The situation analysis done by FEDOMA in 2016 revealed that persons with disabilities face multiple barriers and numerous obstacles that hinder their full and equal participation in environmental initiatives. Despite the existence of disability legal frameworks such as the Disability Act and the UN convention on the rights of persons with disabilities, gaps between policy and practice, as well as challenges in mainstreaming efforts remain. Disability has been largely invisible in the major international and national interventions/programs targeting the general population in most Malawian communities mainly in the area of environmental management as persons with disabilities are mainly affected by the shocks of environmental hazards due to climate change. In addition, tangible progress on the inclusion of persons with disabilities remains limited.
This project intends to address the exclusion of persons with disabilities in environmental initiatives. The attitudinal, environmental and institutional barriers that hinder the participation of person with disabilities will be addressed through building the capacity of the GEF partners in disability mainstreaming strategies. The lack of knowledge and skills on disability issues by the developmental partners plays a major role in the exclusion of persons with disabilities in developmental work at all levels. In addition, this challenge is coupled by the low expectations and negative attitudes towards persons with disabilities by communities and developmental partners
Specific results
The following are the anticipated results of the project:
? Presence of functional disability inclusive institutional policies amongst GEF partners
? Increased levels of participation by persons with disabilities in GEF partners programs
? enhanced understanding of disability issues amongst GEF partners
? GEF partners able to showcase success stories of the involvement of Persons with disabilities participating in low carbon energy technologies as well as chemical and waste management