MALAWI

Community Development Changing Lives

ABOUT MALAWI
Despite its impoverished state, Malawi has been billed as “the warm heart of Africa”, and is
apt in terms of its people and natural landscape. Malawi has all that nature lovers adore –
mountains, woodland, grassland and a beautiful lake that covers a fifth of Malawi’s total area

Friendly and open, the people of Malawi often have a joy that belies their circumstances.
More than half the population lives below the poverty line. Turbulent politics, extremes of
drought and heavy rainfall, rapid population growth and a growing AIDS epidemic have all
contributed to this state of affairs.

Most Malawians rely on subsistence farming but precarious food supplies makes thousands
of tonnes of food aid every year, necessary. Malawi’s single major natural resource, agricultural
land, is under pressure as it is eaten up to provide infrastructure for the increasing popula-
tion. Uranium mines could help boost the country’s economy; however a comprehensive
strategy to fight poverty on all levels is needed.

QUICK FACTS
Full name:
Republic of Malawi
Population:
12.6 million (UN, 2005)

Capital city:
Lilongwe

Area:
118,484 sq km (45,747 sq miles)

Major languages:
English, Chichewa (both official)

Major religion:
Christianity, Islam
TEAR FUND IN MALAWI
Life expectancy:
The question of food security is topical as food supplies diminish and food prices climb, but for 40 years (men), 40 years (women) (UN)
the people of Malawi, food security isn’t ew. Malawi’s fragile economy is based largely on agricul- Monetary unit:
ture but the people of Malawi face increasingly challenging weather conditions in which to grow 1 Malawi kwacha (MK) = 100 tambala
their crops. Failed harvests, economic stagnation, inadequate agricultural policies and HIV/Aids are
part of the complex web of problems that have plunged millions into crisis there. Main exports:
Tobacco, tea, sugar, cotton

TEAR Fund through its partner World Relief responded to the famine in 2004. Even though the GNI per capita:
rains have now come, the project is trying to insulate Malawians,from the devastating effects US $160 (World Bank, 2006)
of climate change by helping to increase the incomes of vulnerable rural households through
viable agricultural businesses. The Malawi Agriculture Project (MAP) promotes crop and livestock
production in the impoverished districts of Salima, Nkhotakota and Mzimba.

MAP gives families practical help to increase family incomes and a sustainable source of food.
Farmer field schools (FFS) and demonstration plots help train locals to develop sustainable and
strategic farming practices. This will increase the productivity of their land and benefit their overall
wellbeing. Income generating activities, village saving schemes and training in product marketing,
will also raise the level of income families bring in.

MAP also places a large focus on irrigating land and crop and livestock production. Supplying
water pumps and seeds for planting, chickens, feed and medicines for livestock, along with skills
development are all helping meet this goal. Through TEAR Fund’s agriculture project the most
basic needs of Malawians are being met sustainably.

Call to donate: 0800 800 777 or visit www.tearfund.org.nz

 Community Development Changing Lives

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

TEAR Fund community development works by empowering poor communities to find their
own solutions to issues. This significantly reduces overheads by operating through local staff.
We work directly with the poorest allowing us to identify and address the root causes of
poverty not just the symptoms.

TEAR Fund partners with indigenous Christian organisations who carry out the work
themselves. Assistance is given regardless of beliefs.

TEAR Fund takes an holistic approach to all of its projects which takes the local community
on a journey of transformation through improved physical, social and economic circum-
stances, and often on an individual level, spiritual change.

How community development transforms

• Physical – meets targeted need such as health
• Social – unites and empowers
• Economic – often creates opportunities for income generation
• Spiritual – opens doors for gospel

FILLING THE HUNGER GAP IN MALAWI

Battling drought and other circumstances beyond their control, families Through support from TEAR Fund, Alias joined a farming group, and
find themselves dependent on emergency food distributions, especially in now owns 0.334ha (1 acre) of cotton. He expects to harvest over
the pre-harvest months of January through to April. 1000kgs, which he will sell in local markets.

They’re grateful for this vital support – but they would rather provide for
themselves. At least 85 per cent of the people survive on subsistence agri-
culture – growing their own food. They know that food handouts will not
solve their long-term hunger problem. To defeat hunger, Malawi’s people
must be empowered to protect themselves against drought and famine.
They must be equipped to succeed. The people are further plagued by the
scourge of AIDS, which has reduced the life expectancy in Malawi to just
41 years.
During the major famine in 2004 Alias Kasamba struggled to feed his
family but through the intervention of TEAR Fund and its partner World
Relief, he is optimistic about the future.
“I believe hunger for my family is a story of the past,” he says. The 46-year-
old father of six struggled in recent years to feed his family. A subsistence
farmer, Kasamba would often sell firewood to make ends meet.
Alias says he will use the profit to pay for his children’s school fees, to
buy seeds for the next season and he will also give to the church to
support its HIV/AIDS ministry.
By running the agriculture programme through Malawi’s local church, it
provides a living witness of Christ’s love, alongside an integrated HIV/
AIDS awareness programme.
“Even those who are not Christian are coming to the church to learn
more about how the programme can help our community to grow
sustainable crops and address AIDS,” says Alias.
The Malawi Agriculture Project gives families practical help to increase
family incomes and a sustainable source of food. As food security is
one of the biggest problems facing Malawi, this programme is a much-
needed help to the 21 neediest communities.

CONTACTS:
National Office: Freephone: 0800 800 777
PO Box 8315, Symonds St, Facsimile: (09) 629 1050
Auckland 1150 Email: enquiries@tearfund.org.nz
New Zealand Website: www.tearfund.org.nz COUNTRY PROFILES