Enhancing Climate Resilience - A Narrative of Water Security in Northern Malawi

12 June 2024
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African Development Bank (Abidjan)
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Nestled in the southeastern region of Africa, Malawi is blessed with diverse landscapes, from the plains of the central region to the Shire Highlands in the south, and the Nyika and Viphya Plateau in the north.

However, behind its natural beauty lies a pressing issue: water security.

Landlocked and dependent primarily on rainfall, Malawi's socio-economic development is intricately linked to the availability of this vital resource. However, the specter of climate change has brought increased variability in rainfall patterns, heightening the risk of water shortages and jeopardizing the country's development goals.

In response to this challenge, Malawi formulated its Climate Investment Funds (CIF) Strategic Program for Climate Resilience (SPCR) in 2017. Yet, despite this framework, substantial technical assistance is required to ensure the country's climate resilience vision is effectively translated into tangible sectoral and regional readiness.

It is for this reason that the African Development Bank, in collaboration with the CIF under the Development for Resilience Program (BDRP) window of the SPCR, has pledged its technical assistance support, aiming to advance Malawi's climate resilience priorities, particularly in the water sector in three districts of the northern region.

Since 2022, one key initiative--the Technical Assistance for Catchment-Based Climate Resilient Water Security in Northern Malawi--has been underway. This initiative aims to not only enhance the resilience and water security and soil conservation techniques of communities but also improve institutional coordination and information management. The project is linked to an ongoing Water and Sanitation Project financed by the Bank, to improve the health and livelihoods of the residents of Nkhata Bay Town and surrounding areas, through increased access to potable water and improved sanitation services.

The technical assistance project targets approximately 25,000 people, with at least 50 percent being women, in Northern Malawi. These beneficiaries, spread across the districts of Nkhata Bay, Rumphi, and Chitipa, are poised to experience direct enhancements in water supply and sanitation services that are resilient to climate impacts.

Furthermore, about 2,000 local community members will benefit from training in climate-resilient soil and water conservation technologies. Local authorities, service providers, and their staff will also gain from the technical assistance and the development of a water security framework.

According to Emmanuel Kouadio, resilience program lead, Climate Investment Funds: "The Climate Investment Funds is proud to partner with Malawi and the African Development Bank to strengthen the water security of Malawian communities, particularly women and youth. CIF funding for resilience has reached more than 55 million people around the world, and we will continue to support our partners in adapting to climate change."

Anthony Nyong, Director for Climate Change and Green Growth at the African Development Bank underscores the significance of the collaboration: "The Climate Investment Funds (CIF) PPCR-BDRP window is a transformative initiative that embodies the Bank's commitment to building climate resilience. Our partnership with CIF in this project is crucial for translating strategic climate resilience plans into actionable measures, ensuring that communities in Northern Malawi can secure their water resources and thrive amidst changing climatic conditions."

The technical assistance project is achieving the following:

  • Increase resilience of landscapes through integration of climate resilience into planning, processes, and interventions for strengthened water security.
  • Increase resilience of community livelihood systems through strengthening their capacity in climate-smart water resources management.
  • Enhance learning by training communities on proper soil and water conservation techniques, and knowledge-sharing on the integration of climate resilience into water security.
  • Enhance institutional coordination and information management for climate risk management.

With a four-year implementation period, the project represents hope for the future. It is a testament to the commitment to address immediate challenges and build a more resilient and sustainable future for the people of Malawi.

Through collaboration and innovation, the project is paving the way for a more water-secure future for the people of Malawi.

Read the original article on African Development Bank (AfDB).

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