A multi-million euro project that will seek to strengthen early warning systems and support vulnerable communities to be more resilient to weather extremes, has been launched in Malawi.

Self Help Africa is leading a consortium in this new project, designed to strengthen resilience to climate-induced disasters in four of the southern African country’s 28 administrative districts.

The project will work with over 300,000 people across communities in Nsanje, Chikwawa, Phalombe and Nkhotakota – four flood prone districts in south and central Malawi.  Support will be provided in climate adaptation, improving early warning systems, flood risk reduction and livelihood protections.

More than €3.5m will be invested in promoting locally-led action, strengthening local capacity to respond to crises, and improving coordination and accountability.  

The initiative is being supported by the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Organisation (FCDO), with the work being carried out by a consortium of nine local and international NGO partners.

With concern mounting that El Nino weather events would wreak havoc in southern Africa later this year, emergency preparedness and response to the impacts of  flooding and storms is a key priority for the months ahead.