TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Objectives
• Components
• Implementation Strategy

• Refine quality of data collection and analysis
• Improve reporting and communication of environmental information
• Summarize lessons learned from catchment monitoring

• Strengthen systems for bibliographic data archiving, distribution, and communication
• Develop Digital Map Data Standards for a National EIS
• Apply prototype EIS in response to national environmental priorities

• Set-up pilot Area Sample Frame in one ADD
• Undertake comprehensive characterization of environmental status and optional use scenarios for publicly-held lands in Malawi

• Strengthen GIS technical capacity
• Strengthen national environmental research and teaching capacity

• Establish Comprehensive Policy, Legislative, and Institutional Framework
• Support agencies in revising sectoral policies and institutional roles
• Inform policy makers on status of and options for public lands (PLUS)
• Improve donor and implementing partner coordination
• Introduce performance based management practices and procedures
• Explore options for long-term financial sustainability of E/NRM programs and functions

• Activity Results and Key Indicators
• Measurement

GLOSSARY OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

The MEMP II objectives are fully supportive of the USAID Malawi Mission’s Strategic Objective number 2 which informs both the design and implementation of the NATURE program: to increase the sustainable use, conservation and management of Malawi’s renewable natural resources. Improved environmental information generated in part through the environmental monitoring program will be of direct utility to decision-makers in government as well as to public sector agencies, NGOs and the private sector. The development of the prototype environmental information system and further development of environmental monitoring technologies will provide the basis for achieving Intermediate Result (I.R.) 2.2.2: improved availability of NRM information.

MEMP II will support GOM implementation of the policy and institutional feform outlined in the NATURE Policy Program Matrix. This will be accomplished through the provision of management support and technical backstopping. The long-term and short-term technical assistance provided under NATURE will directly facilitate accomplishment of the key intermediate results, especially I.R. 2.1 (the establishment of a comprehensive policy and legislative framework governing natural resources management) and I.R.2.2 (institutional strengthening and improvement in operations of key NRM institutions).

Other MEMP II activities relate to a number of intermediate results tentatively identified by the Mission in May 1996. An attempt has been made to link tasks and outputs in this workplan with specific intermediate results advanced in the May 1996 USAID Results Framework workshop. A more complete linkage will be made in the 1997-1998 Annual workplan, based on a more complete formulation of the framework to be proposed by the Mission and its implementing partners.

The objectives of MEMP II are consistent with those of MEMP I. However, they reflect the broader goals of ASAP and NATURE rather than the more restrictive focus on the impacts of increased burley tobacco production.

1. To build a capacity to answer questions regarding environmental conditions in specific situations that can be used to guide mitigation actions.
2. To build a broader technical and scientific capacity upon which a viable national EIS can be based that can guide policy decisions.
3. To support the establishment of a comprehensive policy, legislative and institutional framework governing NRM.
4. To support the introduction of results-driven management practices and procedures in the E/NRM sectors.

While these will remain broad objectives, MEMP II will be focused on a set of discrete tasks with well-defined outputs. It is the intent, however, that each of these will contribute incrementally to the realization of these broader objectives.

[ Table of Contents]

Under MEMPII, the scope of technical responsibilities has been considerably broadened. Whereas the first phase of the project centered on the development of an intensive environmental monitoring program, the second phase includes the development of new information generation and analysis methodologies, a focused study of the environmental status and tenure options for public lands in Malawi, a broader research and technical training component, the establishment of a foundation for the development of a national environmental information system and support for institutional capacity building and policy development.

The following components of the expanded second phase program are developed in detail in the implementation plan presented in section 2 below.

1. improved catchment monitoring
2. development of a prototype EIS
3. expanded environmental monitoring technologies
4. environmental research and training
5. policy development and institutional capacity building

The strategy for implementation under MEMP II continues to emphasize capacity building in the key E/NRM line agencies through focused technology transfer and specialized training programs. To strengthen the long-term sustainability of efforts to improve the technical ability of public agencies, a concerted program of support to the national E/NRM research and training institutions has been developed under MEMP II. An Environmental Scientist will be placed for a period of two years in the University of Malawi system, with a mandate to coordinate research on environmental themes throughout the UNIMA system, develop appropriate environmental science curricula, and provide direct training to students by offering courses on relevant environmental science disciplines.

Greater attention will be given to linking information generation and policy development under MEMP II and to the production of highly usable and pertinent environmental information products. A prototype environmental information system will be developed, with an application based on a clear national environmental priority such as the problem of reduced stream flow and siltation in the Shire River catchment.

Another area of focus that will be developed under the second phase of the project is improved donor coordination. The long-term technical assistance team will actively seek opportunities to bring together donors interested in or already contributing to E/NRM programs and to reinforce mechanisms that promote better communication among donors and between donors and the Government of Malawi.

During the first two years of implementation, it became clear that many agencies have experienced difficulties in providing resources to the field to allow for the collection of data. In order to produce timely reports on environmental issues, there is a need to insure that environmental data are collected and analyzed according to the agreed upon schedule. Although detailed workplans and budgets have been produced by each agency, there have been persistent problems in producing the anticipated outputs for the monitoring program. In essence, there has been no effective linkage between the performance of collaborating agencies and the budget process. This is a problem that will be actively addressed under Phase II through for example, other management techniques such as performance agreements with agencies and possible inclusion under the PBBS component of NATURE.

Three strategies will be developed in support of the processes of policy, legislative and institutional reform in E/NRM. The first will be to provide management support to what is quickly becoming a complex multi-disciplinary work program requiring close time- co-ordination and uniformity of approach. This program will be guided, co-ordinated and monitored jointly by the long-term policy advisor and counterparts in MoREA and the relevant line agencies. The second strategy will be to provide technical support in key areas of policy, legislative or institutional development, chiefly through the provision of short-term technical assistance. The design of STTA inputs will be led by the MEMP II team, with financial resources managed under the Cooperative Agreement or in collaboration with other donors. The third strategy relates the requirement for a fundamental harmony in approach to sectoral NRM policy development. It must be anticipated that given the NATURE Program's breadth of focus there may be occasions when specific E/NRM sectoral policies will be incompatible with comparable policies in related sectors, or may even conflict openly with other national development policies or priorities. It will be the long-term policy advisor's responsibility to identify potential conflicts and inconsistencies and present them to the appropriate fora (including, if warranted, the PIC, the TCE or ultimately the NCE) for discussion and resolution.

[ Table of Contents]

The experience gained after two years of implementation of the intensive monitoring program in the remaining four catchments has permitted some improvement in performance in certain areas. A technical report presenting the findings and reviewing the history of the monitoring program has been produced and is currently being reviewed before general distribution. The demonstrable results or products from the intensive data collection activities, however, have been limited. While some of the more obvious impediments such as inadequate budget resources, the loss of technical personnel, and public sector management shortcomings, are difficult to address by a project since they are government-wide in nature, there are a number of areas in which improved performance is both necessary and obtainable.

T1. Streamline catchment data collection requirements and procedures

1. Catchment monitoring methodology assessed, data requirements and collection procedures detailed in technical report
2. Procedures and explanations of methodology updated in Field Operations Guide

T2. Specification of methods for data analysis for Water, Forestry and Agriculture

1. Report detailing methods with application for each technical area

Reporting has been one of the weakest links in the monitoring process. Although data were gathered, analysis was spotty and reports, when produced, did not provide highly usable interpretations of findings. Part of the problem stemmed from a lack of practical experience in reporting on the part of the line agencies.

T1. Develop sectoral reporting objectives and format

1. Sectoral reports produced consistent with recommended format
2. Sectoral agencies able to produce useful reports that are used by senior management and policy makers

T2. Develop synthesis reporting format for integration of sectoral data and reports

1. Synthesis report on specific catchments or issues produced under EAD guidance
2. Annual report on intensive monitoring program produced and used by senior management and policy makers

T3. Establish performance agreements for environmental monitoring activities

1. Collaborators able to establish realistic work plans that link activities and products with budget
2. Collaborators fulfill performance requirements in terms of timeliness and quality of product

To date, analysis has proceeded along a catchment-by-catchment basis. It is clear that, given the resources that are likely to be available, intensive monitoring of the existing set of catchments cannot be sustained. Thus, it would be useful to determine the lessons that might be learned from this activity and where they might be applied elsewhere in Malawi.

T1. Perform a critical review of monitoring methods across catchments.

1. Cross-catchment comparison of procedures performed and described in the first section of a detailed report.

T2. Summarize what has been learned regarding the monitoring of impacts of land use change.

1. Cross-catchment comparison of findings regarding the relationships of land use changes and related environmental impacts summarized in the second section of a detailed report.

T3. Develop recommendations for the use of these methods in monitoring other catchments.

1. Based on the findings of the first two tasks, develop a set of recommendations for the use of specific techniques in specific situations to assess environmental impacts of land use change, contained in the final section of a detailed report.

[ Table of Contents]

One of the objectives of MoREA and the Malawi Environmental Monitoring Programme is the development of a coherent system for identifying existing sources of relevant data, insuring access to data and information products, archiving relevant information products, and distributing and communicating environmental information for the diverse needs of local, regional, national and international users and stakeholders. The basis for a national Environmental Information System is a set of procedures and standards for the documentation in a manner consistent with national and regional mapping needs for the analysis of multi-sectoral environmental issues. Access to the system will be established through a strengthening of existing networks linking information managers in the country such as the archiving and distribution of environmental data. Special attention is focused on the development of standards for the coding, storage and distribution of digital map data sets to facilitate the use of Geographic National Information Network (NIN) and the recently established network of Environmental Focal Points.

Among the lessons learned from Phase I implementation, two are of immediate importance in developing a realistic strategy for establishing a national environmental information system. First, while government agencies are involved in routine data collection on a number of important social and environmental parameters, data availability, coverage and quality limit the ability to develop a comprehensive characterization of environmental conditions at the national level. Given the partial nature of existing information and the resource constraints faced by public sector institutions involved in the environment and natural resource fields, it would be unrealistic to undertake a global program of data collection and analysis with full national representation at this time. Second, the commitment of public agencies to data collection and analysis depends at least in part on the salience of the issue that serves as the object of collection and analysis.

The conclusion to be drawn from these two lessons is that the development of an environmental information system should proceed as part of a problem-focused activity in a clearly defined area which responds to national environmental priorities and will result in a substantive product of value to decision-makers. Concurrently, attention will be given to establishing data standards and strengthening the institutional linkages required for the effective operation of a national EIS. The prototype system established under this component of MEMP II will continue to evolve and grow as public sector institutions and other donor-funded projects reinforce the underlying system and add other data sources and analyses.

The activities undertaken in this component will result in (a) the strengthening of institutional linkages among agencies and organizations involved in data collection, analysis and utilization, (b) the formulation of digital map data standards, and (c) the production of an environmental situation analysis for the designated area. The foundation of a national EIS will be in place and a demonstration of the utility of the system in generating environmental information useful to decision-makers will be presented in the form of an environmental assessment or situation analysis. Support for other important elements of the national EIS will need to be sought from national resources and development partners.

The availability and accessibility of information are key factors in the development of an environmental information system. Policy-makers, researchers, scientists, and other interested persons working on environmental issues depend on and benefit from improved availability and easy access to environmental information. Under MEMP II technical assistance will be provided to improve the basic infrastructure for collecting, organizing, and providing access to documentation, maps, data, and other communication resources. The Director of the Arid Lands Information Center, or a similarly qualified specialist, will collaborate with National Documentation Center staff and members of institutions responsible for the collection and archiving of bibliographic data of relevance to the environment and natural resources management to develop short-term actions and a long-range plan for strengthening national environmental information resources and services.

T1. Assess and document current status of information centers

1. Report detailing existing accomplishments, capacity, and constraints of key information centers

T2. Conduct workshop to discuss and define strategies for resource coordination, information sharing, and compatibility of information systems

1. Compilation of discussion summaries and outlines of action strategies as inputs for long-range plan development

A critical component of an Environmental Information System is the coordinated development of digital map data products that can support the application of Geographic Information Systems and related map display and data analysis tools. Development of the system must be consistent with Malawian georeferencing and environmental management needs as well as SADC regional inventory standards.

T1. Develop prototype digital map data georeferencing standard

1. Establish geodetic datum parameters to be used for all data recording, as well as to establish projection parameters, false origin, measurement units, numbering conventions, and error characteristics of a unified national level georeferencing system.

T2. Develop prototype digital map data production and distribution formats.

1. Develop a unified national EIS data model standard including digital map metadata standards and map data accuracy standards. This will also include the development of agency specific digital map data storage formats.

T3. Develop a digital map data distribution medium and capability.

1. Develop import/export software modules between the EIS storage format and usable information technologies.
2. Develop a prototype standard for the distribution medium of digital map data.

In response to the demand from national authorities for information regarding the environmental situation in the Shire River Valley, a proposal is under development by the National Documentation Center (NDC) and the Environmental Monitoring Unit to undertake an environmental situation assessment for the Shire River Catchment while concurrently laying the foundation for the prototype EIS. Development and implementation of an EIS requires considerable resources. Malawi’s capacity to implement environmental programmes is already stretched near to capacity and it is unlikely that a single effort could be mounted to undertake the entire effort. Thus, for logistical, practical, and budgetary reasons, it is not proposed that an EIS be developed as an independent "stand alone" activity. Instead, it is proposed that the EIS be a coordinated multi-donor effort based on existing and planned programmes that require timely environmental reporting such as those of the Environmental Focal Point Network.

T1. Develop proposal for EIS and Shire River application

1. Proposal reviewed by internal and external stakeholders

T2. Identify existing data sources, quality of data and status of analysis

1. Detailed description and catalogue of existing data sources
2. Establish network for maintaining access to data sources

T3. Perform technical design for Shire River Catchment application

1. Design paper with key indicators, data requirements, collection strategy, framework of analysis, reporting format and implementation plan

T4. Initiate contracts for additional data requirements

1. Technical reports produced, reviewed and distributed
   

T5. Develop focused analyses using data generated by EIS

1. Situation analysis report produced for the Shire River

[ Table of Contents]

AAIC, a subcontractor to the UA-Clark team, has been asked to develop a pilot data collection system using Area Sample Frame methodology in the Machinga Agricultural Development District in Malawi. The system will provide data on a number of key environmental and natural resources parameters, including but not restricted to deforestation and reforestation, sheet and gully soil erosion and water quality / quantity as well as crop and livestock production. This methodology has the potential of providing an extensive monitoring tool that will complement the intensive monitoring methodologies developed under Phase I.

Data will be collected on forestry, soil erosion and water quality in order to establish environmental baselines and to estimate the rate and direction of change. A pilot survey in one ADD is cost effective and will provide environmental data in a small area without unreasonable expectations or pressure. The data series will be started in Machinga ADD so that adjustments, if necessary, can be made should the methodology be extended to the entire country. The Area Sample Frame for Machinga ADD is expected to take approximately 18 months to complete, including data collection, analysis and evaluation of the utility of the approach.

T1. Effective construction of the pilot area sample frame.

1. A report detailing the purposes and procedures of development of the ASF, satellite imagery and maps used, stratification criteria, and maps used to identify the location of sampling units

T2. Development of sampling units, survey strategy and data collection instrument

1. A report detailing the criteria for sample selection, indicators used, survey instrument and strategy, and the training syllabus for interviewers

T3. Statistical analysis of data, review of results, and evaluation of ASF

1. A final report presenting both a quantitative and qualitative analysis of data generated and an evaluation of the ASF methodology, procedures, and applicability

The ultimate objective of Malawi Public Lands Utilization Study (PLUS) is to provide biophysical data and social information associated with publicly-held lands and their use in order to assist decision making processes concerning the optimal use of public lands. The activity will suggest the range of social, economic and environmental impacts associated with alternative use scenarios for protected areas Malawi. PLUS will result in a characterization of public lands, including:

• their location, distribution, and size,
• their environmental status,
• resource use patterns by neighboring populations,
• the role they play in local economies,
• actual as well as likely consequences of human activities,
• land use options based on this information, and,
• an information base and analytical framework for making decisions on tenure status.

This will be achieved through study of existing protected areas and neighboring communities. Although PLUS is focused on public lands, it is concerned with landscape change in a parallel manner to the catchment monitoring activities of MEMP.

The principle result from this activity will be to improve the ability of policy makers to make informed decisions regarding the preferred use and likely consequences of changes in tenure or use status of public lands in Malawi. The findings of this study will be of direct utility to land use planners, senior managers, natural resource management line agencies, and national policy makers in determining 1) the current environmental condition of protected areas, 2) the range of existing land use practices, and, 3) the range of future land use options relative to the biophysical data and social information gathered.

T1. Produce set of spatially referenced maps and associated data for physical characterization of public lands (Level 1)

1. "Atlas" of public lands in both digital format and hard copy that will provide analysts and policy makers with the ability to create a spatial depiction of relationships across different themes and to add data layers at a later date. The atlas will include base mapping, summary data extraction, application of physical models, and rationale for creation of protected areas.

T2. Conduct field intensive study of land use and resource use patterns of selected areas in and adjacent to public lands (Level 2)

1. A final report linking analysis from Level 1 and Level 2, including the following components: relationship between public land resources and the neighboring communities, trends in land use, and the consequences of current and future human activity. This analysis will provide a framework for making decisions on tenure status and alternative use options.

[ Table of Contents]

An important element of the environmental monitoring system is the ability to conduct environmental research pertaining to problematic events and potential threats to the environment. Scientific research is the driving force behind a system that will need to address the important environmental issues as characterized by the GOM. Although environmental monitoring will at times be systematic, e.g., periodic forest inventory, for the most part, an environmental monitoring system must be able to address the ad hoc concerns that arise.

To ensure that environmental concerns can be addressed routinely and in a timely and efficient manner, MEMP will continue to develop capacities within the GOM to conduct environmental scientific research while using appropriate tools and technologies, most noticeably in the use of geographic information technologies. The objectives of this initiative will be: (1) to continue the development of capacity within the GOM and UNIMA in the use of geographic technologies, GIS and remote sensing specifically and (2) to enhance the scientific environmental research capacity within the University of Malawi system.

Each of these objectives will be addressed by focusing on three important tasks:

• In-Service Training: Short-term in-service training will facilitate the use of new technologies and the employment of research within the shortest period of time.
• Education: The long-term sustainability of the project will depend on the institutionalization of techniques and methodologies in Malawian training and research institutions
• Research: Environmental monitoring will be effective when research is developed that addresses specifically the needs of its potential users.

Considering the importance of GIS for environmental management, and drawing from the experiences from MEMP I activities, intensive and extensive GIS training will continue for both the agencies and the University of Malawi. The main component of the training will remain that of fundamental GIS training, but will be extended to include application and product specific training in support of national environmental monitoring and EIS needs. To move toward sustainable technical capacity, faculty and students from UNIMA campuses will be brought into the process (see 3.4.2). Two sequences (one per year) of the three tiered fundamental GIS training courses will be conducted during MEMP II. This will include continued training of the participating agency’s technical officers, approximately 6 per sequence, but will also include UNIMA staff. The first sequence will be conducted with the UNIMA staff as trainees, the second sequence will utilize their talents as trainers.

T1. Support in-service GIS training within the participating agencies and UNIMA.

1. Eighteen participants trained through the advance level in fundamentals of GIS.
2. Each agency will develop a long-term technology adoption strategy to strengthen and broaden support for GIS activities and to ensure that the technology meets the needs of agencies.

T2. Establish teaching curriculum in GIS coordinated across UNIMA system

1. Development and implementation of a GIS curriculum by trained UNIMA staff

1. Specific GIS training, application development and analysis resulting in concrete products for MEMP activities, e.g., land use suitability, land use change, forest change, erosion hazard mapping, environmental information for reporting and decision making.

Two sustainability constraints for environmental monitoring were identified during MEMP I. The first was a general lack of a formal educational curriculum in the environmental sciences and related monitoring technologies across the UNIMA system. Part of the need involving information technology is addressed above (see 3.4.1). However, there is a broader need for basic education in the environmental sciences in general. Placement of the Environmental Scientist funded under MEMP II at Bunda College is intended to address these needs in three ways.

T1. Support in-service environmental science training program within participating agencies.

1. A set of in-service programs is developed for environmental science, including those in which environmental science is a significant subtopic (e.g., GIS workshops; see 3.4.1), and those that deal with a single significant topic that meets specific agency needs (e.g., application of erosion models for LR&CB; see 3.4.1;T3).

T2. Establish teaching curriculum in environmental sciences coordinated across UNIMA system.

1. A set of consistent and complementary curricula are developed with each participating UNIMA campus. These would commonly be developed in departments which have the most direct disciplinary links with participating agencies.

T3. Reinvigorate UNIMA research grant program to meet participating agency needs.

1. Awards will be made to university researchers to perform research tasks to meet agency needs. In addition to grant awards, at the conclusion of the project, a detailed summary report will be submitted by the researcher and a seminar will be presented to agency personnel.

[ Table of Contents]

This component of the workplan effectively brings together the policy reform and institutional development aspects of the NATURE program. The long-term Senior Environmental Policy Advisor will be the lead actor in assuring the effective implementation of activities under this component.

Three themes have been identified under the NATURE program:

• establishment of a comprehensive policy and legislative framework;
• strengthened capacity of institutions responsible for managing natural resources and environmental affairs;
• implementation of results-driven natural resource management programs.

The subcomponents listed below are a provisional attempt to identify key tasks and outputs. A more detailed presentation will be made by the Senior Environmental Policy Advisor on or before August 15.

T1. Assist with interpretation of National Environmental Policy and National Environmental Framework Bill

1. Background paper produced highlighting any inconsistencies between NEP and NEF and existing sectoral policies and legislation
2. Technical guidance provided to sectoral agencies on implications of policies, laws and institutional roles and responsibilities

T1. Assist line agencies in preparing action plans, including review of institutional roles

1. Technical review provided for each sectoral policy action plans and master action plan developed

T2. Assist line agencies in implementing action plans

1. Implementation progress monitored
2. Review of sectoral policies, legislation, and institutions completed
3. Revised sectoral policies and legislation approved
4. Institutional roles and responsibilities clarified
   

The Public Lands Utilization Study will permit a detailed characterization of public lands in Malawi, including the current environmental status of selected lands, land and resource use patterns, and alternative scenarios for tenure and utilization. This information will be of direct assistance to resource managers and policy makers involved with the management and conservation of Malawi’s public land resources. A detailed statement of objectives and tasks is presented in 2.3.2 above.

T1. Insure broad availability and distribution of data, information products, and findings from PLUS activity

1. PLUS report, digital and hardcopy atlas, and associated datasets accessible through NDC and Ministry of Lands
2. Presentation of findings made to key GOM agencies and technical specialists

Environmental management, policy, and information have become popular targets for donor funding. The increased interest in these areas has led to a corresponding increase in the amount of time GOM staff in agencies related to these areas must spend servicing donor needs. The broad range of potential investment opportunities and the pressing nature of some environmental issues, such as those in the Shire River Catchment Basin, strongly favors a more focused and coordinated approach to programming investments and technical inputs into the sector.

T1. Support the establishment and effective operation of fora for

1. Environmental policy advisor will serve as secretary, prepare draft agenda, and distribute minutes of monthly GOM-Donor Environmental Program meetings, to be chaired by PS/MoREA.

This component of MEMP II responds directly to the third theme of the NATURE program, the implementation of results-driven natural resource management programs, by supporting the development of multi-year priority work programs with clear links between funding and performance. The UA-CU team will support the introduction and effective implementation of Performance Based Budgeting System (PBBS) methods and procedures by providing direct guidance by the long-term advisor and focused short-term technical assistance in areas identified for specific attention. Performance based management techniques will impose a degree of accountability on agencies and government linked to the effective accomplishment of agreed upon results.

T1. Assist with refinement of proposal guidelines and review criteria of NRM project activities under PBBS

1. EP&D releases comprehensive guidelines for proposals and has developed effective and transparent criteria for proposal review

T2. Support line ministries and departments in formulation of NRM programs for consideration for PBBS support

1. Program proposals approved by Treasury
2. Satisfactory level of attainment of performance targets achieved; constraints to attainment identified

T1. Explore options for technical and financial sustainability for E/NRM activities

1. Guided consultation with institutions on options for sustainability
2. Strategies for enhancing technical and financial sustainability developed
   

T2. Assess legal, financial, organizational dimensions of establishing a national endowment for E/NRM activities

1. Working Papers prepared on key technical dimensions

T3. Provide technical support to Endowment Trust Working Group

1. Working Group has defined practicality and steps for establishing endowment

T4. Prepare action plan for Environmental Endowment, if warranted

1. Action plan with clear steps and time lines established

[ Table of Contents]

The MEMP II program of assistance will contribute to the accomplishment of concrete results in the areas of improved environmental monitoring, the production and effective dissemination of environmental information products, the establishment of a policy/legislation environment conducive to improved resource conservation and management by public sector agencies and resource users, improved implementation of NRM programs, and the development of strategies for long-term technical and financial sustainability, among others. Life of activity results are identified for each component addressed in the workplan. Some of these results will be accomplished during the period covered by this annual workplan. Other results will be accomplished within the life of project and will continue to be intervention areas subject to action in later workplans.

Progress toward the accomplishment of each identified life of activity result will be measured by the technical assistance team. Indicators have been developed for each result; in some cases, a result may have multiple indicators. The monitoring of these indicators will provide a useful tool to the technical assistance team, GOM counterparts involved in implementation, and USAID Mission staff.

1. Public sector agencies able to undertake environmental monitoring, analysis and presentation of findings to inform policy.
   Indicators: a) sector reports on environmental resource problems, e.g., deforestation, land use/land cover change, and water quality and hydrological conditions, contain reliable data of use to senior managers and policy makers b) line agency reports utilized by senior managers c) environmental monitoring reports presented to and utilized by cross sectoral technical bodies e.g. TCE

1. The creation of an effective and efficient environmental data management system that will have national level implications.
   Indicators: a) national level data archiving standards established and adopted; b) mechanism established and utilized for data retrieval
   
2. Development of a prototype EIS with application that addresses a national environmental problem.
   Indicators: a) Shire River Catchment enviromental situation analysis report produced and disseminated; b) other analyses produced and distributed using institutional mechanisms and data from prototype EIS
   

1. GOM line agencies and environmental researchers have applied and evaluated intensive and extensive EM technologies
   Indicators: a) area sample frame implemented in one ADD and evaluated; b) evaluation reports of EM technology utility and effectiveness
   
2. Policy makers use information provided by EM/EIS activities
   Indicators: a) information produced by ASF, PLUS and other EM/EIS activities reported in deliberations of policy makers in sectoral agencies and national bodies e.g. Land Commission, NCE and TCE.

1. In-service training provided in geographic technologies and other analytic methods, and capacity to continue training present in Malawian institutions
   Indicators: a) 20 technicians from public agencies and UNIMA system trained and capable of conducting research relevant to environmental monitoring issues using geographic technologies and other methods; b) UNIMA personnel involved in providing in-service training sessions
   
2. Articulation of needs and constraints for long-term technology adoption within each of the agencies and UNIMA.
   Indicators: a) detailed system design and strategy for technology adoption for each agency; b) local procurement of technology; c) training capacity and environmental curriculum created that includes geographic technology training
   
3. Environmental sciences training and research capacity strengthened in UNIMA and other research institutions.
   Indicators: a) curricula developed and in use for environmental science courses; b) GIS training sessions offered by at least one UNIMA campus on a regular basis; c.) local environmental research grants awarded; d) publications and presentations of environmental research results by UNIMA researchers
   

1. Legal framework in place, policies revised, and public sector agencies able to interpret in programs and activities.
   Indicators: 1) reports from sectoral policy and legislation review; 2) sectoral policies and legislation approved; 3) programs reflecting policy changes evident in each line agency
   
2. Information base for land use and tenure policy options for publicly-held lands utilized by resource planners and policy-makers.
   Indicators: 1) working papers and other policy and technical documents produced using data and findings from PLUS activity.
   
3. Donor representatives and GOM officials are informed of existing and planned activities in E/NRM sectors.
   Indicators: 1) minutes of coordination meetings; 2) survey of donor representatives and GOM officials
4. E/NRM line agencies able to produce and implement programs with clear performance criteria and linked budgets.
   Indicators: 1) programs presented and approved by Ministry of Finance; 2) monitoring reports demonstrate ability to meet targets in majority of programs
   
5. Strategies developed to support long-term technical and financial sustainability of E/NRM activities.
   Indicators: 1) strategy papers produced for key E/NRM activities; 2) Endowment Working Group has reached decision on feasibility of endowment; 3) action plan for establishment of endowment

[ Table of Contents]

A table of indicators by result including: indicator definition, data source, evaluation method, timing & frequency of acquisition and reporting will be submitted at a later date.

Informal monthly meetings will be attended by all four LTTA, with additional meetings on an as needed basis. Quarterly written reports will be prepared documenting progress to date, implementation constraints and the results of the quarterly monitoring and evaluation activity.

An evaluation of the first three years of the MEMP will be conducted within twelve to eighteen months.