WorldWide Drilling Resource

64 AUGUST 2014 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® Irrigation Project in Malawi Receives Grant Adapted from Information by the African Development Bank Group The African Water Facility (AWF) is offering a substantial grant to the gov- ernment of Malawi to help the country with plans to expand irrigated agricul- ture in the Lower Shire Valley. The proj- ect has been designed to help with the difficulties associated with prolonged dry spells and frequent flooding. The project is also expected to create employment opportunities through farm- ing ventures and professional irrigation serv- ices. Experts believe more than 270,000 people could benefit from the project. Currently, Malawi depends largely on rain-fed agriculture to achieve food security and socio-economic growth. Agricultural productivity and production under rain-fed conditions are low and uncertain, due primarily to unreliable rainfall, dry spells, pests, diseases, and floods. Since Malawi has underutilized water and irrigable land, the government has placed a high priority on irrigation development. The Lower Shire Valley is one of the most fertile areas of the country with rich deep soils filled with irrigation potential. “The Government of Malawi has long wanted to develop irrigated agriculture in the Lower Shire Valley, but a number of challenges have stood in the way of project implementation,” noted Akissa Bahri, coordinator of the African Water Facility. “In coordination with the World Bank, we are bringing our support to address these issues, namely by assess- ing outstanding technical issues and supporting the government in mobilizing financing. These studies will also help [in] defining win-win ventures between small holders and the private sector, so that this project can be economically sustainable and provide more benefits and jobs to local populations.” The project will also explore a pub- lic-private partnership arrangement to mobilize private financing to cover part of the investment costs involved for the inlet and feeder canals. Focus on Join WWDR at the Miami Airport Convention Center in Miami, Florida, September 16-17, for the second edi- tion of The Water Expo - Empowering WATER in the Americas . Connect with fellow professionals from Latin America, as well as across North America, in the water, groundwater, wastewater, and water quality industries. The interactive conference offers front edge educational and networking programs, along with a great trade show marketplace for modern products and services. At The Water Expo, you can meet major suppliers, get the best deals, increase your professional value, connect with innovation, scout distributorships, and uncover top business opportunities at local, regional, and global scales. Be sure to stop by the Buyers Meet Sellers area, where the WorldWide Team will help you “find what you’re looking for”. For more information, call 305-412-3976 e-mail mail @ thewaterexpo.com or visit: www.thewaterexpo.com Julie, Gary, Dave, and Debbie in the Boshart Industries booth during the first Water Expo last year. Photos by WWDR . WWDR ’s October issue is building steam. Want to include your ad? Deadlines: Space Reservation - August 25th Display & Classified Ad Copy - August 29th