ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE VARIABILITY ON HOUSEHOLD FOOD SECURITY AMONG SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN MULANJE

Climate variability is a major threat to food security among smallholder farmers in Mulanje District, where agriculture largely depends on rainfall. This study assessed the impact of climate variability on household food security, evaluated the effectiveness of adaptation strategies, and identified challenges affecting adaptation among smallholder farmers. A mixed-methods approach was used, involving household surveys of 100 farmers and analysis of rainfall data from 2016–2025. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, ANOVA, correlation analysis and rainfall trend analysis in R. The findings revealed high exposure to climate shocks, including erratic rainfall, droughts, floods, and rising temperatures. About 86% of households experienced moderate or severe food insecurity. Irrigation and education were found to significantly improve food security, while most households relied on reactive coping strategies such as reducing meals and casual labor. Major adaptation challenges included lack of money, limited access to farming inputs, inadequate extension support, and poor market access. The study concludes that limited adaptive capacity worsens the impacts of climate variability on food security. It recommends improving irrigation access, strengthening agricultural extension services, and increasing support for climate-smart farming practices to enhance resilience among smallholder farmers.

Climate variability is a major threat to food security among smallholder farmers in Mulanje District, where agriculture largely depends on rainfall. This study assessed the impact of climate variability on household food security, evaluated the effectiveness of adaptation strategies, and identified challenges affecting adaptation among smallholder farmers. Irrigation and education were found to significantly improve food security, while most households relied on reactive coping strategies such as reducing meals and casual labor. It recommends improving irrigation access, strengthening agricultural extension services, and increasing support for climate-smart farming practices to enhance resilience among smallholder farmers.

The study was conducted in Mulanje District, located in the Southern Region of Malawi. Mulanje lies
between latitudes 15°38' and 16°05' South and longitudes 35°20' and 35°50' East. The district covers an area
of approximately 2,056 square kilometers and has an estimated population of over 500,000 people, with
the majority engaged in smallholder agriculture.
Mulanje District was purposively selected for this study due to its high vulnerability to climate variability.
The district is characterized by:
• Rain-fed agriculture dependence: Over 90% of farmers rely on seasonal rainfall
• High population density: One of the most densely populated rural districts in Malawi
• Climate exposure: History of droughts, floods, erratic rainfall, and strong winds
• Limited irrigation infrastructure: Most farmers lack access to supplementary water sources
The district experiences a subtropical climate with annual rainfall ranging from 1,145 mm to 4,312 mm, as
shown in the secondary yield data collected from Mulanje DADO records. Maize is the dominant staple
crop, with yields fluctuating considerably depending on seasonal rainfall patterns.

Traditional authority: TA Mabuka

District: Mulanje

Coordinates: -16.0779, 35.47645