Kasungu District – Climate Adaptation Information

Discover strategies and solutions tailored to different regions and sectors.

Overviews & Priorities

Kasungu District, located in central Malawi, is highly vulnerable to droughts, dry spells, deforestation, soil degradation, and poor water management, all of which threaten agriculture, infrastructure, and livelihoods. With a high reliance on rain-fed farming, poor irrigation infrastructure, and extensive deforestation for charcoal production, the district faces mounting climate risks. Key priorities include sustainable agriculture, conservation of wetlands, improving water security, expanding alternative livelihoods, and strengthening disaster risk reduction measures​.
Miombo woodland, Kasungu NP, Malawi © Bernie Olbrich
Figure 1. Miombo woodland, Kasungu NP, Malawi © Bernie Olbrich

Sectoral Risks & Adaptation Strategies

Adaptation option
No regret
Low regret
Win-win
Flexible
Enhancing Resilience through Winter Cropping
Substainable Agricultural Practices
Conservation Farming
Disaster Risk Reduction
Community Empowerment
Economic Diversification
Education and Awareness
Policy and Institutions
Diversification of Livelihood Activities
Enhancing Resilience through Winter Cropping in Wetlands
Promotion of Small Livestock Production
Implementing Conservation Farming Practices
Improving Veterinary Health Services
Training for Smallholders, Especially Women
Land Husbandry to Reduce Erosion
Livestock Entreprises as Part of Mixed Farming
Improvements in Marketing Infrastructure and Water Supply

Agriculture

Key Risks:

Droughts and dry spells reducing crop yields

Poor irrigation infrastructure limiting agricultural productivity

Soil degradation and loss of fertility

Heavy reliance on tobacco farming over staple foods

Adaptation Strategies:

Drought-resistant crops: Promote climate-resilient varieties such as sorghum and cassava

Sustainable agriculture: Implement conservation farming, intercropping, and crop diversification

Wetland conservation: Protect wetlands for irrigation and food production during dry periods

Improved irrigation systems: Develop water-harvesting techniques and small-scale irrigation

Soil conservation: Promote agroforestry, mulching, and organic fertilizers

Fisheries

Key Risks:

Drought reducing water availability for fish breeding

Siltation and habitat degradation from deforestation

Overfishing reducing fish stocks

Adaptation Strategies:

Sustainable fish farming: Expand aquaculture to reduce pressure on wild fisheries

Water resource management: Restore degraded wetlands and river ecosystems

Fisheries regulation: Implement seasonal fishing bans and gear restrictions

Alternative livelihoods: Support fish farmers with market access and financial services

Forestry

Key Risks:

Extensive deforestation for charcoal production

Land degradation increasing erosion risks

Loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services

Adaptation Strategies:

Reforestation and afforestation: Promote tree planting and sustainable forestry programs

Functional Landscape Approach (FLA): Implement ecosystem-based management to balance land use

Alternative energy sources: Encourage LPG, solar cookstoves, and energy-efficient stoves

Soil and water conservation: Develop erosion control measures such as vegetative buffers

Infrastructure

Key Risks:

Poor road and bridge conditions worsening during floods

Weak housing structures prone to extreme weather

Limited access to safe water infrastructure

Adaptation Strategies:

Climate-proofed roads and bridges: Improve infrastructure resilience to floods and extreme weather

Water security improvements: Expand rainwater harvesting and improve borehole access

Disaster-resilient housing: Promote the use of durable, flood-resistant building materials

Early warning systems: Strengthen meteorological monitoring and mobile-based alerts

Social Sector

Key Risks:

Food insecurity due to dependence on rain-fed agriculture

Increased poverty from failed harvests and lack of job opportunities

Poor access to health services during extreme weather events

Adaptation Strategies:

Livelihood diversification: Support alternative income-generating activities such as beekeeping and handicrafts

Social safety nets: Expand insurance schemes and food security programs

Climate education programs: Train communities on disaster preparedness and adaptation strategies

Health system strengthening: Improve rural clinics and expand clean water access