BRIEFS
People in Dowa District are calling for increased investment in irrigation, early warning systems, safe water sources and climate-smart agriculture to mitigate the impact of climate.
They raised the concerns on Monday when Civil Society Network on Climate Change (Cisonecc) convened a meeting with community representatives and government officials to discuss climate change impact and gaps in policy responses.
In her contribution, Alice Banda from Traditional Authority (T/A) Dzoole said unpredictable rainfall patterns have reduced crop yields.
She said: “Over the years, we have experienced prolonged dry spells and flooding that have worsened food insecurity as well as waterborne disease outbreaks.
“Last year, my maize dried before maturity.”
Another community member Hastings Mbewe from T/A Kayembe said climate change is taking a toll on community health, particularly among children and the elderly.
“When floods contaminate our water sources, diarrhoea cases increase. During droughts, there is hunger and sickness follows,” he said.
Memory Phiri from T/A Chakhaza said drying wells and rivers are forcing women and girls to walk long distances in search of water, affecting sanitation and hygiene in the process.
In his remarks, Cisonecc national coordinator Julius Ng’oma said the testimonies show that climate change is already disrupting livelihoods at the grassroots and should be addressed through inclusive and community-informed policies.
“Their experiences must guide government planning if Malawi is to build meaningful climate and disaster resilience,” he said.
Department of Disaster Management Affairs resilience officer Hanke Ndau said government is strengthening coordination in disaster preparedness, water, agriculture and health sectors.
In recent years, the country has experienced cyclones that led to flooding and dry spells that affected crop production.
The meeting was held under the Climate Just Communities Project funded by the Scottish Government’s Climate Justice Fund and implemented by DAI Global UK.
