Jersey Charities

The challenge

Despite the rich plant and species diversity in Malawi, the status of biodiversity has declined in recent years. The economy is heavily dependent on agriculture and Malawi’s forest biodiversity is under threat due to rapid population growth; high levels of poverty and inequality; and the increasing frequency of floods and droughts as the effects of climate change are become ever more apparent.

What is the Project doing?

This initiative targets 14 communities in Madagascar—two wetland areas (Alaotra and Lac Sofia) and one dry forest (Baly Bay)—to improve the wellbeing of over 2,000 households living in extreme poverty. The project aims to:

• Enhance Agriculture: Improve climate resilience and crop production to boost nutrition and reduce deforestation.
• Increase Financial Stability: Provide community finance tools to support economic security, especially during lean seasons.
• Promote Reproductive Health: Offer resources for family planning and health, enhancing women's well-being and income.
• Strengthen Governance: Improve transparency and accountability in natural resource management for sustainable use.

Outcomes

The Enabling Change project established 148 VSLA groups with 2,500 members, 60% of whom are women, providing access to loans. It also cultivated 1,237 hectares of climate-smart crops and improved farmers' incomes through enhanced value chains and processing. Additionally, 429 community leaders were trained in governance, and nearly 3,000 women received family planning support.