DAI Global UK Donates Computers to DCCMS to Boost Climate Services

DAI Global UK, through the Climate Just Communities Programme (CJC), has donated computer equipment worth 11 million Kwacha to the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS). The handover ceremony took place on Friday at DCCMS Headquarters in Blantyre.

Speaking at the event, Kenneth Matekenya, Team Leader for CJC-Malawi, said the donation is part of efforts to strengthen disaster risk management and enhance early warning systems (EWS).

“This support is meant to strengthen data analysis and forecasting capabilities, so communities can be better informed, prepared, and resilient to climate risks,” Matekenya explained.

Matekenya handing over Computers to Amos Mtonya.

He also announced plans to install 18 rain gauges in seven districts where the programme is active, including Neno District, which will also benefit from an automatic weather station. The initiative aims to improve ground level data collection and forecasting accuracy.

In addition, CJC will also support DCCMS in generating the 2025/2026 seasonal rainfall forecast, a key product used by various sectors for planning purposes, including agriculture, water, health, and disaster risk reduction. The forecast plays a crucial role in helping stakeholders anticipate and manage climate-related challenges.

Receiving the donation, Amos Mtonya, Deputy Director for Engineering and Communication at DCCMS, expressed gratitude for the continued collaboration. He noted that the equipment will enhance the department’s technical capacity in delivering climate services to the public.

“We truly appreciate this timely support. It strengthens our ability to process and communicate weather and climate information more effectively,” said Mtonya.

He also acknowledged CJC’s longstanding support to DCCMS, including through the Participatory Integrated Climate Services for Agriculture (PICSA) programme, which has been helping farmers make climate smart decisions over the past years.

The Climate Just Communities Programme aims to improve climate resilience and equity across vulnerable communities in Malawi.