Animators lead Malawi’s fight against climate crisis

The climate crisis is a major driver of global hunger, and its effects are being deeply felt in rural Malawi. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall and unpredictable weather patterns have devastated agricultural productivity, exacerbating food insecurity across the country. For many, access to food has become increasingly precarious. Approximately 5.7 million people in Malawi struggle with food insecurity, and 71% of the population lives in extreme poverty. Rural communities, in particular, face significant challenges, often lacking the resources and job opportunities necessary to develop sustainably.

In response, our team in Malawi has taken bold action to address these challenges through climate adaptation and resilience-building initiatives. Their efforts are grounded in the belief that sustainable solutions must be rooted in local knowledge and community-led action. As part of this, they focus on strengthening communities so they can better withstand environmental damage and the climate challenges that put food security at risk.

In the region around Majete Wildlife Reserve, which has long been affected by drought, the introduction of drought-resistant crops such as sorghum and millet has transformed farming practices. For the first time, community members at the Majete 8 Epicenter have started planting these crops, marking a shift away from traditional maize cultivation. Francis Kamphoodza (pictured below in the purple shirt), a trained community mobilizer, called an animator, has been instrumental in this transition. Through his advocacy and leadership, he has helped the community embrace these more resilient crops, which are better suited to the changing climate.

Animators like Francis are central to this transformation. Our Animator Training in Climate and Resilience equips local volunteers with the tools and knowledge to guide their communities through the changing climate. These animators act as catalysts for change, sharing vital information about climate change impacts, sustainable farming practices and climate adaptation strategies including weather information systems, climate-smart calendars and local safety nets that enable communities to be proactive rather than reactive to climate events.

Another success story comes from the Majete 6 Epicenter, where we facilitated beekeeping training for 20 farmers. By equipping farmers with beekeeping tools and training, they now have an alternative income source that can withstand climate shocks, such as droughts and floods. It also helps to restore degraded land and promote reforestation efforts, making it a sustainable solution for both the environment and the community.

As the climate crisis continues to threaten food security in Malawi, we remain committed to building resilience. Through education, sustainable farming practices and community-led initiatives, we are mobilizing  rural communities to create a world without hunger.

This World Hunger Day, we celebrate the resilience and strength of the communities in Malawi who are planting the seeds for a better tomorrow.