The overall aim is to help communities adapt to changing weather patterns and build resilience to climate-related pressures. A combination of supporting activities will enable the poorest households to meet their needs all year round. The project, which builds on Oxfam's experience of working in Malawi for over 20 years, covers ten vulnerable communities (100 villages) in Balaka and Blantyre rural districts. Working closely with the district government and Oxfam's long-term partner Blantyre Synod Health and Development Commission (BSHDC), the project will demonstrate 'model' approaches to climate adaptation that can be replicated on a much wider scale.

Project aims

• Improve farmers' incomes and agricultural production to ensure reliable food supplies by supporting them to grow more drought-resistant crops.
• Promote better land and water management by developing irrigation systems and providing training in soil and water conservation techniques.
• Strengthen livelihoods and provide new ways to generate income by distributing livestock, diversifying crops and establishing a village savings and loan scheme.
• Enable communities to identify climate risks, prepare action plans, and understand and implement disaster risk reduction measures.

Patrick Nsonda lives in the village of Kunthembwe, with his wife and six children. He relies heavily on rain to grow his crops and he is finding it hard to produce enough food and earn enough income to sustain his family. He is expected to be one of the project beneficiaries and is looking forward to receiving a goat.

Download the full Malawi project details (862KB PDF)

Companies:

Kimberly Haynes - khaynes@oxfam.org.uk
01865 472431

If you're based in Scotland:

Annie Lewis - alewis@oxfam.org.uk
0141 285 8873