UNDP in Malawi is supporting the Government of Malawi implement Disaster Risk Reduction and Early Recovery programmes to improve emergency management and response systems and their coordination mechanisms. The programmes provides direct support on activities as well as capacity building for national and district level authorities. UNDP is supporting the Government to develop a National Disaster Risk Management Policy and Operations Manual.

Malawians particularly the poor are vulnerable to the impact of a range of shocks and hazards. These include natural harzads such as droughts and floods, health epidemics, man made hazards such as air and water pollution and economic shocks. Although the likely impacts of climate change cannot yet be specified with a high level of confidence, forecasts for Southern Africa indicate that it is likely to face some of the most extreme climate changes. Malawi's dependence on natural resources, the sensitivity of maize to rising temperatures and eratic rainfall make the country particularly vulnerable, this underlining the need for pro-poor plans to reduce current and future risks. Failure to adequately consider plans for and mitigate the impact of these shocks and build resilience of affected communities will at a minimum constrain the best laid plans for economic growth, undermining Malawi's attainment of the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS) and Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is considered within theme Two of Social Protection and Disaster Risk Managemnet of the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS). The Disaster Risk Management Component of MGDS is however yet to be elaborated, and as a consquence Disaster Management continues to be primarily reactive rather than proactive with an emphasis placed on the coordination and implementation of emergency response. Consquently, UNDP's project strategy 2007-2011 aims to support the elaboration of a national disaster risk managemnet strategy, the integration of DRR in Government policies, programmes and training; the development of gender disaggregated information and mainstreaming of DRR inro planning, policies and programmes.

For more information about our work in the area of Crisis Prevention and Recovery, Tapona Msowoya, Programme Analyst, UNDP Malawi, P.O Box 30135, Lilongwe 3, Malawi. Tel: (265) 1 773 500. Email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

In Malawi, 65 percent of the population lives below the national poverty line, majority of who are women. Malawi’s economy is predominantly agricultural and highly dependent on erratic rainfall.  Agriculture accounts for 90 percent of foreign exchange earnings, 40 percent of GDP and employs 80 percent of the workforce (2005).  Only two thirds of the population can read and sectors which would add value to agricultural produce are relatively small. 

United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), through the UNDP in Malawi is supporting the government of Malawi implement the Financial Inclusion in Malawi (FIMA) project aimed at developing the microfinance institutions’ capital and therefore building their capacity to disburse small scale loans to more Malawians.

Microfinance expands choices for people. The ability to save and borrow reduces vulnerability in a fundamental way—health and education expenses can be covered in the short-run. Microfinance supports social welfare objectives by offering a means for the vulnerable to protect themselves.  It also provides a route for the economically active to start or expand small businesses.  Availability of financial services can empower the poor to move themselves out of poverty. 

For more information about our work in the area of Poverty Reduction, Bill Chanza, Programme Analyst, UNDP Malawi, P.O Box 30135, Lilongwe 3, Malawi. Tel: (265) 1 773 500. Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .