Background Information
Climate Change has been described as the defining challenge of our time.
Its impacts are globally and locally felt and require a robust policy environment
to address them. Malawi has experienced a number of adverse climatic
hazards over the last several decades. The most serious have been dry
spells, seasonal droughts, intense rainfall, riverine floods and flush
floods. Droughts and floods have also increased in frequency, intensity and
magnitude over the last two decades. The Lower Shire and areas along the
lakeshore are the most vulnerable to floods and droughts. It is important
for Malawi to therefore develop appropriate policy response to enable local
communities to cope better with adverse impacts of climate change and take
advantage of the opportunities impacts of climate change avail to local
communities.
Outlook of the Project
Case studies are being conducted in Nsanje and Salima Districts, covering
the total of three sites in each district. Karonga District in the Northern
Region has been earmarked for similar activities beginning in 2008. In
addition to policy awareness and capacity building with rural communities,
CEPA will lobby stakeholders to participate in a civil society network on
climate change, which is still at rudimentary stage. This will be done by
conducting biannual meetings to discuss upcoming issues and agree on one
agenda for advocacy and lobbying with the relevant govern
Climate Change National Workshop
CEPA organized a Climate Change National Workshop on the 11th and 12th of
December 2007.The objective of the workshop was for CEPA to disseminate
results of its policy research work on climate change and case studies on
thement departments.
impact of climate change on rural livelihoods. In addition, the
workshop also provided an opportunity for exploring policy options
regarding climate change management in Malawi. About 40 people took part in
the workshop. They came from government departments, non governmental
organizations and the local community. Participation during the workshop
was very positive. |
