Devastating Climate Challenges in Malawi

You may have heard about the terrible floods in Malawi in the news which have affected the South of the country.  However in the North, in the Karonga District where our Kilombero Rice is grown, they are facing another devastating climate issue: drought! The rice farmers have had to deal with a dry spell over the past 9 weeks which is taking its toll on their crops. Howard Msukwa has sent us these images of the rice and seedlings in the dry soil.

Maize is one of the main sources of food in the area and this too is badly affected by the drought. “It’s very bad. Imagine waiting from around 3rd January, and the rains just came yesterday. The rice which has survived will have very low yield. Even although the rains are finally here, most of the nurseries have dried up on the beds and farmers must now plant winter crop.” Howard Msukwa tells us.

Our thoughts are with the farmers and their families as they struggle to fight the battle against climate change. Yet again this shows how crucial our purchases of Fair Trade Kilombero Rice are. Despite having to deal with all of this Howard has sent clothing and books to the victims of the floods in the South.