Malawi commonly experiences floods, droughts, and landslides. Climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of these events, particularly affecting rural communities. Areas facing significant impacts include:
- Southern Malawi (districts like Nsanje, Chikwawa, and Phiri): Severe flooding along the Shire River and tributaries
- Central and Northern regions: Droughts affecting agriculture and food security
- Mountainous areas (e.g., Mulanje, Zomba): Landslides and soil erosion during intense rains
Most affected communities:
- Rural farming communities: Crop failure and loss of livestock due to droughts and floods
- Fishing communities around Lake Malawi: Impacts on livelihoods from changing water levels and increased flooding
- Urban poor in cities like Lilongwe and Blantyre: Inadequate drainage and informal settlements increase vulnerability to floods
These groups are most affected due to poverty, reliance on rain-fed agriculture, and limited access to early warning systems.
Local coping and adaptation methods:
- Building raised homes and community flood shelters
- Crop diversification and conservation agriculture
- Community-based early warning systems and mutual support networks
Institutional and external support:
- Government: Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA), relief materials, temporary shelters
- NGOs & International agencies: UNICEF, Red Cross, World Food Programme (food aid, health services, climate awareness)
- Community-based organizations: Local education, relief distribution, and recovery support.