Malawi is facing a growing threat from climate change, which has caused frequent and severe weather events such as floods, droughts, dry spells, and rising temperatures.
These events have reduced agricultural output, increased food insecurity, and undermined the livelihoods of rural communities. To address this challenge, the Government of Malawi (GoM) and the World Food Programme (WFP) have joined forces to provide integrated climate risk management solutions and structured market opportunities to the most vulnerable households.
The Adaptation Fund Project, which has received a grant of $9,989,335, is being implemented in Balaka, Machinga, and Zomba districts. The project aims to reach 85,000 households, or about 382,500 people, with interventions that include promoting soil and water conservation practices, creating individual and group assets, developing irrigation systems, and diversifying crops with a focus on drought-tolerant and nutritious varieties.
One of the beneficiaries of the project is Henry Masaninga, a 48-year-old farmer from Mdawali Village in Zomba District, who shared his inspiring story with us.
Masaninga was struggling to cope with the impacts of climate change until he received 250 banana suckers through the project, which enabled him to start a banana farm in Mjambe 1 Village. In just one year, he and his family have earned over K4 million from selling bananas.
They have used the money to improve their house and pay for their children’s education.
“I feel honoured because my life has changed completely. This project has shown me that nothing is impossible,” said Masaninga, expressing his gratitude.
Masaninga and his family faced some resistance from others who thought their farming activities would damage the land, but they did not give up. They have not only achieved financial security, but they have also helped other vulnerable people in their village.
“They have paid the school fees for a needy Form 2 student from another area and have given 50 banana suckers to another family to help them become financially independent,” said Group Village Headman Mjambe 1.
Cleopas Lameck, Zomba District Project Coordinator, highlighted the project’s objective of empowering farmers to adapt to climate change impacts.
He said the project aims to ensure that farmers can achieve economic stability, despite the adverse difficulties fuelled by climate change.
“Climate change is a reality, and we want our farmers to be resilient and prosperous,” said Lameck.
Chief Mjambe 1, who was pleased with the project’s outcomes, said that hunger is no longer an issue since the project started in Zomba. Farmers in the area are not only eating bananas from their farms but also selling the excess.
However, Chief Mjambe 1 also expressed the need for a Solar Water Pump to help save water resources, given the negative effects of climate change on agriculture.
Zomba District plans to target 29,250 households, or about 131,625 people, from the 33 Group Village Headmen (GVHs) working with the Chingale Extension Planning Area (EPA).
Through the ongoing efforts of the Adaptation Fund Project, vulnerable farmers in Malawi’s Southern Region are finding hope and opportunity in the face of climate change challenges.
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