Malawi releases El Niño preparedness strategy

Malawi Government has unveiled a multi-sector preparedness plan to avert the impact of El Niño as forecasts point to an increased risk of below-normal rainfall and prolonged dry spells.

Ministry of Natural Resources issued an El Niño Preparedness Brief yesterday, warning of more than 80 percent chance of a strong to very strong El Niño event developing in the tropical Pacific Ocean to affect the 2026/27 rainy season.

The brief indicates that between October and December, the rain-fed agriculture planting season in the country, Malawi is likely to experience below-normal rainfall, particularly in the Southern Region districts.

From January to March 2027, there is up to a 62 percent chance of below-normal rainfall and prolonged dry spells, with fewer rainy days expected.

“Lake levels projected decline of 0.2–0.7m [metres] fuller impact likely felt in second year,” the brief reads in part.

Northern and parts of central Malawi are more likely to see normal to above-normal rainfall during October-December sub-season.

The ministry has since called for coordinated, sector-wide action to protect food security, water supply and public health.

Further, the ministry has urged the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological to be issuing regular weather forecasts and impact-based early warnings, and provide sector-specific advisories.

The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (Dodma) is also tasked to coordinate national preparedness and response efforts, while line ministries will integrate climate risks into sector plans.

Centre for Agricultural Research and Development director Innocent Pangapanga-Phiri commended the ministry for issuing the alert, saying it had come at the right time, with only a few months remaining before the onset of the rainy season in October.

Dodma Commissioner Wilson Moleni also told The Nation yesterday that the department was already collaborating with various stakeholders to prepare for possible humanitarian responses.

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