduce operational interruptions, safeguard investments in irrigation infrastructure, and provide professional management of increasingly sophisticated irrigation technologies that may be difficult for rural farming communities to manage independently”.
According to him, participants were taken through the proposed contractual agreement clause by clause, allowing them to scrutinize the document and provide feedback.
“Stakeholders were given an opportunity to seek clarification, make recommendations, suggest amendments, and express their expectations regarding the arrangement.
“The discussions generated extensive feedback that will be incorporated into a revised draft agreement before finalization”, he added.
Eventually, stakeholders welcomed the prospect of professional management of the irrigation scheme, viewing it as a practical solution to improving operational performance and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the infrastructure.
The meeting concluded with consensus that several clauses in the agreement would be refined and circulated to stakeholders for review before signing.
Potential Model for National Expansion
Beyond discussions specific to Dowa Dambo, district officials encouraged FISD Limited Company to explore opportunities to provide similar management services to irrigation schemes in other parts of Malawi, including facilities not originally constructed by the company.
Stakeholders observed that professional management could significantly improve productivity, operational efficiency, and sustainability across numerous irrigation schemes nationwide.
In response, FISD management welcomed the proposal, acknowledging the potential benefits such a model could deliver to Malawi’s irrigation sector.
However, company directors emphasized that any expansion would need to be undertaken strategically, with careful consideration of operational capacity and quality assurance requirements.
As part of the agreed roadmap, the Water Users Association Executive Committee and Board of Trustees will engage farmers to communicate the outcomes of the stakeholder meeting and gather any additional input.
A revised version of the agreement will then be shared with stakeholders for final review and endorsement.
Once signed, the agreement will formally come into effect, paving the way for implementation of the irrigation scheme management arrangement.
Building Confidence in Irrigation Sustainability
The stakeholder engagement was widely regarded as a success, reflecting growing confidence in innovative approaches to irrigation management.
The positive response from government officials, farmer representatives, traditional leaders, and sector specialists demonstrated a shared commitment to strengthening irrigation performance and ensuring that investments in agricultural infrastructure continue delivering benefits to farming communities for years to come.
Representatives of farmers, district authorities, Kasungu ADD, the Water Users Association, the Board of Trustees, and traditional leaders all expressed appreciation for the initiative and indicated their support for the proposed arrangement.
If successfully implemented, the Dowa Dambo model could provide valuable lessons for the future management of irrigation schemes across Malawi, contributing to increased agricultural productivity, improved food security, and more sustainable rural development.
Broad Stakeholder ParticipationThe meeting was attended by senior officials and community leaders, including the Director of Agriculture, irrigation specialists from Dowa District and Kasungu ADD, Agricultural Extension Development Coordinators (AEDCs), Agricultural Extension Development Officers (AEDOs), executive members of the Water Users Association (WUA), members of the Board of Trustees (BOT), and Senior Group Village Headmen Nambamba, Tsankanga and Kabwinja.