Malawi is a landlocked country in southern Africa, with Lake Malawi forming a vast inland sea. Most people are farmers: tea and tobacco are the main export crops, while basic produce is grown on small subsistence farms.  Yet many families lack access to sufficient land, and the country is prone to droughts and floods.

Meanwhile, tens of thousands of Malawians die of AIDS every year.

ActionAid in Malawi
ActionAid has been active in Malawi since 1990 and now works alongside communities to improve access to basic services such as water, health and  education.

Health services are limited and out of reach of most poor families.  ActionAid trains village health workers and HIV counsellors, who share information and provide health services. We also help communities to provide access to safe, reliable water supplies.

Primary education is now free in Malawi, but student/teacher ratios and drop-out rates are high.  ActionAid is helping communities build school classrooms and teachers’ accommodation, and providing teacher training and adult literacy classes.

ActionAid is teaching villagers new farming techniques, and helping villagers establish savings and credit groups, which can help them invest in their livelihoods.