The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD), through the Agriculture Investment for Markets and Nutrition (AIM-N) Project, has strengthened its partnership with the Isabel Provincial Government following a high-level courtesy briefing in Buala on Friday, 13 February 2026.
The visiting delegation was led by Deputy Director (Ag), MALD Extension Services, Michael Tanisapa, AIM-N Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) National Officer Blondie Akwasia, and MALD Media and Communications Officer Ben Rakai, together with Isabel Province Agriculture Extension Chief Field Officer Emmanuel Kirio and Senior Field Officer Adrian Havimana
During the meeting with the Provincial Premier Honorable Lawrance Hayward and Executive Members, Ms Akwasia formally introduced the AIM-N Project and outlined its objectives, scope, and implementation approach ahead of provincial rollout.
Key objectives of the visit included:
- Introducing the AIM-N Project at the provincial leadership level;
- Communicating the project’s goals, scope, and implementation arrangements;
- Clarifying roles, expectations, and coordination mechanisms between MALD, AIM-N, and the province;
- Securing provincial endorsement and support;
- Identifying provincial focal points and strengthening coordination mechanisms; and
- Ensuring alignment of project activities with Isabel Province’s development priorities and systems.
The courtesy call forms part of MALD’s national engagement strategy to ensure strong collaboration and coordination with provincial governments prior to the deployment of Project Implementation Unit (PIU) staff.
The Premier Hon. Hayward warmly welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation for the comprehensive briefing.
“Transforming the agriculture sector beyond just producing raw agricultural products, and instead focusing on adding value to those products through processing and manufacturing, to increase economic benefits for Isabel Province is a top priority for my Government,” the Premier stated.
“We therefore call for an efficient, transparent, and effective partnership from all stakeholders of the AIM-N Project to ensure successful implementation for Isabel Province.”
Executive Members also conveyed their appreciation and eagerness for the rollout of the project’s three components, emphasizing the importance of timely coordination and inclusive implementation to deliver tangible benefits to rural communities.
The AIM-N Project is a national flagship initiative implemented by MALD with financing support from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and other development partners.
The project aims to improve nutrition outcomes through integrated support to agriculture, markets, school food systems, women’s economic empowerment, and enabling institutions, with strong gender, climate resilience, and learning dimensions embedded across all components.
On behalf of the Ministry, Deputy Director (Ag) Tanisape assured the Premier and Executive that MALD and the AIM-N Project remain fully committed to working closely with the Isabel Provincial Government to ensure effective coordination, strong local ownership, and sustainable impact as implementation progresses.
With the courtesy engagements now concluded, deployment of provincial Project Implementation Unit officers to Buala will commence this week, on Tuesday 17 February and Friday 20 February, marking the beginning of on-the-ground rollout of project activities in Isabel Province.
The engagement represents an important milestone in strengthening national–provincial collaboration to advance agricultural development and improve livelihoods across Isabel Province.
– MALD Press
