Project Background
The Malawi Government formally requested assistance with the preparation of an NFAP from the Co-ordinating Unit of the TFA at FAO, Rome in 1992 and DFID was subsequently requested to provide core support for the preparation phase.
At the same time the World Bank decided to support a Forestry Sector Policy Review (FSPR) as part of its preparation for a possible World Bank project aimed at the protection and management of the natural forests with a possible starting date of 1995 or 1996.
When the draft FSPR document was discussed within Malawi, it provided a good basis for policy formulation and there are major issues which will need to be addressed as part of the NFAP. There is an inadequate number of trained personnel at senior and middle-management in the Forestry Department (FD) and training of staff is required, taking into account restrictions of the recurrent budget. A comprehensive Human Resources Development Plan for the sector is required. Furthermore, the Industrial Forestry Sector was not covered by the FSPR and will need to be part of the NFAP. Forestry Research was also given limited attention, though it was briefly reviewed under a SADC initiative and was the focus of a DFID project supporting the Forestry Research Institute of Malawi (FRIM).
Project Objectives
The objective of the project is to provide support to the Malawi Government for the establishment and operation of a National Co-ordinating Unit which will be responsible for the preparation of a National Forestry Action Plan.
Project revised and start date delayed until late 1997
Intended Outputs
- To assist MG in the preparation of a National Forestry Action Plan (NFAP) involving other sectors, NGOs and local communities which will stimulate financial and political support for the development of the forestry sector.
- Proceedings of a Round Table Meeting to discuss the outline NFAP based on the Forestry Sector Policy Review and programmes of the donor community.
- Country-capacity studies.
- Reports by both external and local consultants.
- Final NFAP presented to MG and Donors.
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