Funding gaps stall rollout of Malawi’s Disaster Risk Management Act 2023

The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) says inadequate financial resources and limited capacity-building trainings remain major obstacles to the effective dissemination and implementation of the Disaster Risk Management Act of 2023.

DoDMA Deputy Director for Resilience, Hastings Mwanjoka, made the remarks on Friday in Mponela during a panel discussion on Disaster Risk Management and Response in Malawi, organized by the Civil Society Network on Climate Change (CISONECC) in collaboration with the Evangelical Association of Malawi with financial support from Christian Aid.

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He told Nthanda Times in an interview that DoDMA is committed to reaching out to communities with information about the new Act but admitted that financial constraints have slowed down the process.

“We are determined to ensure that communities across the country understand and benefit from the Disaster Risk Management Act, but our efforts are hampered by inadequate funding. We therefore appeal to development partners and well-wishers to support us financially so that we can fully implement the Act and minimize the impact of disasters that Malawi continues to face,” he said.

Mwanjoka explained that while the Department has made progress in some areas, much still needs to be done to ensure that local councils and community structures are well-equipped to respond to disasters effectively.

He added that DoDMA is currently engaging key stakeholders, including district councils and civil society organizations, to strengthen coordination in disaster preparedness and response.

“Our goal is to build resilience from the ground up, empowering communities to take charge of their own safety and preparedness,” he said.

CISONECC National Coordinator Julius Ng’oma emphasized that the successful implementation of the Act requires collective effort and commitment from all sectors, including government, civil society, and local communities.

He said climate-induced disasters have continued to threaten Malawi’s progress toward sustainable development, displacing thousands and stretching limited resources meant for recovery and rebuilding.

Ng’oma noted that the new law provides an opportunity to build stronger and more coordinated systems for disaster management and response in the country.

“As civil society organizations, we are ready to work hand in hand with DoDMA and other government institutions to ensure that the new law is effectively implemented for the benefit of all Malawians,” Ng’oma said.

He further urged the government to prioritize community participation and inclusion in disaster management efforts, saying that local knowledge and experience are key to effective resilience building.

Similarly, Margret Nkhalamba, Chairperson of the Disaster Risk Management Committee under Traditional Authority Saimoni in Neno, pledged to support DoDMA’s awareness efforts at the community level.

“We will make sure that people living in disaster-prone areas understand what the Act means and how it can help them prepare for disasters,” Nkhalamba said.

Malawi remains one of the countries in Southern Africa most affected by natural disasters which claim many lives and displace thousands, leaving many families vulnerable.

The Disaster Risk Management Act of 2023 establishes a Disaster Management Fund, outlines measures for disaster risk reduction, provides guidance on settlement relocation, and defines the role of international actors in disaster response designed to strengthen Malawi’s disaster preparedness and resilience.

DoDMA says lack of funds and training hinder implementation of Malawi’s Disaster Risk Management Act as government and CSOs pledge joint action to enhance resilience.