Building resilience through goats: A success story from the JOA SCIAF LCB project.

Zomba, Phalombe, Machinga. The Lake Chilwa Basin (LCB) in Malawi is a vital resource for both local and national economies. However, despite its significance, many communities in Zomba, Phalombe and Machinga continue to grapple with poverty. The escalating impacts of climate change and the deteriorating ecosystem of the LCB have placed immense strain on the livelihoods of these communities. As climate shocks grow more frequent and severe, there is an urgent need for solutions that enable people not only to survive but to thrive.

In response, in collaboration with Trocaire, and support from Jersey Overseas Aid (JOA), we launched the “Community-led Planning and Management for Biodiversity Protection and Resilient Communities in the Catchment Area of Lake Chilwa, Malawi” project. This initiative focuses on enhancing the resilience of vulnerable communities by addressing both environmental and economic challenges.


A central pillar of the project is its partnership with 48 Village Natural Resources Management Committees (VNRMCs). These committees have been trained extensively in natural resource management, including tree nursery establishment, tree planting and catchment conservation. In addition to the training, the VNRMCs have been equipped with essential tools such as wheelbarrows, shovels, watering cans, gum boots and polyethylene tubes. This support has significantly enhanced their ability to manage and protect the biodiversity within the LCB, contributing to a more sustainable ecosystem.

Resilience in Agriculture: The story of Delia Amos, a model farmer in Sochera Village.

Mulanje, Malawi. In the heart of Sochera Village, under Group Village Headman Chimwala, Traditional Authority Chikumbu, Mulanje district. Delia Amos, a married mother of four, stands as a shining example of resilience and innovation in agriculture. Despite the significant challenges posed by climate change, Delia has successfully secured food and income for her family by adopting sustainable farming practices, through the PAET - ERA project, funded by Bread for the World (BftW).

At the core of Delia’s success is her strategy of crop diversification. Although her rainfed maize harvest yielded only two bags due to erratic rainfall, Delia compensated by growing a variety of other crops. She harvested 100 kilograms of pigeon peas, selling half for K75,000, while 20 bags of sweet potatoes earned her K210,000. Her cassava crop generated an additional income of K62,000 from three bags sold, with two bags set aside for family consumption.

Empowering a future: Veronica Kaiwe’s Journey from Struggle to Success

“I can make K20,000 in a week, at least K80,000 every month. With this money, I can support my family with food and other household necessities. My siblings are no longer missing classes due to lack of food in the house,” shared Veronica Kaiwe with a sense of pride and gratitude.

Veronica, a 24-year-old from Group Village Headman Namba, Traditional Authority Nazombe in Phalombe district, has seen her life transformed through the Girls Get Equal (GGE) project.

Before joining the Girls Get Equal (GGE) project in 2021, Veronica struggled to support her family through a small fritters business, which was insufficient to cover basic needs and led to her siblings missing school due to hunger. The GGE project provided her with tailoring training, financial literacy and essential tools like a sewing machine. This support transformed her life; she now receives numerous orders for school uniforms and other garments, earning a steady income. With her business success, Veronica has purchased a piece of land worth K400,000 and two cows.

From pigs to prosperity: Aida Ezala's journey of transformation with CARD.

Aida Ezala, a participant in the "Promoting Agro-ecological Transition for Enhanced Resilient Agriculture" project in Dowa, has experienced significant economic and personal growth thanks to the support from CARD.


In September 2023, Aida received two pigs, a boar and a sow, from CARD. By selling the boar, she earned an impressive MK250,000.00. This newfound income allowed her to purchase essential farm inputs, leading to a bountiful harvest of 25 bags of maize.


With the profits from her farming ventures, Aida made several strategic investments. She purchased materials to make bricks for the house she is constructing and paid K35,000.00 for her daughter's school fees at Golong'ozi Secondary School in Dowa.


"I am so excited and grateful, thank you so much, CARD. My life will never be the same." Aida shared 

Exciting Progress at CARD's Technical Meeting in Nchalo, Chikwawa


Chikwawa, Malawi – July 17, 2024 – It is the second day of our technical meeting in Nchalo, Chikwawa, where we reviewing the impressive activities implemented during the last quarter of 2024. Our Programs Manager, Arthur Lichenya, highlighted that CARD is on track with its projects aimed at supporting the people of Malawi, especially those affected by natural and induced disasters.


“We are dedicated to fulfilling our vision and mission at CARD. Our hardworking team is committed to assisting and responding to the needs of Malawians,” Lichenya emphasized.


This quarterly technical meeting has drawn project coordinators from various districts we operate. It began with a field visit on July 16, 2024, and is scheduled to conclude on July 18, 2024.