Mtalimanja Holdings Limited (MHL) intends to develop a 400-hectare irrigation scheme at Santhe in Kasungu and Chakhadza in Dowa and establish agro-processing factories. The main project components will be development and operation of an irrigation scheme, a rice processing factory, peanut butter production factory and maize flour milling factory for value addition. The broad objective of the project is to contribute to poverty reduction by enhancing agricultural productivity in the area, increase income levels to the direct and indirect project beneficiaries, increased food security among beneficiaries of the districts and beyond with 3,000 direct beneficiaries for the next five years. The project is estimated but not limited to a total cost of US$24 million. The client hired Matex International to conduct an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the project.