INVESTIGATING FACTORS HINDERING YOUTH ENGAGEMENT IN CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION IN RURAL AREAS: THE CASE STUDY OF TA KUNTAJA IN BLANTYRE

Youth are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate-related hazards, as explained by the IPCC (2022) and WHO (2010), which highlight the significant challenges young people face due to climate change. In Malawi, where 49% of the population is aged 10 to 34, youth involvement in climate change adaptation (CCA) strategies remains minimal despite their substantial representation. This study focuses on the rural areas of TA Kuntaja, Blantyre district, to identify factors hindering youth engagement in CCA efforts. It aims to evaluate youth perceptions of climate change, their involvement in CCA activities, existing policy frameworks, and how these policies are followed and integrated with disaster risk reduction (DRR). Preliminary data indicates that only 35% of young people in Malawi actively engage in climate-related activities, with youth voices often marginalized in policymaking. The study's findings will inform stakeholders and policymakers, helping them develop strategies that enhance youth participation in climate action. This, in turn, supports Sustainable Development Goal 13 and the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy III, aiming to build resilience and empower youth as advocates for climate action. Through comprehensive education, policy integration, and community involvement, the study seeks to harness the potential of youth in driving effective climate change adaptation and resilience efforts. The study found that while awareness of climate change is high, comprehensive understanding and active participation are notably low among the youth, largely due to limited formal education and training in climate-related issues. To overcome these barriers, the dissertation recommends implementing enhanced education and training programs at all levels to equip youth with the necessary knowledge and skills. Economic support in the form of financial incentives is also important to facilitate youth involvement in CCA activities. Moreover, strengthening communication and engagement mechanisms is essential to ensure that youth are informed about and can participate in existing policy
frameworks. Fostering inclusive community structures that value and support youth contributions is vital for integrating their efforts into broader climate action strategies. By addressing these gaps through targeted interventions, the study emphasizes the potential to significantly enhance youth participation in climate adaptation efforts, thereby contributing to the resilience and sustainability of rural communities.

Youth are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate-related hazards, as explained by the IPCC (2022) and WHO (2010), which highlight the significant challenges young people face due to climate change. It aims to evaluate youth perceptions of climate change, their involvement in CCA activities, existing policy frameworks, and how these policies are followed and integrated with disaster risk reduction (DRR). The study found that while awareness of climate change is high, comprehensive understanding and active participation are notably low among the youth, largely due to limited formal education and training in climate-related issues. By addressing these gaps through targeted interventions, the study emphasizes the potential to significantly enhance youth participation in climate adaptation efforts, thereby contributing to the resilience and sustainability of rural communities.

Blantyre District have 7 TAs and have a total population of population of 417,453 of which 54% are youth (NSO, PHC, 2018), with a population density of 189 people per square kilometer. It surrounds the commercial metropolis of Blantyre City. The district's total land area is 201,696 hectares, it has a moderate climate that is usually warm and temperate. The rainy season in Blantyre is substantially greater in the summer. In Blantyre, the average temperature is 20.7 C. The annual precipitation total is 1086 mm. This decision is justified by the fact that the district is one of the areas that has been heavily affected by the impacts of climate change for example, floods, tropical cyclone Anna and tropical cyclone Freddy. TA Kuntaja of Blantyre District is selected as the research location for the study. This area has been chosen because it is one of the mostly affected areas that was hit by both Tropical Cyclone Ana and Tropical Cyclone Freddy such that the area is more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

Traditional authority: TA Kuntaja

District: Blantyre

Coordinates: -15.6563, 34.907