A Father's Desperate Plea: The Devastating Impact of Climate Change in Malawi

In the small village of Njema AP, Malawi, Mussa Roben, 41, a devoted father of four, is fighting to provide for his family's survival. Last year, Cyclone Freddy ravaged their home and farm, leaving them with nothing. This year, the El Niño drought has stolen their hope for recovery, leaving them with barely enough food to last lean season.

Mussa's story is a heart-wrenching testament to the devastating impact of climate change on vulnerable communities. Despite his best efforts, he's struggling to keep his family afloat, and the thought of his daughters being forced into early marriage for survival keeps him up at night.

"The rains used to come like a faithful friend, every year, without fail even though last year we had too much. This year's El Niño has stolen that friend from us, leaving our crops to wither and die like our hopes and dreams. My children cry themselves to sleep at night due to hunger. I feel like I'm watching my family slip away and there is nothing i can do or anyone to turn to". Mussa says, his voice cracking with emotion.

As the seasons become more unpredictable and extreme weather events more frequent, Mussa feels like he's watching his family slip away, with no one to turn to. He's desperate for help, for someone to hear his plea and offer a lifeline.

“My wife gave birth not so long ago, right now she cannot even breastfeed the baby efficiently because she barely eats.  The little food we manage to put on the table is not even enough for all of us. My wife ends up sacrificing for other children, yet this affects her milk flow; He explains.

Mussa's story is not unique. Countless families in the southern part of Malawi and the entire country are facing the same struggles, as climate change ravages their homes, farms, and livelihoods. But there is hope.

World Vision Malawi through partnerships with World Food Program are working tirelessly to support families like Mussa's. 

“In the past two years, 19,500 households from Chikwawa and Phalombe districts benefitted from cash transfers for asset creation under Integrated Resilience Program amounting to MK 6,435,000,000”. Explains Sobhuza Sibande, Humatarian Emergency Affair Security Manager.

As one way of mitigating effects of climate change, WVM has Interventions under Livelihood Resilience building have contributed to conservation of 2,585 hectares of farmland in Chikwawa and Phalombe in the past three years through creation of soil and water conservation structures.