Malawi’s agricultural heartland, its vital fisheries, and its vulnerable communities are increasingly besieged by the intensifying perils of climate change. The escalating frequency and severity of erratic rainfall patterns, devastating cyclones, and prolonged droughts are not merely abstract threats; they are tangible realities that directly undermine food security, erode livelihoods, and destabilize the nation’s socio-economic fabric. The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS) Malawi conducted a hybrid survey using KoBo Toolbox covering all the three regions of Malawi and in-person interviews across six districts (Lilongwe, Blantyre, Zomba, Rumphi, Phalombe & Mangochi).
This mixed-method approach ensured inclusivity for stakeholders without smartphone access, capturing insights on the usability and accessibility of Climate Information Services (CIS) in rural and far flung communities.

The in-person interviews were very useful in providing a real snapshot of the users of the Climate Information Services in Malawi. The objectives of the survey were as follows:

1. Identify gaps in CIS delivery (e.g., accessibility, accuracy & confidence level) in Malawi.
2. Develop tailored CIS formats (e.g., radio broadcasts, SMS) in the country.
3. Establish institution website access and smartphone use in Malawi.
4. Strengthen the DCCMS communication.
   

This survey underscores DCCMS’s commitment to ensuring that climate information becomes a cornerstone of sustainable development for all Malawians.
This report, grounded in a comprehensive nationwide survey encompassing 400 diverse respondents, illuminates the stark realities of the current landscape. It dissects the critical vulnerabilities within the dissemination and utilization of Climate Information Services (CIS), revealing gaps in accessibility, trust, and effective application. These gaps represent not just logistical challenges, but existential threats that demand immediate and decisive action to safeguard Malawi’s future.

"👇 Download the full report (document) below. 👇"