Our work in Malawi

Although Malawi is ranked as one of the world’s least developed nations, it boasts a strong and tested democracy. Over the past fifty years, the country has made considerable progress in areas such as literacy, life expectancy and fertility rates. Malawi aims to continue this progress through the development goals outlined in the Malawi 2063 Vision, which align with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 goals.

Focus issues in Malawi

Agriculture and climate challenges

According to Malawi agriculture statistics, nearly 80% of Malawians rely on subsistence farming to feed themselves and their families (World Bank). Cultivating key crops such as maize, cassava and tobacco is not just a means of sustenance, but a lifeline for local food security and a significant source of export revenue.

Environmental challenges

Environmental issues in Malawi, including deforestation and soil erosion, are impacting agriculture and food security. Due to climatic changes, farming has become challenging and unpredictable. This has contributed to high levels of poverty and malnutrition, emphasizing the need for sustainable measures.

Poverty and health

The poverty levels in Malawi are high, while health issues like HIV/AIDS infection rates remain prevalent. Malnutrition in Malawi also remains a significant challenge, affecting children’s growth and health outcomes across the country, particularly in rural communities. This heavily impacts the life expectancy and quality of life of the population.

Gender inequality

Gender issues in Malawi continue to limit women’s access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities. Inclusive development initiatives are crucial for addressing these issues and helping improve community resilience.

Energy shortages and economic constraints

Limited energy resources and recent economic stagnation have further slowed economic growth in Malawi. These challenges impact essential infrastructure, education and employment opportunities, creating barriers to sustainable progress.

Quick facts about Malawi

• Malawi is a country in southern Africa bordered by Zambia, Mozambique and Tanzania.
• Lake Malawi is generally regarded as Malawi’s most iconic geographic feature.
• Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe, serves as the administrative and political center of the nation.
• Malawi has a population of approximately 21 million people, most of whom reside in rural areas of the country.
• Malawi languages include the official language Chichewa, English, and several regional languages.
• Malawi’s religion is primarily Christian with a significant Muslim minority.
• Malawi relies heavily on crops like maize and cassava for subsistence, whereas tobacco and tea are key export products.
• Formerly known as Nyasaland under British rule, Malawi declared independence in 1964. 
• Dictator Hastings Banda governed Malawi until the 1990s, but it has since transitioned to a more democratic system with a steadily improving economy.

Poverty & hunger statistics

• Approximately 70.1% of Malawi’s population lives below the international poverty line of $2.15 per day. (World Bank)
• Malawi ranks 93rd out of 127 countries in the Global Hunger Index with a score of 21.9, which indicates a “serious” level of hunger. (Global Hunger Index)
• Around 37.1% of children under five in Malawi suffer from stunting due to chronic malnutrition. (UNICEF)
• Between October 2024 and March 2025, an estimated 5.7 million people in Malawi are projected to be acutely food insecure. (ReliefWeb)
• The World Bank projects 2% economic growth and 2.6% population growth for Malawi in 2024, leading to per capita contraction.

The Hunger Project in Malawi

In Africa, The Hunger Project works to build sustainable, community-based programs using the Epicenter Strategy, which clusters villages into groups of 5,000-15,000 people who wield clout with the local government as a large collective. An epicenter implements community-led initiatives to sustainably end hunger and poverty until it can financially operate on its own.

The Hunger Project has worked in Malawi since 1999, partnering with communities to end their own hunger and poverty. Through the Epicenter Strategy, communities access the basic services needed to achieve self-reliance and meet internationally agreed-upon markers of success, such as the Sustainable Development Goals.

Sustainable conservation and livelihoods in Majete

In 2003, African Parks started revitalizing the Majete Wildlife Reserve in southwest Malawi. This work led to the return of rhinos, elephants and other animals, as well as tourists and job opportunities within the reserve. 

However, the surrounding communities traditionally relied on the land and its resources for their livelihoods. Despite investments in education and community development, by 2010, the villages around Majete continued to face hunger and poverty.

To address these issues, African Parks’ funders, Dioraphte, enrolled The Hunger Project to establish epicenters around the park. We worked with these communities and focused on fostering a mindset of preservation, catalyzing entrepreneurship and working with smallholder farmers to increase food security in the face of climate change.

Today, communities are committed to preserving the park. Hunger is reduced and people are developing sustainable livelihoods like beekeeping which leverage the park’s resources.

Be part of the change

Join The Hunger Project as we continue supporting communities across Malawi to achieve sustainable self-reliance. We work with empowered community partners, helping them build resilience and drive progress toward ending hunger and poverty.