The Cascading Impacts of Climate Change on Health, Agriculture, and Livelihoods in Malawi

In Malawi, the 2023/24 rainfall season, influenced by El Niño, was marked by a late onset and prolonged dry spells, particularly in the southern and central regions. These conditions led to substantial crop failures, especially in maize, with a forecasted 45% decline against the five-year average. In March 2024, the President declared a state of disaster in 23 out of 28 districts, affecting nearly 2 million farming households, representing over 9 million people. 

In March 2023, Cyclone Freddy caused extensive damage, particularly in the southern regions. The cyclone resulted in over 1,000 fatalities and left lasting scars on communities, with destroyed homes and submerged agricultural lands. The health sector suffered approximately $4.14 million in damages, disrupting services for nearly 340,000 children under five, 175,000 people living with HIV, and 90,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women. 

The aftermath of Cyclone Freddy led to a surge in cholera cases, affecting over 2.2 million people and overwhelming Malawi’s healthcare system. The increased frequency of extreme weather events has also heightened the prevalence of vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. Additionally, disruptions to water and sanitation infrastructure have escalated the risk of waterborne diseases like typhoid fever. 

The compounded effects of droughts and cyclones have deepened poverty among subsistence farmers and strained the government’s capacity to provide assistance. This has caused an average annual GDP loss of about 1.7% due to reduced agricultural output and other economic impacts.  The agricultural sector, vital to Malawi’s economy, has been particularly hard-hit, leading to increased food insecurity and malnutrition. 

These recent events underscore the urgent need for comprehensive climate adaptation strategies to safeguard Malawi’s vulnerable populations and sustain its development progress. 

Read more about health risks here.  

Read more about extreme weather here.