Malawi’s Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Malawi, a country in southeastern Africa, has faced its fair share of environmental challenges in recent years. From the devastating effects of Tropical Cyclone Freddy to the ongoing struggles with drought and El Niño, the people of Malawi have demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. In this article, we explore the inspiring efforts of the Jesuit Centre for Ecology and Development (JCED) and the local communities they serve, as they work to overcome the impacts of natural disasters and build a more sustainable future.
Navigating the Aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Freddy
Tropical Cyclone Freddy, recently declared by the World Meteorological Organization as the longest-lasting tropical cyclone on record, left a trail of destruction in its wake as it made multiple landfalls in Africa from February to March 2023. The District of Phalombe in Malawi, particularly the villages at the base of the Mulanje Mountain Range, was gravely affected by the cyclone’s heavy rains and subsequent landslides.
As the floodwaters receded, the scale of the damage became apparent. 184 houses were destroyed, leaving many families without a roof over their heads. The assistance provided was not enough to meet the immediate needs, and the downstream lands used for cultivation were covered in sand and boulders, rendering them unusable for the foreseeable future.
Mapping the Way Forward
In the aftermath of the disaster, the JCED, in collaboration with the Environmental Science for Social Change (ESSC), a Jesuit research organization in the Philippines, set out to create detailed maps of the affected communities. These maps, developed with the help of the local community members, provided invaluable information about the changes in the landscape, highlighting areas of risk and potential relocation sites.
“If these maps are reproduced at A0 size, these can help in local discussions and in promoting greater awareness of the threats and identifying the help needed in disaster preparedness to mitigate risks,” explained Admire Rufaro Nhika SJ, the Development Officer of the Zambia-Malawi Country Office in the Jesuit Province of Southern Africa.
The maps served as a crucial tool for the community, allowing them to visualize the changes and engage in informed discussions about their next steps. This collaborative approach empowered the local residents, fostering a sense of ownership and self-determination in the recovery process.
Rebuilding with Community Resilience
As the communities in Phalombe grappled with the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Freddy, the JCED stepped in to provide much-needed support. They supplied farm inputs, water, and psychosocial assistance, helping the residents rebuild their lives and livelihoods.
“The situation is slowly improving with a few boreholes established and health services began,” shared Nhika. “Communities continue to ask for help and do not know how they can continue in the next two months. Water for the new village is a problem and health and sanitation remain a challenge.”
Despite the daunting challenges, the sense of community spirit and resilience shone through. “There are people who are still homeless, others are renting, and others are putting up in the open spaces. The Jesuit Centre for Ecology and Development (JCED) in Lilongwe, Malawi is helping the community by providing farm inputs, water, and some psychosocial support. There are many challenges but the sense of the community rides above the otherwise exhaustive drudgery of life,” Nhika observed.
Tackling Water and Sanitation Challenges
The JCED’s efforts in Malawi extend beyond the immediate disaster response. Through the Tasintha Mlimi project, the organization is working to address the long-standing water and sanitation challenges faced by communities in the Njalale, Dawa, and Thipa villages.
“JCED is also installing a reticulated solar-powered water system to supply clean and safe water to the Katayanthona Primary School, which will also benefit nearby communities,” Nhika added.
Ensuring access to clean, safe water is a critical component of the JCED’s holistic approach to community development. By addressing the water and sanitation needs, the organization aims to improve the overall health and well-being of the residents, laying the foundation for a more sustainable future.
Diversifying Livelihoods Through Community-Based Tourism
In addition to the water and sanitation initiatives, the JCED is also working with the Njalale community to explore opportunities in community-based tourism. During a visit to the area, Pedro Walpole SJ, the Research Director of ESSC, observed the community’s enthusiasm for developing a tourism strategy that showcases their local culture and natural assets.
“The enthusiasm of the community was most encouraging and as the discussion expanded, the importance of culture was creative in its effort to engage others. They want to put up a major open building where visitors could eat local food and entertain them with dancing,” Walpole shared.
By diversifying their livelihood options, the Njalale community aims to build resilience and reduce their reliance on traditional agricultural practices that have been impacted by the changing climate. The community’s initiative to protect the natural vegetation and establish clear walking paths demonstrates their dedication to sustainable tourism development.
Empowering Smallholder Farmers: The Banana Project
In the Kasungu District, the JCED is also supporting the Mamba community in their efforts to establish a sustainable banana project. This initiative, spanning potentially two hectares, requires a range of activities and interactions to set up resilient communities, farms, and families, incorporating different skills that complement and strengthen the action.
“Leadership roles are a very important part of the training in this. The community in Njalale, Kasungu District shared their interest to develop their tourism strategy and walking around the village kopje (a small hill with a bornhardt, a unique rock formation), they pointed out many things of interest,” Walpole observed.
By empowering smallholder farmers and fostering community-driven initiatives, the JCED is helping to build a more sustainable and resilient agricultural system in Malawi, addressing the ongoing challenges posed by drought and climate change.
Overcoming the Cry of the Land and the Cry of the Poor
In the face of the worsening cycle of the “cry of the land and cry of the poor,” the JCED and the local communities in Malawi are finding hope and inspiration. Through their collaborative efforts, they are addressing the interconnected challenges of environmental degradation, water scarcity, and the well-being of the people.
As Walpole eloquently stated, “This all sounds like a worsening cycle of the cry of the land and cry of the poor, where is the hope? In Kasungu District in the central region of Malawi, there are many active efforts such as the banana project that the Mamba community started in potentially two hectares.”
These efforts, combined with the water and sanitation initiatives, community-based tourism, and disaster response, demonstrate the power of community-driven solutions and the transformative impact of the Jesuit mission in southern Africa.
Conclusion: A Beacon of Hope
Malawi’s journey towards recovery and resilience in the face of environmental challenges is a testament to the unwavering spirit of its people and the dedicated efforts of organizations like the JCED. By empowering local communities, fostering sustainable development, and addressing the interconnected needs of the land and the people, the JCED is providing a beacon of hope for others in the region.
As the world grapples with the escalating effects of climate change and natural disasters, the experiences of Malawi and the work of the JCED offer valuable insights and inspiration. Through collaborative, community-driven approaches, we can overcome the cry of the land and the cry of the poor, and build a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
To learn more about the JCED’s initiatives and the ongoing efforts to support the communities in Malawi, visit the Joint Action for Water website.
