Integrated Risk Management Programme

Education & Capacity Building Food



Improving food security in the context of increasing climate variability


Project Facts

Location
Malawi
Chikwawa, Blantyre Rural and Mangochi.

Project Volume
1-5 Mio. EUR

Applied Financing Solutions
Other

Project Dates
Start: 2017 | End: 2020
In operation since/from: 2017

The Story

With support from the Flemish Government of a total of 2.5 million EUR, the World Food Programme (WFP) implemented an Integrated Risk Management Programme (IRMP) in Malawi for smallholder farmers. They are depending on rain-fed agriculture are under significant threat because of the increase in unpredictable weather events such as prolonged dry spells or floods. To deal with the weather uncertainties, it is key to improving access to actual weather information for those vulnerable communities to strengthen their capacities accompanied by practical advice.

This can help to enhance their knowledge and lead to information-based decisions on agriculture, adoption of new technologies or delivers inputs on new cultivation practices contributing to more food security.

An easier access to risk management mechanisms helps to cope with weather hazards but also to promote and facilitate access to financial services. This will strengthen their capacities to invest and to diversify their livelihoods, making them more productive and climate resilient.

Success Factor | Hero Moment

Information was co-developed and distributed through local radio stations which included themes such as i) understanding livelihood activities to adapt to climate variability and climate change; ii) sourcing farm inputs and capital for income generating activities; iii) understanding historic climate trends; iv) responding to impacts of climate variability and climate change; v) practising climate-smart agriculture, harvesting, storage, marketing; vi) adaptation strategies in the face of climate related risks during the agricultural season, among others.

Submitter
World Food Programme (WFP),

Other Involved Stakeholders
The Ministry of Agriculture Irrigation and Water Development (MoAIWD) in Malawi; the World Food Programme Office in Malawi; the University of Reading, UK; the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS) in Malawi; Farm Radio Trust (FRT).

Contact Mail
climatechange@wfp.org

Website
insight.wfp.org/adapting-farmers-to-climate-variability-in-malawi-c3a211bfca73

Keywords
Adaptation, Agriculture

Hard Facts
40.000 people are benefitting directly