In Mwanza District, where most families depend on rain-fed farming, women are once again preparing their fields for the new growing season, hopeful that this year will bring better fortunes after a season of hardship.
For Ruth Paulo from Gulola Village, last year’s El Niño-induced drought was devastating. Her maize harvest dropped to just two bags, barely enough to feed her family beyond February.
“I harvested just two bags, we had to survive on sweet potatoes that we harvested as a backup,” said Paulo. “My husband’s piecework in Mozambique helped us pay school fees and buy food.”
Determined to bounce back, Ruth has already started preparing her land and plans to plant hybrid maize seeds, hoping for improved yields if the rains come as expected.
For many, last year’s El Niño-induced drought was a reminder of how unpredictable the climate has become, revealing the vulnerability of smallholder farmers to climate change.
The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS) recently announced that Malawi is likely to receive normal to above-normal rainfall between October 2025 and March 2026.
However, the department also warned of delayed onsets, unusually high temperatures, and dry spells particularly in February 2026, a development that could reduce crop yields if farmers are unprepared.
DCCMS Public Relations Officer, Yobu Kachiwanda, has urged farmers to plan carefully and avoid planting with false rains.
“Farmers should not rush to plant with the first rains, they must follow weather updates and plan their farming activities according to the forecasts specific to their area,” said Kachiwanda.
In Mkulira Village, Patricia Litisoni also lamented how the dry spell affected her two-hectare maize field last season.
“After planting successfully, I used four bags of fertilizer, but when the drought came, everything dried up,” Litisoni said.
“Out of the two hectares, I only harvested two buckets of maize from what used to give me 29 bags.”
Without access to a radio, Litisoni says she relies on fellow farmers to learn about weather forecasts and agricultural advice. This year, she plans to adapt her approach by incorporating irrigation into her farming routine.
“I can’t depend entirely on the rains anymore,” she explained.
For Mangalita Elisa of Mkulira 2 Village, last year’s drought was one of the worst farming seasons she has ever experienced.
“I used to harvest 15 bags from my land, but last year, I only got three bags. Since then, we’ve been surviving on piecework,” she said.
Like Litisoni, Mangalita does not own a radio and depends on word-of-mouth for weather updates.
Still, she is taking proactive steps to protect her soil and crops this year.
She revealed that she is now gathering organic waste to help her soil retain moisture once the rains come.
Chief Agriculture Officer for Mwanza District, Idruce Kanyenda, said the council has intensified awareness campaigns through extension workers to help farmers interpret forecasts and adapt their farming practices.
However, agricultural expert Leonard Chimwaza has warned that while the forecast offers hope, it must be matched with preparedness.
“Farmers need to take advantage of agricultural advisers in their area to learn how best they can mitigate the negative impacts of climate change and improve their harvests,” Chimwaza said.
By Catherine Alumando, Mwanza
