Malawi Grapples with Climate Change as Citizens Report Worsening Weather Patterns
A recent survey has revealed that a significant majority of Malawians are experiencing the impacts of climate change, with 86% reporting increased crop failure and 77% citing more severe droughts over the past decade. The Afrobarometer Round 10 survey also found that 61% of respondents noted worsening land or soil erosion, with the Southern Region being the most affected. In response to these changes, many Malawians are adapting their daily lives, including altering their crops, reducing outdoor work, and changing water usage.
The survey’s findings are consistent with Malawi’s vulnerability to climate change, as ranked 169th out of 187 countries on the ND-GAIN Country Index. The country’s reliance on agriculture, which contributes 23% of its gross domestic product, makes it particularly susceptible to climate-related disruptions. Extreme weather events, such as floods, droughts, and storms, have hindered the country’s development growth over the past decade, with tropical cyclones causing significant damage and loss of life.
The Malawian government has implemented various policies and programs to mitigate the effects of climate change, including the National Climate Change Management Policy and the Renewable Energy Strategy. However, despite these efforts, implementation remains a challenge due to insufficient funding, weak institutional capabilities, and reliance on donor funding. The government has also launched initiatives to help vulnerable communities adapt to climate change, including forest landscape restoration and Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation programs.
Among the 77% of Malawians who have heard of climate change, 87% believe it is making life worse, and 81% attribute its causes to human activities. There is strong public support for policies addressing climate change, including investment in weather-resilient infrastructure, wind and solar energy, and a ban on tree cutting for fuel. The survey’s findings highlight the need for immediate action to address the impacts of climate change in Malawi and the importance of continued support for policies and programs aimed at mitigating its effects. As the country continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, it is essential that the government and international community work together to provide adequate funding and support for adaptation and mitigation efforts.
