Malawi
CRS supports Lusubilo's programs for orphans and other needy children in northern Malawi. Photo by Debbie DeVoe/CRS
Beautiful, landlocked Malawi is among the world's poorest countries. More than half the population lives below the national poverty line, surviving on less than $1 a day. Most Malawians are family farmers, and the majority of them live under the constant threat of not having enough food each day. Malawi is also hard hit by the HIV and AIDS pandemic. Catholic Relief Services partners with the Catholic Church in Malawi to people grow more food, improve their health and earn more money.
Latest Stories From Malawi
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You Are Improving Nutrition for Children in Malawi
CRS teaches families in Malawi how to prepare healthful meals and supports preschools for their children. »»
Malawi's Orphans Are Our Children
CRS partner, Sister Beatrice Chipeta, provides Malawi orphans with a lot more than food and shelter: She gives them a family. »»
Video Christmas Card From Our Family to Yours
Merry Christmas from Catholic Relief Services and all the people we serve around the world. »»
Stats
| Population: | 14,268,711 |
| Size: | 45,747 sq mi; slightly smaller than Pennsylvania |
| People Served: | 2,060,500 (2011 est.) |
History
Catholic Relief Services began working in Malawi in 1997 at the invitation of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi. Our initial work focused on improving food security, with CRS carrying out Malawi's first programs with U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) food aid. In response to a major drought across southern Africa in 2001, CRS and seven other agencies formed the Consortium for Southern Africa Food Security Emergency (C-SAFE). The consortium later transitioned into a 5-year Food for Peace development program, led by CRS and CARE and funded by USAID. Over the years, CRS has continued to develop innovative, high-quality programs to also address health, HIV, economic empowerment and justice.
Partners
The U.S. Agency for International Development has provided assistance to Malawi since the early 1960s. Today, USAID primarily focuses on promoting Malawi's political and economic development, improving the delivery of and access to Lilongwe health and education services, strengthening food security through agricultural investments, decreasing the country's dependence on humanitarian assistance, and increasing its ability to make positive contributions to security in the region and to participate in the global community more broadly.
Programs
AgricultureHealth
HIV and AIDS
Microfinance
Peacebuilding
Water and Sanitation
