Malawi

Malawi is home to abundant freshwater resources, including the vast Lake Malawi, which is vital for the country’s agriculture, fisheries, and livelihoods. The Shire River, which flows from Lake Malawi, is another key water source, supporting both the local population and ecosystems. However, the country faces challenges such as water pollution, climate change-induced droughts, and the overuse of water resources, which threaten its environmental sustainability.

IWMI in Malawi

IWMI’s work in Malawi focuses on improving water resilience and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in the face of climate challenges. The organization supports climate-resilient, water-secure farming systems that help smallholder farmers diversify their crops beyond maize, enhancing food security and nutrition. By fostering partnerships and incorporating groundwater management and water resilience into national climate plans, IWMI helps strengthen the adaptive capacities of local communities and governments, contributing to sustainable agricultural intensification and water management solutions.

IWMI also works on enhancing water security through data-driven decision-making tools like the Water Resilience Tracker, which supports countries in evaluating their water management strategies in the context of climate change. By providing technical assistance and promoting cross-sector collaboration, the initiative strengthens water resilience, ensuring more equitable and sustainable use of water resources. IWMI’s focus on innovative approaches and capacity-building helps Malawi address critical water management issues while boosting the resilience of agricultural systems and supporting climate adaptation efforts.

Contact

Henry Roman

Henry Roman

Country Representative – South Africa

Contact the media team.

Contact our global HQ.

Projects in Malawi

Latest Malawi news

The Water Resilience Tracker is reframing climate policy across the Global South

From Nepal and Malawi to Egypt and Brazil, policymakers are making more strategic climate decisions by integrating water into their approaches …

IWMI and partners are unlocking potential of groundwater in Africa 

The Groundwater for aDvancing Resilience in Africa (G4DR) project unites partners across Benin, Malawi, Mozambique, Togo, and Uganda to enhance water security and resilience of communities …

Malawi leaders drive action on water resilience priorities  

Key government stakeholders unite with water security experts to drive tangible progress toward a water-secure future …

Partner collaboration on water resilience tool set to bridge science-to-policy interface

The Water Resilience Tracker will assist governments in Brazil, Egypt, Malawi and Nepal to strengthen national water governance and build climate resilience …
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Latest Malawi publications

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Report

Water and Soil Accelerator Inception Report: Sustainable Soil and Water Management from Farm to Landscape in Malawi and Zambia

International Water Management Institute | March 12th, 2026
Nkosi, Mahlatse; van Rooyen, André; Mabele, Thato; Chinembiri, Evans; Jacobs-Mata, Inga; Matchaya, Greenwell C.; Enokenwa Baa, Ojongetakah; Dirwai, Tinashe Lindel; Kasoma-Pele, Winnie; Mapedza, Everisto D.; Makungwe, Mirriam; Nortje, Karen; Mutenje, Munyaradzi; Roman, Henry
Open Access
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Book Chapter

Chapter 5 – Agricultural water management in maize-based systems: challenges, opportunities, and sustainable solutions in Kenya, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe

Elsevier | February 17th, 2026
Kanda, E.; Dirwai, Tinashe Lindel; Tegegne, Desalegn; Choruma, Dennis Junior; Haileslassie, Amare
Limited Access
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Report

Strengthening regional scaling ecosystems: insights on scaling champions across East and Southern Africa

International Water Management Institute | February 13th, 2026
Nohayi, Ngowenani; Mahuku, G.
Open Access