Opportunity International UK has launched our latest programme in Malawi this week at an event joined by our programme partners, Government representatives, and our clients. The Rural Resilience in Malawi programme will run for 3 years and is generously supported by Jersey Overseas Aid (JOA). The programme, which is in its second phase of a similar initiative, aims to support an additional 30,000 households in rural areas of southern and central Malawi to build their resilience to climate shocks, improve family finances and develop sustainable livelihoods to lead them out of poverty.

With 95% of households in Malawi dependent on agriculture for their income, when climate shocks hit, these households are vulnerable to losing their livelihoods and homes. Rural households are also often far from formal banking services, forcing them to save their hard-earned income in unsafe places.

To address this, Rural Resilience in Malawi will train farmers and rural households in modern farming and Regenerative Agriculture techniques, helping them to improve their farms, boost crop yields and build resilience to climate change. Farmers will also get support through Opportunity’s AI Chatbot ‘Ulangizi’ App, which will be utilised by local teams to help farmers quickly problem solve and provide vital weather and market information.

Client in Malawi using Opportunity's Ulangizi app. 

The programme will also improve rural households’ finances through working with savings groups and banking partners. Through this second phase, Opportunity will continue to strengthen Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs), working with members to save more and manage their finances better, digitise groups to improve efficiency, and improve their governance and leadership. Working with banking partners, the programme will improve products for farmers and rural business owners, promote inclusion of marginalised groups, including women and people living with a disability, and address regulatory challenges.

As evidenced from the first phase of the initiative, Opportunity expects farmers will be better equipped to deal with climate shocks, households will have improved their income and savings, and banks will be better at meeting the needs of rural households. Parents will have more food to feed their children with, more children will be learning in school, and communities will be stronger and more resilient to climate shocks.

“I am delighted to launch this new phase of the programme and extend our support to rural households in Malawi, particularly amid growing climate shocks. I am particularly proud that 60% of the Rural Resilience in Malawi programme clients will be women, who are often excluded and underserved. Enabling them to have new knowledge and skills to farm and save more effeciently will strengthen families, livelihoods and whole communities.” Says Lydia Baffour Awuah, Director of International Programmes at Opportunity International UK.

In an opening speech at the Project Launch in Dedza, Richard Chongo, Opportunity International Malawi’s Country Director stated that “this programme is a vital step in strengthening the resilience of rural communities facing increasing climate shocks. By combining regenerative agriculture, financial inclusion and digital innovation, we are enabling households to build sustainable livelihoods and move out of poverty. This next phase will allow Opportunity International Malawi and our local partners to scale proven solutions and reach more families in need”.

Representing the Malawian Department of Agriculture, Madam Sphiwe Mauwa, acknowledged that the project “aimed to recognise that agriculture is not just about production, it is about livelihoods, resilience, and dignity”.  Furthermore, Mauwa welcomed the project’s focus on social inclusion and concluded her remarks by commending Opportunity’s commitment to enabling women, youth and persons with disabilities to meaningfully participate in the project, addressing systemic exclusion barriers, and are ensuring that no one is left behind.

Want to hear more about our work? 

  Sign up to our newsletter and hear about the latest from Opportunity.

How can you make a difference? 

 Give the gift of opportunity and donate now.