Knowledge, excellence & innovations

LILONGWE UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES

(LUANAR)

NRC CAMPUS

TO : MADAM CHRISTINA BHAMU

FROM : GROUP ONE

INTAKE : 40

PROGRAMME : DIPLOMA IN IRRIGATION TECHNOLOGY

SEMESTER NO. : FIVE

COURSE NAME : ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

COURSE CODE :NEBM313

ACTIVITY : PROJECT PROPOSAL

DUE DATE : 2ND NOVEMBER, 2024

 NAME PASSCODE

Seleman Fulukia Fombeh 220300467

Watson Kakese 200300463

Rowland Hauli 220300468

Mphatso Twaibu 220300488

Glory Mwankhwawa 220300450

Muhamad Daudi Kumtelera 220300475

Davie Maseko 19032964

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Table of content:

1.0 Title page

1.1 Title of the proposal
1.2 Prepared by
1.3 Date of submission
1.4 Name of recipient
2.0 Executive summary
3.0 Background information
3.1 Problem statement
3.2 Importance
3.3 Content
4.0 Objectives
4.1 Specific goals
4.2 SMART-objectives
5.0 Proposed solution/approach
6.0 Benefits /impacts
7.0 Budget and resources
8.0 Project team
9.0 Implementation plan
10.0 Risk management plan
11.0 Conclusion
12.0 Appendices

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1.0 TITLE PAGE
1.1 Title: Proposal for the Establishment of a Demonstration Drip Irrigation System at
Nkhwidzi Village.
1.2 Prepared by: Seleman.F. Fulukia (Tingathe Farm Cooperative Secretary).
1.3 Date of Submission: 2ndNovember,2024.
1.4 Recipient: Madam Christina Bhamu (The Company Manager).

2.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This proposal guidelines a project to establish a demonstration drip irrigation system in Nkhwidzi
Village. The project aims to address problems related to inefficient water usage as well as low
agricultural productivity, proving smallholder farmers with a sustainable, water-efficient irrigation
design. Through implementing this project, we intend to promote food security, boost farmers
income, and enhance climate-resilient agricultural practices. By hands-on training and
demonstration, subsistence (local) farmers will gain knowledge about drip irrigation technology,
equipping them with skills to adopt and manage similar systems. The project aligns with Malawi
Vision 2063s goals of agricultural modernization and rural transformation, focuses to create a
sustainable, replicable model for smallholder farmers across the country.

3.0 BACKGROUND INFORMATION

3.1 Problem statement

Nkhwidzi village faces significant challenges in agricultural productivity due to erratic rainfall
patterns and inefficient irrigation practices. The reliance on indigenous irrigation methods has
resulted in water wastage, reduced crop yields, so as food insecurity among local farmers.

3.2 Importance

The implementation of a drip irrigation system will act as a vital step toward enhancing sustainable
agricultural practices in Nkhwidzi community. This project will not only demonstrate the
effectiveness of modern irrigation methods but will also empower or impart farmers with
knowledge and skills to adapt to changing climatic conditions.

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3.3 Content

The project will involve site assessment, drip irrigation system design and installation,
comprehensive training workshops for local farmers, and ongoing monitoring and evaluation. The
system will be set up as a model site for other farmers to observe, encouraging wider adoption of
new irrigation practices within the region.

4.0 OBJECTIVES

4.1 Specific goals

• To Establish a functional demonstration drip irrigation system in Nkhwidzi village by

December,2024.
• To Train 50 local small-scale farmers on the benefits, operation and maintenance of modern
drip irrigation system.
• To Increase agricultural yields production by at least 40% within the first year of
implementation.
• To increase water-use efficiency in irrigation by 60% among participating farmers within
one growing season.

4.2 SMART Objectives

• Specific – Install a fully operation demonstration drip irrigation system on a designated

plot in Nkhwidzi village.
• Measurable – Achieve a 60% improve in water-use efficiency and a 40% within the initial
growing season.
• Achievable – Conduct at least two or three training sessions for 50 farmers, imparting them
with skills for independent system management.
• Relevant – The proposed project it will support Malawi Vision 2063 by promoting
sustainable agricultural practices.
• Time-Bound – The project will involve a complete installation and initial training within
six months, with one year of ongoing monitoring.

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5.0 PROPOSED SOLUTION/APPROACH

The proposed project for the establishment of a demonstration drip irrigation system in Nkhwidzi
village aims to increase agriculture productivity and water efficiency among local farmers.
Through utilizing proven techniques and best practices, the project so far will install a state-of-the-
art drip irrigation system that secures precise water delivery directly to the plant root zone, hence
minimizing water wastage and maximizing crop yield. This approach will include the employment
of high-quality materials such as UV-resistant piping and pressure regulators, that ensuring
durability and optimal performance. Apart from that, comprehensive training sessions will be
conducted for farmers, focusing on system maintenance and agronomic good practices to
safeguard sustainability. Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms will be integrated to track the way
forward and adapt the system based on the farmers feedback and environmental conditions,
ultimately promoting a resilient agricultural framework in the village.

6.0 BENEFITS/IMPACTS

The establishment of the proposed project in that area of Nkhwidzi could have substantial benefits
for the local small-scale farmers, the whole community, as well as a country.

For individual farmers, this project will introduce an efficient method of irrigation that conserves
water, reduces labor demands, and increases crop yields. Drip irrigation delivers water directly to
the plant roots, which reduces water wastage and increases the productivity of any drop of water.
This system can support farmers to produce crops even in time of dry seasons, enhancing food
security at the household level and proving a more reliable income source.

For the local community, the project can improve the economic growth by facilitating year- round
farming and creating opportunities for trade in fresh produce. This, in turn, will promote food
security within the community, improve nutrition, and minimize reliance on food imports.

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At a national level, Malawi can see importance in the way of increased agricultural productivity
and resilience to climate change. Through demonstrating the effectiveness of drip irrigation, the
project can encourage widespread adoption of this technique, assisting Malawi to manage its water
resources more sustainably. Ultimately, the success of this project can also put Malawi a as a leader
in water-efficient agriculture, on the other hands, improving livelihoods and advancing its
agricultural sector toward sustainable, climate-smart practices.

7.0 BUDGET AND RESOURCES

Item Description Estimated cost (MWK)

Land / site to be implemented 50 hectares 356,250,000
Drip irrigation equipment Tubing, emitters, filters, 475,000,000
pump, solar panel, pressure
regulator
Water storage tank 50 000 cubic meters tank 237,500,000
Transportation 43 419-liters fuel(diesel) 118,750,000
Pump house Whole construction phases 190,000,000
Water source Well drilling 285,000,000
Installation Labor and technical support 190,000,000
Farmer training sessions Training materials, 47,500,000
refreshments
Monitoring and evaluation Data collection and analysis 47,000,000
Community awareness Materials advertising 23,750,000
campaign
Contingency 10% of the total budget 237,500,000
Total 2,612,500,000

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8.0 PROJECT TEAM

project head /manager

(project coordinator)
(Seleman Fulukia)

technical team lead community liaison officer

(Solomon Fombeh_) (Chikondi Kenneth)

Design engineer Field Technician (s)

(Ruth Manthenga) (Starford Halison &
Christina Seleman)

Agriculture specialist
(Lovemore Phiri)

Logistics and Procurement

Team
(Cicilia .K.Fombe & John
Banda)

Monitoring and Evaluation

officer
(Joseph Loss)

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 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

I. Project Head/manager /coordinator

✓ Oversees the project, ensures all phases are running smoothly, and coordinates with
external stakeholders, funders, and village leaders.
II. Technical Team Lead
✓ Managers technical aspects, from planning to installation of the drip irrigation
system.
III. Community Liaison Officer
✓ Acts as the bridge between the project team and Nkhwidzi Village community
members, gathers feedback, and ensures community engagement.
IV. Field Technician(s)
✓ Assists in installation, troubleshooting, and testing of the system.
V. Design Engineer
✓ Designs the layout and specifications of the drip irrigation system.
VI. Agricultural Specialist
✓ Provides knowledge on crop requirements, water management, and advises on
efficient irrigation practices for local crops.
VII. Logistics and Procurement Team
✓ Manages the procurement of materials and tools, ensures timely delivery of
supplies, and handles inventory.
VIII. Monitoring and Evaluation Officer
✓ Tracks the projects progress, measure impact, and reports on successes and
challenges. Ensures project goals are met.

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9.0 Implementation plan

Phase Activities Timeline (month)

Planning and assessment Site assessment, system Month 1
design
Procurement Purchase of equipment and Month 2
materials
Excavation Well drilling Month 2
Construction Pumps house construction Month 3
Installation Drip system installation Months 4-5
Training Farmer training sessions Month 6
Demonstration Field trails and community Months
demonstrations 7–8
Community awareness Materials advertising Month 9
campaign
Monitoring and evaluation Data collection and progress Months
assessment 1 – 12

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10.0 Risk management plan

Potential Risk Mitigation Strategy

Water source shortage Identify multiple water sources for reliability
Equipment breakdowns/ failure Regular maintenance and provision of spare
parts
Low community engagement Conduct awareness campaigns and feedback
sessions
Technical knowledge gaps Offer refresher training and hands-on support
Incomplete or inaccurate assessment of the site Conduct thorough site surveys and engage
local experts
Delays in approvals from local authorities Begin paperwork early and maintain regular
communication
Delay in delivery of materials Order materials well in advance and have
alternative suppliers
Quality issues with procured materials Conduct quality checks on all materials upon
delivery
Environmental impact on surrounding land Follow environmentally-friendly excavation
practices
Improper system setup Involve qualified technicians and conduct
regular inspections
Unforeseen technical challenges Have contingency funds and technical support
ready
Low participation from farmers Schedule training at convenient times and
provide incentives
Language or technical comprehension issues Use simple language and visual aids during
training sessions
Poor attendance or community disinterest Advertise well in advance and involve
community leaders
 Weather-related disruptions Schedule demonstrations during favorable
weather conditions
Lack of community interest Collaborate with local influencers and hold
interactive sessions
Spread of misinformation Provide clear, accurate information through
trusted sources
Inconsistent data collection Establish a standardized data collection
process
Resistance to feedback or changes Engage stakeholders regularly to build trust
and cooperation

11.0 Conclusion

The establishment of a demonstration drip irrigation system in Nkhwidzi village presents an

invaluable opportunity to enhance agricultural practices, conserve water, and promote sustainable
livelihoods. We are committed to the success of this initiative and seek the essential support from
Fulukiaˈs Alimi Apindule Company to turn this vision into reality.

12.0 Appendices

Not applicable (N/A)

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