Malawi
In Malawi, CHDI is active in Dowa, Neno, and Chitipa Districts, which have a combined population of nearly 600,000 people.
Strengthen Wheat Production
Malawi currently imports 80% of wheat consumed domestically, even though conditions are favorable for local wheat production. CHDI has assisted the organization of 1,200 wheat farmers into the Neno Hills Farmers’ Association (NHFA), and helped them to access financing for their first-ever purchase of improved wheat seed and fertilizer. CHDI also negotiated the purchase of the farmers’ resulting wheat harvest by a local wheat miller at prices 50% higher than they received in previous periods.
Improve Cotton Farming
Cotton represents a significant opportunity for farmers in Malawi. Working with CHDI, cotton farmers are organizing their purchasing power to buy fertilizer, seeds, and other inputs that can increase their harvests. CHDI is working simultaneously with the Fairtrade Labeling Organization to establish fair trade pricing and certification for Malawian cotton, to help farmers access growing international consumer markets for high-quality cotton.
Clean Water and Sanitation
To expand access to clean water in Malawi, CHDI has launched water and sanitation programs in all three work districts in Malawi. In the central Nambuma district, CHDI has completed the water supplies for several health centers. In the northern district of Nthalire, CHDI is carrying out community hygiene and water point provision and management training programs that will bring clean water to dozens of village communities, impacting 16,000 people, including 7,000 students. In Dowa, CHDI is improving water supplies at more than a dozen rural health centers.
Strengthening Health Care
Alongside Partners In Health, CHDI is constructing a 120-bed hospital and 23 staff houses in Neno, scheduled to open in the summer of 2008.
Afforestation
CHDI is working with government and several NGOs to reverse rapid deforestation in Rwanda and Malawi. In Fall 2007, CHDI planted several million fruit and forest tree seedlings in newly established nurseries in both countries. The seedlings will be incorporated into community planting programs for erosion control, fruit production and nitrogen fixation, and into national-scale reforestation programs in partnership with government.
In addition to generating ecological and food security benefits, CHDI’s program is designed to contribute to the battle against climate change, by capturing more than 500,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually.
