Malawi
WHAT WE DO
Strengthening Climate Resilience and Ending Hunger in Malawi.
“End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.”
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #2: Zero Hunger
With your help, Opportunity International Canada is helping to bring the Sustainable Development Goals home by supporting smallholder farmer families living in poverty in rural communities to build sustainable livelihoods, increase food production, and improve resilience against the effects of climate change in Malawi.
Malawi stands as one of the world’s poorest and most underdeveloped nations. According to the World Bank, slightly over half of Malawi’s population lives below the national poverty line, with one-fifth living in extreme poverty. Rural areas bear the brunt of this economic hardship, housing nearly 95% of households in poverty.
Every year, an average of 1.73 million people in Malawi suffer from food insecurity during the hunger season between November and February – even in times without unusual economic or weather-related shocks. These people live in southern Malawi, where vulnerability is highest.
More than 80% of the population relies on rain-fed agriculture for survival, a precarious livelihood given the increasing drought and flood cycles. Due to poverty and heavy reliance on rain-fed agriculture, the Food and Agriculture Association of the United Nations has highlighted Malawi as among the top countries most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
Facts about Malawi
- 19M estimated population
- Over 50% of Malawians live below the poverty line
- Nearly 95%of poor households in Malawi are located in rural areas
- Around 67% of Malawian adults do not have access to formal banking services, with women constituting 70% of this group.
- The majority of Malawi's population relies on rain-fed agriculture for their livelihood, highlighting the significance of this sector in the country's economy and the vulnerability of its population to climate variability.
Our work in Malawi
Building Livelihoods & Food Security
Our work is focused on supporting families living in poverty in rural communities to build sustainable livelihoods, increase food production, and improve resilience against the affects of climate change.
Regenerative Agriculture
Our program focuses on strengthening climate resilience of 6,000 smallholder farmers by introducing sustainable farming practices to improve soil health, agricultural productivity, and ecosystem resilience.
VSLAs
We aim to establish 400 Village Savings and Loans Associations for approximately 15 members each. These savings groups will improve household financial literacy and facilitate financial inclusion.
See how your support is making a
difference in the Malawi
Learn more about our program including strategy, objectives, and outcomes.
Meet Florence
When she first started saving, Florence obtained an agricultural loan to invest in higher-quality seeds and fertilizers. Additionally, she actively participated in training sessions organized in her village. Empowered by the loan and newfound agricultural knowledge, Florence significantly boosted her crop yields and income. Some of her earnings were allocated towards enhancing the security of her home by purchasing metal sheets for roof improvements. She was also able to support her grandchildren’s education, ensuring they receive quality schooling and acquire essential skills for their future endeavours.