Malawi is a landlocked country in southern Africa, with an agriculture-based economy and rural population. 

Financial stability has improved in recent years, with measures to tackle corruption being introduced, but the country remains one of the poorest in the world. Many families lack access to sufficient land and hunger is a widespread problem. Population growth and drought intensify this pressure.

There is also a high prevalence of HIV and AIDS in Malawi, with an estimated 11.9 per cent of the adult population living with HIV/AIDS.

ActionAid in Malawi
ActionAid has been active in Malawi since 1990. We now work in 14 districts to improve long-term access to food, water, healthcare and education.

Poverty is the root cause of almost all challenges facing the people of Malawi: small-scale farmers lack the initial investment to buy tools, seed and land; girls are often forced to abandon education and marry to support their families; women suffer because they are denied their economic rights.

A sustainable future
ActionAid focuses on developing sustainable farming practices to help people – in particular women - build a brighter future. We support local savings loan groups and seed banks, and work with communities to lessen the impact of drought and flood.

We also offer support and encouragement for girls to stay in education, working with local partners to provide mentors, houses for female teachers in rural areas and workshops for girls wishing to return to education. We work in adult literacy and partner with women’s forums to promote women’s rights within marriage.

ActionAid Malawi supports groups for people living with HIV and AIDS, fighting to improve access to anti-retroviral drugs and the nutrition necessary for these drugs to be effective.