Water and Soil Accelerator Inception Report: Sustainable Soil and Water Management from Farm to Landscape in Malawi and Zambia

Nkosi, Mahlatse; van Rooyen, André; Mabele, Thato; Chinembiri, Evans; Jacobs-Mata, Inga; Matchaya, Greenwell C.; Enokenwa Baa, Ojongetakah; Dirwai, Tinashe Lindel; Kasoma-Pele, Winnie; Mapedza, Everisto D.; Makungwe, Mirriam; Nortje, Karen; Mutenje, Munyaradzi; Roman, Henry

Water and Soil Accelerator Inception Report: Sustainable Soil and Water Management from Farm to Landscape in Malawi and Zambia

Autores

Matchaya, Greenwell C.

Enokenwa Baa, Ojongetakah

Dirwai, Tinashe Lindel

Kasoma-Pele, Winnie

Mapedza, Everisto D.

Editor

International Water Management Institute

Descripción

The Water and Soil Accelerator (WASA) is a transformative three-year initiative (2024–2027) led by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and funded by the U.S. Government. Focused on Malawi and Zambia, WASA aims to scale evidence-based water and soil management practices across rainfed agricultural systems, addressing critical challenges such as erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, and degraded soils. The project targets one million farmers and one million hectares of land, promoting climate-smart agriculture, watershed management, and nature-based solutions to enhance water retention, soil health, and agricultural productivity. WASA employs a consortia-based delivery model, leveraging the expertise of five diverse partnerships to implement locally relevant interventions. These include farmer training, agroforestry, crop diversification, green infrastructure, and inclusive governance. The initiative prioritizes gender equality and social inclusion (GESI), ensuring equitable access to resources and decision-making roles for women, youth, and marginalized groups. The project is structured into three phases: mobilization, scaling, and sustainability, with a robust Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Impact Assessment (MELIA) framework to track progress and adapt strategies. WASA integrates innovative tools like climate information services, digital platforms, and impact modeling to quantify changes in hydrology, soil health, and agricultural yields. By fostering collaboration, empowering communities, and embedding interventions within national systems, WASA aims to create lasting impact, transforming rainfed agricultural landscapes into resilient, productive ecosystems while advancing food security, poverty reduction, and climate adaptation in Malawi and Zambia.