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International Development Fund open
11/11/2009
External Affairs Minister Michael Russell today invited Scottish non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working in Malawi to bid for funding from the Scottish Government.
Scottish NGOs, working with partners in Malawi, can apply for grants from the International Development Fund to support their work on the four agreed priority areas of civil society and governance, sustainable economic development, health and education.
Speaking at a Malawi grant holder event in Edinburgh Michael Russell said:
"We know that Scottish projects are making a real difference in Malawi. An independent review published earlier this year illustrated that these projects have delivered real benefits on the ground, clearly reinforcing our belief that whilst resources are modest, the impact of our work is significant. This funding round will further enhance that good work.
"Earlier this year we reinforced our commitment to helping alleviate poverty in developing countries by increasing the international development budget to #9 million next year - #3 million of which is solely for Malawi.
"I look forward to visiting Malawi next year and seeing first hand the great work that is making a real difference to ordinary people in the country. Our bond with Malawi is special and distinct and this funding will ensure that relationship continues to flourish."
In September the Scottish Government confirmed an increase in the budget for international development from £6 million to £9 million in 2010-11, subject to Parliamentary approval. A minimum of £3 million per year is ring-fenced for engagement with Malawi.
Scottish NGOs working with partners in Malawi are eligible to apply for funding. Funding will be available to support work across all four strands of education, health, sustainable economic development and civil society and governance.
The Minister was speaking at a Malawi grant holder's event which was attended by Scottish NGOs and key representatives from the Government of Malawi responsible for engagement with Scotland. The event was designed to encourage Scottish NGOs receiving support from the Scottish Government to share experiences of working in Malawi, explore opportunities for collaborative working and hear about examples of good practice.
Examples of successful projects which have benefitted from funding include:
- Macaulay Land Use Research Institute contributes to building sustainable livelihoods at village level, through agricultural improvements and renewable energy from ethical biofuels made from the Jatropha, Neem and Moringa trees (JANEEMO for short). The villages involved benefit from better food security, increased household income and an improved village economic system.
- Imani Enterprise supports continued sustainable business growth in Malawi through targeted export and policy development. It focuses on establishing a supply chain from producer to consumer, improving exporter information and enhancing the relationships between the various sectors involved.
- Scottish International Relief (Mary's Meals Project) works towards eradicating extreme poverty and hunger through an expanded school feeding program, distributing food to school children through local volunteers.
- Oxfam Scotland works with local communities to assist the most vulnerable people affected by HIV in the Chiradzulu District to develop sustainable livelihoods, and to help ensure access to appropriate health services.