1. Updates on FANRPAN Malawi Node

2. CISANET: What is it? Is a group of over 40 civil society organizations (NGOs, farmer organizations, individuals) in the agricultural sector promoting sustainable livelihoods for the poor through influencing policy practices, attitudes of Government, donors and civil society through advocacy and networking. CISANET was formed in September 2000, but a secretariat was established in November 2003 In the agricultural sector, CISANET works in the following thematic areas: (a) livestock development, (b) irrigation development, (c) agricultural marketing, (d) public budget tracking, (e) food & nutrition security policy monitoring

3. CISANET: Links with FANRPAN CISANET took up node facilitation from CARD (University of Malawi) Products of the shift: 1.Specialization (researchers concentrate on research, advocate use research outputs) 2.Strengthened engagement with policy makers 3.Use of CISANET structures for FANRPAN business (mainstreaming FANRPAN) 4.Good links with regional likeminded networks, ACF-Zambia etc.

4. CISANET/FANRPAN synergies What CISANET brings to FANRPAN What FANRPAN bring to CISANET A developed national platform Local visibility Coordination of FANRPAN issues e.g. research, visiting missions etc. Policy issues for consideration on regional level Financial support (node coordination support) Regionally commissioned research studies Regional policy dialogue opportunities Regional visibility & linkages

5. Some key activities done: Policy dialogue Supported Dr. Mataya, a FANRPAN researcher (fertiliser study) to support MoAFS on finalising fertiliser strategy Hosted a dialogue meeting in February 2007 with members of parliament and World Bank on reform of state marketing agency, ADMARC (picture) Advocated successfully for lifting of maize ban in March 2007 Advocated successfully after one year for change of fiscal budget year from July to January – to suit agricultural activities

6. Some key activities done: Policy dialogue Active civil society/NGO representative in the main task force developing the Malawi Agricultural Development Programme – Malawi agriculture SWAp Supported farmers/CSOs to raise voices against current EU’s EPA framework (picture) Coordination of National Food Security Policy output and impact indicators data collection & reporting (NGO sector) Ministry of Agriculture fiscal budget tracking & reporting

7. Some key activities done: Policy dialogue Hosted a research dissemination training for regional fertiliser studies for Malawi and Zambian researchers (picture, dinner hosted for Zambian team & training facilitators, Drs. Merrey & Mangisoni)

8. Closing Remarks CISANET has found being a member of FANRPAN rewarding & hosting the node a pleasant experience We pledge to help lift FANRPAN to greater heights & wish to lobby other support agencies to work with FANRPAN We wish to thank strong leadership spirit of Dr. Sibanda for spearheading FANRPAN Thank you very much honourable ladies & gentlemen for listening to this presentation Alifeyo M. Nyasulu CISANET Secretariat Nurses & Midwives Council Building P.O. Box 203 Lilongwe, MALAWI Tel. 00 265 1 770 479/1 775 540 E-mail alifeyo@cisanetmw.orgalifeyo@cisanetmw.org