Standing Together Through a Difficult Season in Chinthowa
September brought a very difficult time for the people of Chinthowa in Malawi. The harvest was poor, and many families had not grown enough food to last them through the next harvest. When crops fail, it doesn’t only mean less food on the table. It also causes prices in the markets to rise sharply. For many families, especially those with young children, these prices quickly become impossible to afford. The photgraph shows 5 of the poor families receiving maize each month during the ‘Lean Time”.
As so often happens in these situations, the poorest are the hardest hit. Without support, many children would have faced days, even weeks without enough food. Thankfully, this worst outcome was avoided. The Malawi government stepped in to help stabilise food supplies and prices where possible. At the same time, Chinthowa Development Trust was able to respond quickly and practically, working alongside local communities to support those most at risk.
Because of this combined effort, families were able to get through a very challenging period. Children continued to receive daily meals, and communities were spared the hunger that could so easily have taken hold.
Facing a Changing Climate
The difficulties faced this year are not a one-off event. We are seeing rapid changes in climate, and these changes are having a serious effect on farming communities like Chinthowa. Rainfall is becoming less predictable, growing seasons are shifting, and traditional farming methods no longer work as they once did.
The Trust is working hard to face these challenges head-on. Planning is already underway to design new irrigation systems that can make better use of available water. Work is also progressing on crop variation, introducing and developing crops that are more resilient to changing weather conditions. Alongside this, new and improved farming techniques are being explored to help farmers grow more food, more reliably, even in these difficult conditions.
These steps are not quick fixes, but they are vital for long-term food security. By adapting now, communities in Chinthowa can become stronger and more resilient for the years ahead.
Thank You for Making This Possible
None of this work would be possible without your continued support. As a Trust, and on behalf of the people of the Chinthowa villages, we want to say a heartfelt thank you. Your generosity and commitment are helping families through immediate hardship and building hope for a more secure future.
You truly do make a huge difference!
