Sowing Resilience: How Irrigation Is Transforming Agriculture in Malawi

Climate Change and Agriculture: Adapting to Secure Malawi’s Future

In Malawi, families are grappling with a harsh reality: unpredictable weather patterns threaten not just their crops but their very survival. Over the past five decades, the country has faced nearly 19 major floods and seven severe droughts, each leaving devastation in its wake. As climate change accelerates, these extreme events are becoming more frequent, impacting communities that heavily depend on rain-fed agriculture and driving them deeper into poverty. 


The recent Cyclone Freddy left widespread destruction, wiping out homes, livelihoods, and entire communities. Research shows that climate change is amplifying these weather events, placing already vulnerable populations at even greater risk. 


The 2023/24 rainfall season in Malawi, influenced by El Niño, started late and was characterised by prolonged dry spells, especially in the southern and central regions. These dry spells, some lasting over four weeks during the crucial cropping months of January and February, caused severe damage to crops and disrupted food production. 


Malawi’s Agricultural Crisis 

More than 80% of Malawi’s population relies on agriculture for their livelihoods. In March 2024, the government declared a State of Disaster across 23 of the country’s 28 districts. Between May and September 2024, around 4.2 million people faced acute food insecurity, with an additional 6.7 million classified as “stressed.” The situation is expected to deteriorate further during the lean season from October 2024 to March 2025. 


The impact of these extreme weather events on agriculture is undeniable. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and frequent droughts make it increasingly difficult for smallholder farmers to achieve consistent yields. Maize, which occupies over 70% of Malawi’s cultivated land, remains particularly vulnerable. As yields decline, farmers fall deeper into poverty, food prices rise, and access to nutritious food diminishes. 


Adapting to Climate Change through Irrigation 

As part of mitigation efforts to these challenges, we established Sparkle Farm earlier this year, driven by the urgent need for sustainable agricultural solutions. By tapping into wells, we can irrigate our crops year-round—even outside the traditional growing season. This setup ensures a steady water supply, reducing our dependence on increasingly unpredictable rains. 


The results speak for themselves. Irrigation has transformed our operations, allowing us to grow a diverse range of vegetables continuously so far. These fresh crops directly support our school feeding program, providing nutritious meals to children in our community—even during dry spells when food supplies are otherwise scarce. This initiative helps stabilise food availability and improves the health and well-being of those we serve. 


Expanding Climate-Resilient Practices 

While our success at Sparkle Farm demonstrates the potential of climate-resilient agriculture, Malawi needs to scale these practices nationwide to effectively combat climate challenges. Sustainable water management, soil conservation, and the adoption of drought-resistant crops will strengthen agricultural resilience across the country. 


Equipping farmers with efficient irrigation systems, climate-smart techniques, and community-led resources can break the cycle of crisis caused by erratic weather. By adopting these strategies, we can secure food supplies and bolster local economies, ensuring future generations have the resources to thrive despite climate challenges. 


A Call to Action 

The challenges facing Malawi’s agriculture are undeniable, but our experience at Sparkle Farm shows that resilience is achievable. To fully unlock the potential of our efforts, we need a more efficient irrigation system that conserves water and maximises crop yields. This investment is crucial for expanding our climate adaptation strategies and ensuring long-term food security. 



By supporting projects like Sparkle Farm, you can help break the cycle of emergency responses and build a future where agriculture thrives despite the impacts of climate change. Together, we can secure a brighter, more resilient future for Malawi’s communities. 

Why the Youth Matter: Investing in Malawi's Future Today

By chimwemwe gawa • August 7, 2025
In Malawi, the heartbeat of the nation is undeniably young. With over 70% of the population under the age of 30, and nearly half under 18, we’re one of the youngest countries in the world. That’s both an incredible opportunity and a serious challenge. Without the right support, this “youth bulge” could become a burden. But with the right investment, it could drive Malawi forward in ways we can only begin to imagine. Behind the Numbers On paper, this youthful population sounds like an economic dream. But the reality? Many young people in Malawi are struggling. Youth unemployment is high, with estimates suggesting that over a quarter of those aged 15 to 24 are out of work. Even more are trapped in the informal sector, with few prospects for advancement or stability. These statistics aren’t just numbers. They’re young lives full of potential that’s going unnoticed, untapped, and unfulfilled. That’s a loss not just for them, but for all of us.

What a Child Really Gains from Early Childhood Education

By chimwemwe gawa • July 25, 2025
The early years of a child’s life are incredibly important. It’s during this time that their brain is growing quickly, and they’re beginning to understand how the world works. That’s why early childhood education, or ECD, is so valuable. It’s not just about learning numbers and letters – it’s about building the foundation for everything that comes after. At Sparkle ECD Centre, we see the difference every single day. We see how children grow in confidence, how they start to think for themselves, and how they develop the skills they need to succeed later in life. But we also know what happens when children miss out – and what that means not only for them, but for the country as a whole. They learn how to live with others One of the most important things children gain in ECD is social development. It’s the first time many of them are around other children for long periods, and they begin to learn how to share, take turns and communicate their feelings. These early social skills help them later on – in school, in work, and in everyday life. When children don’t have access to early education, they often struggle with these things. They might find it hard to settle into primary school, make friends, or follow simple rules and routines. They develop strong thinking and communication skills ECD gives children the chance to explore and ask questions. Whether it’s through puzzles, storytelling or imaginative play, they’re constantly learning how to solve problems, remember details and express their thoughts. These early learning experiences are essential for developing language, creativity and curiosity. If a child misses out on this stage, they may arrive at school already behind. They might struggle with reading, writing or understanding instructions – and it can be very difficult to catch up. They start to believe in themselves At Sparkle, we love seeing children take part in career days where they dress up as doctors, builders, teachers or whatever they dream of being. These activities might seem simple, but they give children something powerful – the belief that they can do and be something great. Children who go through ECD are more likely to stay in school, finish their education, and go on to lead fulfilling lives. They become more confident, more curious and more resilient. Without that early encouragement, many children never get the chance to dream big. They get a fairer start in life Unfortunately, not every child in Malawi has access to quality early education. Many miss out on a safe space to play, learn and be looked after. They don’t get the early support that could help them grow – emotionally, socially and academically. At Sparkle, we work with children from 17 villages around Zomba, offering them a chance to start strong. We believe that early education shouldn’t be a privilege, it should be a right. Why this matters for the country When a child gets a strong start, they carry that confidence and knowledge with them. They’re more likely to do well at school, get decent jobs, and support their families. They become active, engaged members of society. But if large numbers of children are left behind at the very beginning, the whole country feels it. It affects education levels, employment, and the economy. It widens the gap between those who have access and those who don’t. Investing in early childhood education isn’t just about helping one child – it’s about building a stronger, fairer Malawi. Final thoughts Early childhood education gives children the building blocks for life. It helps them grow into kind, confident and capable people. Without it, they miss out on crucial experiences – and that missed potential affects all of us. Let’s make sure every child has the chance to start well. Let’s invest in the early years – for their future, and for the future of our nation.

Strengthening the Parent-Teacher Partnership: Strategies for Empowering Parents in Their Child’s Education

By chimwemwe gawa • July 11, 2025
A child’s academic journey is not just shaped by teachers and schools, it thrives when parents play an active role and the role of parents extends far beyond supporting homework and attending parent-teacher conferences. Research highlights that students perform better when their families are engaged in their education. But how can we empower parents to become effective partners in this process? By providing the right tools, fostering collaboration, and creating an inclusive environment, parents can contribute significantly to their child’s success. Let's explore some of the practical strategies that educators, schools, and communities can use to strengthen the parent-school partnership. These approaches not only enhance student achievement but also build a support system that benefits everyone involved. Provide Clear and Consistent Communication Establish open and regular communication channels between schools and parents. This includes newsletters, emails, phone calls, and even social media updates. Keeping parents informed about their child’s progress, school events, and initiatives encourages active participation. Teachers should be encouraged to provide both positive feedback and constructive insights, ensuring parents feel involved and know how to support their child’s academic journey. Offer Parent Education and Training Host workshops and training sessions to help parents better understand the curriculum, teaching methods, and educational standards. This can make parents feel more confident in assisting with homework or understanding school policies. Workshops could also address topics like managing screen time, promoting good study habits, or addressing mental health challenges children may face. As related to Lev Vygotsky theory which highlights the role of parents in providing scaffolding and support children’s learning and cognitive development.