Phalombe District – Climate Adaptation Information

Discover strategies and solutions tailored to different regions and sectors.

Overviews & Priorities

Phalombe District, located in southern Malawi, is highly vulnerable to floods, droughts, and erratic weather patterns, with historical disasters such as the Napolo landslide in 1991, which caused over 750 fatalities. The district’s proximity to Lake Chilwa and Mulanje Mountain increases its exposure to extreme weather events. Key priorities include flood and drought resilience, climate-smart agriculture, land use planning and disaster risk reduction, improving social safety nets, and strengthening climate information services​.
Figure 1. View of Mulanje Mountains at Phalombe © Ebr1thil

Sectoral Risks & Adaptation Strategies

Adaptation option
No regret
Low regret
Win-win
Flexible
Agroforestry
Climate resilient
infrastructure development
Conservation agriculture
adoption and scaling
Crop diversification
Crop insurance schemes
Diversifying income sources
Improving market access
Investment into renewable
energy systems
Laws and by-laws
supporting improved land-
use
Promoting livestock
farming
Skills development program
for women and youth
Strengthening climate
information services
Riparian system restoration
Community involvement and participatory approach

Agriculture

Key Risks:

Droughts leading to crop failures

Floods destroying farmlands

Soil erosion and declining fertility

Pests and diseases impacting yields

Adaptation Strategies:

Drought-resistant crops: Introduce climate-resilient varieties such as early-maturing maize and sorghum

Conservation agriculture: Promote intercropping, mulching, and minimum tillage to enhance soil retention

Irrigation systems: Invest in small-scale irrigation, including solar-powered water pumps

Rainwater harvesting: Construct water storage tanks for supplementary irrigation

Land use zoning: Enforce proper planning to prevent farming in flood-prone areas

Soil conservation techniques: Promote agroforestry, vetiver grass planting, and terracing

Fisheries

Key Risks:

Floods destroying fish ponds and washing away fish stocks

Siltation reducing fish breeding grounds

Increased water temperatures affecting fish growth

Adaptation Strategies:

Climate-smart aquaculture: Promote pond design improvements, such as raised embankments

Habitat restoration: Implement wetland conservation and reforestation around water sources

Sustainable fishing practices: Establish seasonal fishing bans and introduce fish breeding sanctuaries

Water quality monitoring: Improve waste management to reduce pollution in fishery zones

Figure 2. Map showing lake Chilwa relative to Phalombe. Source: Rivet et al (taken from the Adaptation Options Report)

Forestry

Key Risks:

High deforestation rates due to charcoal production and farming expansion

Increased risk of landslides in deforested areas

Loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services

Adaptation Strategies:

Reforestation and afforestation: Promote tree planting campaigns, especially in degraded areas

Community forest management: Empower local groups to protect and sustainably use forest resources

Alternative energy sources: Encourage the use of LPG, solar cooking, and energy-efficient stoves

Soil and water conservation: Implement agroforestry practices to prevent further land degradation

Infrastructure

Key Risks:

Flooding damaging roads, bridges, and homes

Weak building structures increasing disaster vulnerability

Poor drainage systems leading to waterlogging

Adaptation Strategies:

Flood-resilient infrastructure: Construct raised roads and improve drainage networks

Disaster-resilient housing: Promote elevated buildings and enforce building codes

Evacuation shelters: Develop well-equipped facilities in strategic locations

Early warning systems: Expand meteorological monitoring and community alert mechanisms

Social Sector

Key Risks:

Increased food insecurity due to climate shocks

Health risks from extreme weather and poor sanitation

Economic instability due to crop and livestock losses

Adaptation Strategies:

Social protection programs: Expand food security initiatives and emergency relief support

Livelihood diversification: Support small businesses, poultry farming, and beekeeping as alternative incomes

Public awareness campaigns: Educate communities on disaster preparedness and climate adaptation

Health system strengthening: Improve medical supplies and climate-proof health facilities