Local councils in Malawi face a critical challenge in effectively responding to natural disasters, according to environmental authorities. A significant capacity gap hinders their ability to provide timely and adequate support to affected communities, exacerbating the impact of these events.
This alarming reality was brought to the fore at a recent three-day workshop for District Disaster Risk Management Committees (DDRM) in Nkhata-Bay and Karonga, organized by the Transforming Agriculture and Entrepreneurship Programme (TRADE).
“We deal with smallholder farmers who are disproportionately impacted by climate change, facing frequent threats from floods and droughts,” explained Amosi Simwela, Environment and Climate Change Specialist for TRADE. “However, we observed that local councils often lack the resources and expertise to effectively respond to these emergencies.”
The workshop aimed to address this critical gap by equipping DDRM members with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively plan for and respond to disasters. The training focused on enhancing their understanding of disaster management principles, mitigation strategies, and building community resilience.
“We reminded the committees of their crucial roles and emphasized the importance of proactive measures to minimize the impact of disasters,” Simwela added. “By empowering these committees at the local level, we aim to strengthen community resilience and ensure a more effective disaster response.”
Rachael Kamanga, Disaster Risk Management Officer for Nkhata-Bay district, expressed her gratitude for the workshop, acknowledging that the acquired skills will significantly enhance their capacity to handle future disasters.
The challenges faced by Malawian councils are a stark reminder of the urgent need to invest in disaster preparedness and response mechanisms. As climate change intensifies, the frequency and severity of natural disasters are expected to increase, demanding a more robust and proactive approach to disaster management