In commemoration of Earth Day on April 22, the Civil Society Network on Climate Change (CISONECC) issued a statement urging immediate action to protect Malawi's food systems and livelihoods, according to Nyasa Times. CISONECC National Coordinator Julius Ng'oma warned that ongoing deforestation, land degradation, and climate inaction threaten the country's long-term development goals outlined in the Malawi 2063 vision. The network called for stronger policy frameworks and sustainable financing to mitigate the severe impacts of erratic rainfall and prolonged dry spells affecting vulnerable communities.
Meanwhile, conservation efforts are showing measurable success in the Chikwawa district, where communities have planted nearly 10,000 trees since 2019 to combat deforestation and extreme weather. World Vision International reported on April 21 that the reforestation initiative, led by the local Food for Asset group with backing from the World Food Programme, has significantly reduced local flood damage. The restored vegetation has acted as a natural barrier, lowering the number of flood-destroyed homes in the area from 1,022 in 2023 to 144 in 2024.
To further improve the country's readiness for climate-sensitive emergencies such as floods and cyclones, the World Health Organization and the Malawi government launched the second cohort of an emergency responder training program on April 22. According to the WHO Regional Office for Africa, the 27-day AVoHC Surge initiative is training 104 responders from various government ministries and the Malawi Defense Force. Health officials stated that the program relies on an approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health to manage future climate-related disasters.