Child-focused organizations in Zomba have been urged to step up preparations for an expected hot and drier rainy season that could expose children to food shortages and extreme heat.
The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services has forecast below-normal rainfall and El Niño conditions in Malawi’s eastern region during the coming rainy season.
Save the Children Project Manager for Resilience Economic Development in Zomba, McPherson Kapalamula, said the warning should prompt organizations to prepare families before the impact is felt.
Speaking during a meeting of child protection and welfare organizations in Zomba, Kapalamula urged the organizations to incorporate the forecast into their programmes and ensure parents receive the information.
He said prolonged hot conditions could make it difficult for some children to attend school, while poor rainfall could worsen food insecurity.
Kapalamula also called for community awareness on measures to protect children from extreme heat and prepare for possible food shortages.
“Zomba District is expected to receive below-normal rainfall and experience El Niño conditions, which are characterised by hot weather. Therefore, let us share this information with parents,” he said.
Some of the organizations that attended the meeting included TIPOLISO, Bwalo Initiative, Partners in Action for Sustainable Development, Nditha Foundation, SAFE, Joyce Banda Foundation, Harmony Collective, the Social Welfare Office, the Gender Office and others.
