AGP Executive Report

E-waste: Malawi’s environmental authority warns that weak rules, poor coordination and limited recycling leave electronic waste dumped or handled informally, with risks to communities and public health. El Niño preparedness: Drought warnings are raising concern for food security. Malawi has unveiled a K488 billion preparedness plan, while farmers in Nsanje are adopting water-saving gardens and diverse crops to protect harvests. Forests and wildlife: A Dzalanyama nursery aims to produce 11 million seedlings for restoration, as seven people were arrested over alleged arson and theft at Kuti Forest Reserve. Land degradation: CEPA warns that degraded land is costing Malawi up to 7% of economic growth, underscoring the need to protect soils and ecosystems.

Mining Watch: Malawi has identified more than 100 gold-mining sites across 26 districts as it prepares to open three formal trading centres. Bringing gold sales into the formal market could curb smuggling, but strong oversight will matter as activity expands. El Niño Readiness: Nsanje farmers are adopting water-saving gardens and diverse crops to protect food supplies from expected dry spells. A national SDG review warns that droughts and floods are already damaging livelihoods and threatening poverty reduction. Forest Restoration: A Dzalanyama nursery aims to produce 11 million seedlings for the next forestry season, as officials warn that degraded hills and forests need urgent replanting. Wildlife Protection: Seven people have been arrested over arson and theft at Kuti Forest Reserve, underscoring the pressure on protected areas.

Climate-Smart Farming: Nsanje farmers are adopting water-saving gardens, hanging baskets and diverse crops to prepare for expected El Niño conditions and protect harvests. Forest Restoration: A nursery in Dzalanyama Forest Reserve aims to produce 11 million seedlings for the next forestry season, as officials warn that forest degradation is worsening. Wildlife Safety: Incomplete fencing at Vwaza Marsh left nearby residents exposed to wildlife incursions; a lion killed a man in September, and parks officials say funding is needed to finish boundary fences. Community Action: A Zomba Plateau football tournament will earn 50 seedlings for every goal, with organisers aiming to promote tree planting and discourage deforestation. Biodiversity: Malawi has joined five other southern African countries in a Vulture Safe Zone Alliance, responding to steep regional declines caused by poisoning, habitat loss and other threats. Methane and Waste: Food waste can drive up to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions as it rots, making prevention and better organic-waste management practical climate measures.

Food Waste and Methane: UNEP says food waste causes up to 10% of global greenhouse-gas emissions, making less waste and better organic-waste management urgent climate actions. Climate and Farming: Nsanje farmers are adopting hanging gardens, backyard plots and diverse crops to protect food supplies as El Niño threatens the growing season. Forest Restoration: A nursery at Dzalanyama Forest Reserve aims to produce 11 million seedlings for Malawi’s next forestry season. Wildlife Protection: A lion believed to have strayed from Vwaza Marsh killed a man, exposing how incomplete park fencing can put nearby communities at risk. Conservation: Malawi has joined five southern African countries in a Vulture Safe Zone alliance to tackle poisoning, habitat loss and other threats. Climate Preparedness: DoDMA has unveiled a K488 billion El Niño preparedness plan amid warnings of risks to harvests and water supplies. Community Action: Zomba’s Football-4-Forest tournament will earn 50 seedlings for every goal scored, linking sport with reforestation.

Hydropower & Communities: Mpatamanga project developers have completed 28 of 48 resettlement houses in Blantyre and Neno, with relocation planned for December. Access roads, boreholes and a school are also planned. Forest Action: A Zomba Plateau football tournament will turn every goal into 50 tree seedlings, to be planted by Bon Voyage Club to promote reforestation. Wildlife Protection: Malawi has joined five southern African countries in a new alliance to protect declining vulture populations. Meanwhile, incomplete fencing at Vwaza Marsh left nearby residents exposed to wildlife incursions; a lion killed a man last month. Climate Risks: A strong El Niño could persist into February 2027, threatening food, water and livelihoods. Research suggests climate shocks have cut southern Africa’s bean harvests by as much as 78%; Malawi has unveiled a K488 billion preparedness plan. Conservation Under Pressure: Seven people have been arrested over arson and theft at Kuti Forest Reserve after a poacher’s death sparked unrest. Land Degradation: CEPA warns that land degradation is costing Malawi up to 7% of economic growth.

Wildlife Safety: An unfinished boundary fence at Vwaza Marsh left nearby residents exposed to wildlife incursions; a lion killed a 31-year-old man in September, and Parks officials say funding constraints have delayed fencing in some reserves. Forest Protection: Seven people have been arrested over the alleged arson of five tourism buildings and theft at Kuti Forest Reserve, a serious blow to conservation and local tourism. Community Reforestation: Zomba Plateau’s Football-4-Forest tournament will turn each goal into 50 tree seedlings for planting, using football to promote forest protection and climate awareness. Climate and Food Security: Researchers warn drought, heat and erratic rain can cut legume harvests by up to 78%, raising concern for southern Africa’s bean crops as El Niño threatens. Hydropower and Resettlement: Mpatamanga’s resettlement programme has completed 28 of 48 homes; the villages are due to include roads, boreholes and a school, with relocation expected to begin in December.

Weather & Farming: Malawi’s meteorological department says recent rains are a false start to the season and farmers should not plant yet. Isolated downpours and stronger storms are possible later this week. Climate & Food Security: Researchers warn climate shocks can cut southern Africa’s bean harvests by up to 78%, threatening smallholder incomes and affordable food as El Niño risks rise. Wildlife Protection: Police arrested seven people over an alleged arson and theft at Kuti Forest Reserve, where five hospitality buildings were burned. Separately, 62 illegal firearms were surrendered in the North; police say such guns are often used for poaching. Natural Resources: The environment ministry and LUANAR have formalised cooperation on forestry, fisheries, climate services and environmental management, aiming to turn research into practical results for communities.

Wildlife Protection: Police in Salima arrested seven people over alleged arson and theft at Kuti Forest Reserve, after a poacher chased from the reserve was found dead in Kuti dam waters; postmortem said suffocation from drowning. Illegal Arms: Malawi Police say 62 illegal muzzle-loading firearms were surrendered in the Northern Region during the September amnesty, with the weapons linked to game poaching and set for destruction next year. Climate & Food Waste: UN warnings highlight that rotting food waste can drive up to 10% of global greenhouse gases, with methane from landfills making it a fast climate problem—pushing calls for diversion and better waste systems. Weather & Farming: Malawi’s MET cautions that recent rains are a “false onset” and not reliable for planting, while isolated downpours and thunderstorms are expected later in the week. El Niño Preparedness: DoDMA unveiled a K488 billion El Niño plan but says only about a quarter of funds are secured, leaving a large gap and food security as the biggest item. IMF Talks: IMF praised Malawi’s reforms in talks but has not finalised a new lending deal, with officials awaiting the outcome amid fuel and forex strain. Natural Resources Collaboration: The Ministry of Natural Resources and LUANAR signed an MoU to expand work in fisheries, forestry, environmental management, climate services, and research.

Planetary Health Tech: Google says its Earth platform can flag disease risks earlier by combining satellite views, mobility patterns, weather data and anonymized search signals, with health agencies already testing it in outbreak response. Climate Impact—Food Waste: UNEP warns rotting food waste can drive up to 10% of global greenhouse gases (about five times aviation), urging faster action like diverting organics from landfills and using practical recycling approaches. El Niño Preparedness: Malawi’s DoDMA unveiled a K488bn El Niño plan for 2026/27 but says only about a quarter of funds are secured, leaving a large gap—food security is the biggest line item. Rainfall Caution for Farmers: MET says recent rains are a “false onset” and advises farmers not to plant yet, while forecasting more isolated downpours and thunderstorms later in the week. Land Degradation Warning: CEPA says land degradation is cutting Malawi’s economic growth by up to 7% and is undermining livelihoods, calling for restoring degraded land and protecting forests. Natural Resources Research Link: Malawi’s Natural Resources Ministry and LUANAR signed an MoU to expand collaboration across fisheries, forestry, environmental management, climate services and community support. Health Crisis—Medicines Shortage: Malawi’s health ministry calls medicine shortages a crisis, blaming foreign exchange constraints and supplier debt, and is pushing local manufacturers to supply through CMST. Youth Pressure on Jobs and Forex: UDF leader Atupele Muluzi says young people are losing patience as forex problems fuel fuel and medicine shortages, job scarcity and rising costs. Education & Climate Resilience Angle: Malawi marks World Teachers’ Day with a push to strengthen teachers as climate change and inclusion shape future education needs.

Climate & Agriculture: Malawi’s MET warns recent rains are a “false onset” and urges farmers not to plant yet, while forecasting mostly sunny, hot weather with isolated downpours and stronger thunderstorms from Thursday to Sunday. El Niño Preparedness: DoDMA unveils a K488 billion national El Niño plan for 2026/27 but says only about a quarter of funds are secured, leaving a K324.8 billion gap, with food security the biggest line item. Land & Forests: CEPA warns land degradation is cutting Malawi’s growth by up to 7% and pushing communities into livelihood stress, urging restoration and better forest protection. Waste & Climate: UNEP highlights that rotting food waste can drive up to 10% of global greenhouse gases—around five times aviation—because landfill methane accelerates near-term warming. Natural Resources Research: The Ministry of Natural Resources and LUANAR sign an MoU to deepen work in fisheries, aquaculture, forestry, environmental management, climate services and lakeshore community support. Conservation Caution: A conservation analysis flags how reintroducing large animals like elephants and rhinos can backfire if moves aren’t carefully planned for people and land. Community-First Climate Reporting: Journalists are urged to listen to communities first when covering climate change, treating locals as knowledge holders and solution providers. Health Supply Pressure: Malawi’s health ministry calls medicine shortages a crisis, blaming foreign exchange constraints and debt, and turns to local manufacturers via CMST.

El Niño preparedness: Malawi’s DoDMA unveiled a K488 billion national El Niño Preparedness Plan, but says only K163.7 billion is secured, leaving a K324.8 billion gap—food security is the biggest line item at K311.8 billion. Food insecurity risk: A new warning says El Niño could worsen hunger, with 2.6 million people (14%) already expected to face food insecurity in 2026/27, as households struggle to afford food. Conservation and wildlife: Kuti Wildlife Reserve in Salima was torched by villagers after alleged poaching and a ranger confrontation—another blow to tourism and protected biodiversity. Inclusive climate action: Empowering Young Minds urged that young people with disabilities be included in climate and disaster planning, after a policy dialogue at UNIMA. Water and resilience: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah called for bankable investment in Africa’s water sector, linking water to food security, climate resilience and poverty reduction. Local climate reporting: Journalists were urged to listen to communities first when covering climate change, treating locals as sources of solutions, not just victims. Fuel and forex pressure: Commentators and analysts point to foreign-exchange scarcity as the core driver behind Malawi’s recurring fuel queues, despite claims of global supply shocks. SMEs under strain: Malawi’s SMEs face forex shortages, power outages and limited affordable financing, with government urging value addition and export production. Wildlife reintroduction caution: A conservation piece warns that moving elephants and rhinos can trigger conflict if done badly, highlighting lessons from past Malawi elephant transfers.

Fuel crisis and forex squeeze: A political commentator says Malawi’s petrol and diesel queues are driven less by “global shocks” and more by foreign-exchange shortages, weak supplier credit and depleted strategic stocks, as NOCMA points to forex gaps blocking fuel imports. El Niño and food insecurity: A new warning says El Niño could worsen food insecurity in Malawi’s southern and central regions by delaying rains and cutting labour demand, with 2.6 million people already expected to face hunger. Weather disruption: Malawi Airlines says worsening conditions and poor visibility have grounded flights at Kamuzu and Chileka airports, with delays expected as thunderstorms and locally heavy rain move in. Conservation and tourism pressure: Kuti Wildlife Reserve in Salima was torched by villagers after alleged poaching and ranger action, dealing another blow to wildlife protection and tourism. Water investment push: Namibia’s Nandi-Ndaitwah urged Africa to turn water commitments into bankable projects, linking water to food security and climate resilience. Agrifood investment drive: Malawi will host a National Agrifood Systems Investment Symposium in Lilongwe to unlock private-sector funding for sustainable value chains. Wildlife finance model: African Parks says its Verifiable Nature Unit pilot at Majete helped expand conservation outcomes measurement across 1.37 million hectares. Inclusive climate policy: Students with disabilities called for a stronger voice in climate action and disaster planning, saying decisions are often made without hearing their lived barriers.

Housing & Urban Renewal: Malawi Housing Corporation says its new approach is built on urban renewal, partnerships and transparency, shifting from eviction threats to community-first engagement like Malangalanga Area 1, using compensation and house swaps. Refugee Livelihoods: There is Hope reports its “Skill Up” project is training youth (15–35) in Dowa and Dzaleka, with trades from solar PV to tailoring, plus life skills and digital literacy for refugees and host communities. Agri-Food Markets: Tomato farmers urge sustainable markets and affordable financing as SMEDCO buys surplus tomatoes to curb post-harvest losses and stabilise prices, including processing into sauce and paste. Climate & Inclusion: Empowering Young Minds calls for young people with disabilities to shape climate policy, disaster risk management and inclusive education, after a UNIMA dialogue highlighted gaps in how decisions are made. Tourism & Wildlife Protection: Villagers torched Kuti Wildlife Reserve’s tourism infrastructure in Salima after alleged poaching and a ranger confrontation, reigniting debate on conservation enforcement and community accountability. Weather Watch: Malawi Airlines says bad weather and poor visibility have grounded flights, while meteorological services warn of thunderstorms, locally heavy rain and strong winds. Food Security Pressure: A new warning says El Niño could worsen food insecurity, with millions facing reduced rainfall, higher maize prices and weaker labour demand. Water Investment: UN panel co-chair Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urges Africa to turn water commitments into bankable projects to close the continent’s water investment gap. Conservation Funding Model: African Parks says its Verifiable Nature Unit pilot at Majete has expanded to cover 1.37 million hectares across three parks, aiming to measure nature outcomes for long-term funding. Lake Malawi Safety: Communities around lakes are urged to stay alert as Mwera winds and storms are expected to persist.

Food Security & Climate Risk: A new report warns El Niño could deepen food insecurity in Malawi, with 2.6 million people (14%) projected to face hunger in 2026/27 as rainfall delays, dry spells and weak labour demand hit Southern and Central regions. Community Climate Action: Faith Phiri’s Sustain Africa Youth Wave links climate action to health and livelihoods, pushing young people and farmers to prepare before disasters strike. Weather Disruption: Poor visibility and unsettled conditions have grounded flights at Kamuzu and Chileka, while meteorological services also flag thunderstorms, locally heavy rain and strong winds. Water Investment Push: UNGA discussions led by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah call for bankable funding to close Africa’s water gap—key for food security and climate resilience. Conservation & Wildlife: African Parks says its Verifiable Nature Unit model, piloted at Majete and now covering 1.37 million hectares across three parks, is helping measure nature outcomes to attract long-term funding. Agrifood Investment Drive: Malawi is set for a National Agrifood Systems Investment Symposium in Lilongwe to unlock private sector funding for sustainable food systems. Deforestation & Livelihoods: In Chikwawa, charcoal trade is rising as vegetation cover shrinks, with authorities warning deforestation leaves bare ground prone to erosion and harms wildlife habitats. Safe Water Access: Water Mission Malawi commissioned a solar-powered safe water system in Mkoko (Lilongwe), targeting thousands of residents with improved sanitation and hygiene.

El Niño Risk for Malawi: UN warns Mozambique is among Africa’s most vulnerable to super El Niño, with heatwaves, drought and cyclones expected—Malawi is also named as highly exposed. Weather Watch: Malawi’s climate office says strong Mwera winds and thunderstorms could bring locally heavy rain and gusty conditions across regions and lakeshore areas, with flood-prone communities urged to stay alert. Farmers Adapting: Kasungu farmers are being urged to switch to drought-tolerant seed varieties as El Niño threatens yields, while Lilongwe and Blantyre see early, confusing showers that may affect planting decisions. Conservation Results: African Parks says its outcomes-based Verifiable Nature Unit has expanded beyond Majete to cover 1.37 million hectares across three parks, aiming to measure nature health and attract long-term funding. Water Access: Water Mission Malawi commissioned a solar-powered safe water system at Mkoko Trading Center (TA Kalolo), targeting thousands of people with improved sanitation and hygiene. Tourism & Heritage: Government says it has not yet secured an investor for the Golden Sands Hotel at Cape Maclear, citing environmental and heritage requirements inside Lake Malawi National Park. Agrifood Investment Push: Malawi will host a National Agrifood Systems Investment Symposium in Lilongwe to unlock private sector funding for sustainable food systems.

El Niño and storm alerts: Malawi’s climate service warns of strong Mwera winds, thunderstorms and heavy rain across regions, with flood-prone communities urged to stay alert. Farmers urged to adapt: In Kasungu, farmers were advised to switch to drought-tolerant, early-maturing seed varieties as El Niño threatens rain-fed production. Food security pressure: IFPRI projects nearly half a million more people could fall into poverty in 2027 as fertiliser costs and El Niño crop losses push up food prices. Water access boost: Water Mission Malawi commissioned a reticulated solar safe-water system in Mkoko (Lilongwe), targeting thousands of people with improved sanitation and hygiene. Conservation with measurable outcomes: African Parks says its Verifiable Nature Unit model, piloted at Majete and now covering 1.37 million hectares across three parks, is designed to track nature recovery for long-term funding. Agrifood investment push: Malawi will host an agrifood systems investment symposium in Lilongwe to unlock private sector funding for sustainable value chains. Urban governance focus: Mayors and council officials met in Salima for a first-ever urban governance symposium to share solutions for sustainable city development.