Malawi (Hansard, 22 October 2002)

§ Dr. Tonge
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans are in place to ensue that smallholder farmers in Malawi have access to adequate seed and fertiliser for the 2002–03 agricultural season. [74882]

§ Clare Short
The 2002–03 Targeted Inputs programme is supplying inputs to two million small-holder farmers across Malawi. This follows a 2002 winter input programme, which benefited 300,000 households. These programmes provide seed and fertiliser for maize and major legume crops. My Department is working with Government, other donors and civil society organisations to ensure co-ordination of these activities and additional programmes for inputs to crop diversification, tools for cultivation and irrigation.

§ Dr. Tonge
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with the Government of Malawi regarding plans about the decision to scale down the Universal Starter Pack programme. [74884]

§ Clare Short
The Starter Pack Scheme began in 1998–99 with universal provision of seeds and fertilisers to Malawian farmers. My Department agreed with the Government of Malawi that a Targeted Inputs Programme (TIP) should replace the Starter Pack Scheme from 2000/2001 to concentrate benefits on the poorest farmers. In 2002 the TIP has been doubled to provide for 2 million farming families as part of the co-ordinated response to the current food crisis. The number will be reviewed annually as part of a long-term National Food Security Strategy currently being developed by Government, donors and Civil Society.

§ Dr. Tonge
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what her assessment is of the effectiveness of Food for Work programme in Malawi; and how many beneficiaries she estimates this has reached, since January 2002. [74879]

§ Clare Short
Programmes providing Food or Cash for work for the poor in Malawi are being supported by a number of agencies. Financial support is provided by the Malawi Government, donors and Civil Society Organisations. My Department plays a leading role in 195W helping to ensure these programmes are effectively co-ordinated within a National Safety Nets Strategy. During 2002 DFID has supported a large number of government led initiatives aimed at the poorest members of rural communities, representing over 4 million days of employment.