Refers to the potential negative outcomes for people or ecological systems from the impacts of climate change and extreme weather, or from human responses to it.
Malawi is vulnerable to climate variability and change due to its reliance on rain-fed agriculture, high population density, and limited adaptive capacity. The country’s economy and food systems are particularly sensitive to changes to rainfall patterns and extreme weather events such as heavy storms, droughts and heatwaves. Climate change is intensifying the frequency and severity of natural hazards, some of which we discuss below. These worsen existing challenges such as food insecurity, poverty, and environmental degradation. Understanding the key climate risks is critical for planning resilience and adaptation strategies.
Heatwaves & Rising Temperatures
Average temperatures in Malawi are increasing, with more frequent and intense heatwaves. Rising temperatures increase evapotranspiration, worsen drought conditions and reduce water availability.
Heat stress can negatively impact human health, labour productivity and crop yields. Key crops such as maize are especially sensitive to temperature increases during critical growth stages.
Droughts
Drought is one of the most serious and costly climate hazards in Malawi, particularly in the southern and central regions. Low and unpredictable rainfall and prolonged dry spells are becoming more frequent.
Drought reduces water availability for households, irrigation and livestock, leading to crop failure, food insecurity and reduced household resilience.
Flooding is another major hazard, often occurring during the rainy season due to intense rainfall and river overflow, particularly in the Shire River basin.
Floods can damage homes, infrastructure and farmland. They frequently displace communities and contribute to outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera.
Click on the above picture to follow the cascading impacts heavy rains have in Malawi.
Landslides
Landslides occur primarily in highland and mountainous areas following heavy rainfall. Deforestation and land degradation have increased slope instability, making certain regions more susceptible.
Landslides can destroy homes, roads and agricultural land, and pose serious risks to life. They are often linked to cyclones and intense rainfall events.
Soil Loss & Erosion
Heavy rainfall, flooding and land degradation contribute to soil erosion, reducing soil fertility and undermining agricultural productivity.
Soil loss weakens ecosystem stability and increases vulnerability for rural communities whose livelihoods depend directly on rainfed agriculture.
