AGP Executive Report

Disaster Preparedness: Malawi’s climate change network CISONECC is urging stronger building rules and disaster-resistant housing as floods, droughts and storms threaten lives and homes. El Niño Alert: OCHA warns the coming El Niño could cut Malawi’s cereal harvest by 30% and leave four million people needing aid; it says early action and timely farm advice are crucial. Water and Wildlife: Lilongwe families facing dry taps are turning to unsafe wells, while lessons from moving 263 elephants from Liwonde to Kasungu show how wildlife relocations can intensify conflict with nearby communities. Forests and Energy: Dzalanyama’s nursery is targeting 11 million seedlings, while solar and hydro minigrids offer a way to expand rural electricity access where grid connections remain scarce.

Fuel and Pollution: Malawi’s crackdown on unlicensed fuel storage and sales aims to curb fire risks and environmental damage as shortages continue. Water and Health: Lilongwe families facing dry taps are turning to shallow wells, with residents reporting illness after drinking untreated water; the Water Board says population growth is straining supply. Energy and Forests: Power cuts and LPG shortages are driving households back to charcoal, raising concerns that deforestation gains will be reversed. El Niño Readiness: Researchers warn that only K163.7 billion of the K488.5 billion needed for preparedness has been secured, leaving millions exposed to hunger and economic disruption. Tree Cover: Dzalanyama’s nursery is targeting 11 million seedlings, a major push to restore forests and strengthen conservation.

Water and Health: Dry taps in Lilongwe are pushing families to use unsafe wells, with some residents reporting illness after drinking untreated water. Forests Under Pressure: Power cuts and LPG shortages are driving households back to charcoal, raising fears of faster deforestation as prices soar. El Niño Readiness: Researchers warn that preparations are falling behind: only K163.7 billion of the K488.5 billion needed has been secured, leaving millions exposed to hunger and disruption. Waste Management: Malawi’s growing e-waste problem is compounded by weak coordination, limited recycling and no clear producer-responsibility rules, raising risks for communities and the environment. Conservation: Dzalanyama’s nursery is targeting 11 million seedlings, while delayed fencing in some national parks leaves nearby communities vulnerable to wildlife incursions.

Critical Minerals: Mkango’s German rare-earth magnet recycling plant has received EU Strategic Project status and is being commissioned. The Malawi-linked company is also developing the Songwe Hill rare-earth project, though the designation applies to the German facility. El Niño Preparedness: Malawi has secured only K163.7 billion of the K488.5 billion needed for its preparedness plan, researchers warn, leaving millions exposed if drought hits. Forest Pressure: Power cuts and LPG shortages are driving households back to charcoal, raising prices and threatening conservation gains, environmental groups warn. Waste Management: Malawi lacks clear producer-responsibility rules and adequate collection and recycling capacity for e-waste, while much is dumped or handled informally. Clean Energy: The EnDev programme says 2.44 million people have gained access to modern energy solutions since 2012, including 2.21 million using modern cooking options.

El Niño Preparedness: Malawi has unveiled a K488 billion plan to prepare for El Niño, as Nsanje farmers adopt water-saving gardens and diverse crops to protect harvests from drought and floods. Forest Restoration: A 34-hectare nursery at Dzalanyama is targeting 11 million seedlings for the next forestry season; officials say planting and distribution must match the scale of forest loss. Waste and Pollution: Environmental experts warn Malawi lacks clear producer-responsibility rules, recycling targets and reliable data on e-waste, leaving electronics to be informally recycled or dumped. Land Degradation: CEPA warns degraded land is cutting Malawi’s economic growth by as much as 7%, underlining the cost of damage to the country’s natural resources.

Mining and safeguards: Malawi’s state-owned Mamico plans to begin gold mining and processing next year after identifying seven deposits. The formal gold market could curb smuggling, but responsible oversight will be vital as operations expand. E-waste: Malawi lacks producer-responsibility rules, recycling targets and reliable data on electronic waste, while informal recycling and dumping continue. Forest restoration: Dzalanyama’s nursery aims to produce 11 million seedlings for the next forestry season; lawmakers say planting and distribution plans must match that ambition. El Niño readiness: Nsanje farmers are using water-saving gardens and diversifying crops as they prepare for dry spells, while droughts and floods continue to threaten harvests and livelihoods. Energy access: EnDev says 2.44 million people have gained access to electricity or modern cooking solutions since 2012, though affordability remains a barrier.

E-waste: Malawi’s environmental authority warns that weak rules, poor coordination and limited recycling leave electronic waste dumped or handled informally, with risks to communities and public health. El Niño preparedness: Drought warnings are raising concern for food security. Malawi has unveiled a K488 billion preparedness plan, while farmers in Nsanje are adopting water-saving gardens and diverse crops to protect harvests. Forests and wildlife: A Dzalanyama nursery aims to produce 11 million seedlings for restoration, as seven people were arrested over alleged arson and theft at Kuti Forest Reserve. Land degradation: CEPA warns that degraded land is costing Malawi up to 7% of economic growth, underscoring the need to protect soils and ecosystems.

Mining Watch: Malawi has identified more than 100 gold-mining sites across 26 districts as it prepares to open three formal trading centres. Bringing gold sales into the formal market could curb smuggling, but strong oversight will matter as activity expands. El Niño Readiness: Nsanje farmers are adopting water-saving gardens and diverse crops to protect food supplies from expected dry spells. A national SDG review warns that droughts and floods are already damaging livelihoods and threatening poverty reduction. Forest Restoration: A Dzalanyama nursery aims to produce 11 million seedlings for the next forestry season, as officials warn that degraded hills and forests need urgent replanting. Wildlife Protection: Seven people have been arrested over arson and theft at Kuti Forest Reserve, underscoring the pressure on protected areas.

Climate-Smart Farming: Nsanje farmers are adopting water-saving gardens, hanging baskets and diverse crops to prepare for expected El Niño conditions and protect harvests. Forest Restoration: A nursery in Dzalanyama Forest Reserve aims to produce 11 million seedlings for the next forestry season, as officials warn that forest degradation is worsening. Wildlife Safety: Incomplete fencing at Vwaza Marsh left nearby residents exposed to wildlife incursions; a lion killed a man in September, and parks officials say funding is needed to finish boundary fences. Community Action: A Zomba Plateau football tournament will earn 50 seedlings for every goal, with organisers aiming to promote tree planting and discourage deforestation. Biodiversity: Malawi has joined five other southern African countries in a Vulture Safe Zone Alliance, responding to steep regional declines caused by poisoning, habitat loss and other threats. Methane and Waste: Food waste can drive up to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions as it rots, making prevention and better organic-waste management practical climate measures.

Food Waste and Methane: UNEP says food waste causes up to 10% of global greenhouse-gas emissions, making less waste and better organic-waste management urgent climate actions. Climate and Farming: Nsanje farmers are adopting hanging gardens, backyard plots and diverse crops to protect food supplies as El Niño threatens the growing season. Forest Restoration: A nursery at Dzalanyama Forest Reserve aims to produce 11 million seedlings for Malawi’s next forestry season. Wildlife Protection: A lion believed to have strayed from Vwaza Marsh killed a man, exposing how incomplete park fencing can put nearby communities at risk. Conservation: Malawi has joined five southern African countries in a Vulture Safe Zone alliance to tackle poisoning, habitat loss and other threats. Climate Preparedness: DoDMA has unveiled a K488 billion El Niño preparedness plan amid warnings of risks to harvests and water supplies. Community Action: Zomba’s Football-4-Forest tournament will earn 50 seedlings for every goal scored, linking sport with reforestation.

Hydropower & Communities: Mpatamanga project developers have completed 28 of 48 resettlement houses in Blantyre and Neno, with relocation planned for December. Access roads, boreholes and a school are also planned. Forest Action: A Zomba Plateau football tournament will turn every goal into 50 tree seedlings, to be planted by Bon Voyage Club to promote reforestation. Wildlife Protection: Malawi has joined five southern African countries in a new alliance to protect declining vulture populations. Meanwhile, incomplete fencing at Vwaza Marsh left nearby residents exposed to wildlife incursions; a lion killed a man last month. Climate Risks: A strong El Niño could persist into February 2027, threatening food, water and livelihoods. Research suggests climate shocks have cut southern Africa’s bean harvests by as much as 78%; Malawi has unveiled a K488 billion preparedness plan. Conservation Under Pressure: Seven people have been arrested over arson and theft at Kuti Forest Reserve after a poacher’s death sparked unrest. Land Degradation: CEPA warns that land degradation is costing Malawi up to 7% of economic growth.

Wildlife Safety: An unfinished boundary fence at Vwaza Marsh left nearby residents exposed to wildlife incursions; a lion killed a 31-year-old man in September, and Parks officials say funding constraints have delayed fencing in some reserves. Forest Protection: Seven people have been arrested over the alleged arson of five tourism buildings and theft at Kuti Forest Reserve, a serious blow to conservation and local tourism. Community Reforestation: Zomba Plateau’s Football-4-Forest tournament will turn each goal into 50 tree seedlings for planting, using football to promote forest protection and climate awareness. Climate and Food Security: Researchers warn drought, heat and erratic rain can cut legume harvests by up to 78%, raising concern for southern Africa’s bean crops as El Niño threatens. Hydropower and Resettlement: Mpatamanga’s resettlement programme has completed 28 of 48 homes; the villages are due to include roads, boreholes and a school, with relocation expected to begin in December.

Weather & Farming: Malawi’s meteorological department says recent rains are a false start to the season and farmers should not plant yet. Isolated downpours and stronger storms are possible later this week. Climate & Food Security: Researchers warn climate shocks can cut southern Africa’s bean harvests by up to 78%, threatening smallholder incomes and affordable food as El Niño risks rise. Wildlife Protection: Police arrested seven people over an alleged arson and theft at Kuti Forest Reserve, where five hospitality buildings were burned. Separately, 62 illegal firearms were surrendered in the North; police say such guns are often used for poaching. Natural Resources: The environment ministry and LUANAR have formalised cooperation on forestry, fisheries, climate services and environmental management, aiming to turn research into practical results for communities.

Wildlife Protection: Police in Salima arrested seven people over alleged arson and theft at Kuti Forest Reserve, after a poacher chased from the reserve was found dead in Kuti dam waters; postmortem said suffocation from drowning. Illegal Arms: Malawi Police say 62 illegal muzzle-loading firearms were surrendered in the Northern Region during the September amnesty, with the weapons linked to game poaching and set for destruction next year. Climate & Food Waste: UN warnings highlight that rotting food waste can drive up to 10% of global greenhouse gases, with methane from landfills making it a fast climate problem—pushing calls for diversion and better waste systems. Weather & Farming: Malawi’s MET cautions that recent rains are a “false onset” and not reliable for planting, while isolated downpours and thunderstorms are expected later in the week. El Niño Preparedness: DoDMA unveiled a K488 billion El Niño plan but says only about a quarter of funds are secured, leaving a large gap and food security as the biggest item. IMF Talks: IMF praised Malawi’s reforms in talks but has not finalised a new lending deal, with officials awaiting the outcome amid fuel and forex strain. Natural Resources Collaboration: The Ministry of Natural Resources and LUANAR signed an MoU to expand work in fisheries, forestry, environmental management, climate services, and research.

Planetary Health Tech: Google says its Earth platform can flag disease risks earlier by combining satellite views, mobility patterns, weather data and anonymized search signals, with health agencies already testing it in outbreak response. Climate Impact—Food Waste: UNEP warns rotting food waste can drive up to 10% of global greenhouse gases (about five times aviation), urging faster action like diverting organics from landfills and using practical recycling approaches. El Niño Preparedness: Malawi’s DoDMA unveiled a K488bn El Niño plan for 2026/27 but says only about a quarter of funds are secured, leaving a large gap—food security is the biggest line item. Rainfall Caution for Farmers: MET says recent rains are a “false onset” and advises farmers not to plant yet, while forecasting more isolated downpours and thunderstorms later in the week. Land Degradation Warning: CEPA says land degradation is cutting Malawi’s economic growth by up to 7% and is undermining livelihoods, calling for restoring degraded land and protecting forests. Natural Resources Research Link: Malawi’s Natural Resources Ministry and LUANAR signed an MoU to expand collaboration across fisheries, forestry, environmental management, climate services and community support. Health Crisis—Medicines Shortage: Malawi’s health ministry calls medicine shortages a crisis, blaming foreign exchange constraints and supplier debt, and is pushing local manufacturers to supply through CMST. Youth Pressure on Jobs and Forex: UDF leader Atupele Muluzi says young people are losing patience as forex problems fuel fuel and medicine shortages, job scarcity and rising costs. Education & Climate Resilience Angle: Malawi marks World Teachers’ Day with a push to strengthen teachers as climate change and inclusion shape future education needs.

Climate & Agriculture: Malawi’s MET warns recent rains are a “false onset” and urges farmers not to plant yet, while forecasting mostly sunny, hot weather with isolated downpours and stronger thunderstorms from Thursday to Sunday. El Niño Preparedness: DoDMA unveils a K488 billion national El Niño plan for 2026/27 but says only about a quarter of funds are secured, leaving a K324.8 billion gap, with food security the biggest line item. Land & Forests: CEPA warns land degradation is cutting Malawi’s growth by up to 7% and pushing communities into livelihood stress, urging restoration and better forest protection. Waste & Climate: UNEP highlights that rotting food waste can drive up to 10% of global greenhouse gases—around five times aviation—because landfill methane accelerates near-term warming. Natural Resources Research: The Ministry of Natural Resources and LUANAR sign an MoU to deepen work in fisheries, aquaculture, forestry, environmental management, climate services and lakeshore community support. Conservation Caution: A conservation analysis flags how reintroducing large animals like elephants and rhinos can backfire if moves aren’t carefully planned for people and land. Community-First Climate Reporting: Journalists are urged to listen to communities first when covering climate change, treating locals as knowledge holders and solution providers. Health Supply Pressure: Malawi’s health ministry calls medicine shortages a crisis, blaming foreign exchange constraints and debt, and turns to local manufacturers via CMST.