The changing climate compounded with the growing population poses a food security challenge for Malawi. Adaptation to climate change in the water and agriculture sectors is expected to improve food production and enhance food security. The performance of adaptation options needs assessment to maximize climate change opportunities and minimize climate change threats. This assessment can also help to effectively design and plan future adaptation strategies. The Government of Malawi is investing in dryland agriculture through the Farm Input Subsidy Program (FISP) and in irrigation agriculture through the Green Belt Initiative (GBI) project. However, information about the efficacies of the GBI and FISP is limited. This research employs both qualitative and quantitative approaches to assess the performances of FISP and the GBI with respect to their social, economic and ecological consequences. I will present some of the findings from my PhD study, including stakeholder’s perceptions about the efficacies of FISP and the GBI, and the use of crop production modelling to demonstrate the efficacy of FISP and to project future crop yields.

About the speaker

Floney’s research centres on sustainable development, with particular interest in water resources management, climate change adaptation and food security improvement. Floney has MSc from the University of Queensland in Environmental Management and BSc from the University of Malawi in Environmental Sciences and Technology. Prior to her PhD studies at the Fenner School of Environment and Society, Floney has worked as a lecturer and researcher at the University of Malawi. Floney’s current research is anticipated to contribute towards the effective designing, implementation and evaluation of adaptation strategies in Malawi in particular and globally.