Malawi

Why are we in Malawi? Malawi is ranked 171 out of 188 in the Human Development Index. More than 50% of Malawians are living below the poverty line, of which an estimated 20% are living in extreme poverty. We work with the most vulnerable households in Malawi, supporting livelihoods, resilience to climate change, and promoting gender equality.

Over 80% of Malawians source their livelihoods from the land

Climatic shocks such as drought, flooding and strong weather patterns are a regular occurrence in Malawi. In March 2019, Cyclone Idai hit the country, directly affecting almost one million people, and killing 60. The country was already suffering from high rates of chronic malnutrition, with a stunting rate of 37.1% among children under five years. Malawi’s population has grown by 35% over the past ten years to 17.1 million, placing huge stress on land and crop production. With such rapid population growth, there is also an increase in fertility rates and high rates of teenage pregnancies.

Latest achievements

Emergency response

With the support of Irish Aid, we targeted Internally Displaced People (IDPs) living in makeshift camps and those accommodated by host communities in Nsanje district as part of our Cyclone Idai emergency response. Around 1,000 households were reached with non-food item (NFI) kits.

Graduation programme

Food and nutrition

Marita Kafera waters her kitchen garden, Malawi. Photo: Jennifer Nolan / Concern Worldwide.

Joseph Kanyangalazi with one of his pigs, Malawi. Photo: Jennifer Nolan / Concern Worldwide.

Workers load up trucks with supplies for the areas of the Nsanje Region worst affected by Cyclone Idai. Photo: Gavin Douglas / Concern Worldwide.

Supplies being loaded for the areas of the Nsanje Region worst affected by Cyclone Idai. Photo: Gavin Douglas / Concern Worldwide.

Belita Andrade brings her emergency supplies home after Cyclone Idai hit Malawi. Photo: Gavin Douglas / Concern Worldwide.

Children laughing and playing in Malawi. Photo Jennifer Nolan / Concern Worldwide.

Winnie Banda holds sweet potatoes, Malawi. Photo: Jennifer Nolan / Concern Worldwide.

Sisters Esther and Jane Nyirenda hold one of their goats. Photo: Jennifer Nolan / Concern Worldwide.

Donal Skehan programme visit

In November 2016, celebrity chef Donal Skehan traveled to Malawi to visit our programmes and see the work that we're doing to address malnutrition and hunger across the country. In addition, he saw how our Concern Christmas Gifts are helping to change lives too.

Part 1

Part 2

How we're helping Malawi

We are working hard to combat suffering and build resilience in Malawi. We are doing this by establishing programmes which will combat gender inequality, climate change and help improve livelihoods.

Graduation programme

Climate change

Gender equality

Latest from Malawi

Recently married Patrick Ghembo of Monyo Village standing in his field, destroyed by the floods. Patrick is a farmer of maize and rice. He must rely solely on fishing until he can plant again. His wife and him will stay at the displacement camp until the floods have fully subsided. Photo: Gavin Douglas/ Concern Worldwide.

News

13 June 2019

Cyclone Idai and the impact of climate change on agriculture

Cyclone Idai highlighted the devastating impact of climate change on agriculture in developing countries. But no country, including Ireland, is immune to its effects.