Malawi

Country Facts:

Capital city – Lilongwe
Population – 17.5 million
Life expectancy – 64.31 years
Unemployment rate – 18.5%
Below poverty line – 51.5%

Find more country facts on: CIA The World Factbook – Malawi

Habitat Facts

Habitat started in Malawi in 1986.
Individuals served in FY2019 – 50,580
Through new construction – 760
Through incremental building – 17,500
Through professional services – 32,320
Volunteers hosted in FY2019 – 635

The housing need in Malawi

Habitat for Humanity Malawi was established in 1986. Malawi has about 4.8 million housing units of which 58.9% are sub-standards homes. These houses are characterized by mud walls and grass thatched roofs and the families in these housing units live with little hope of ever being able to afford a decent house. To meet the current housing demand, approximately 21,000 new units must be constructed for the next 10 years.

Anchored by the conviction that safe and affordable housing provides a path out of poverty, Habitat Malawi has helped over 41,000 families to access decent housing. We emphasize housing for vulnerable groups; water, sanitation and hygiene; Disaster Risk Reduction and Response; informal vocation training; and security of land tenure.

Habitat’s contribution in Malawi

Housing for vulnerable groups

Habitat Malawi provides fully subsidized houses and sanitation facilities to orphans and other vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, in rural communities. The program also provides complementary services to the targeted households, including trainings about malaria, HIV and property and inheritance rights.

Water, sanitation and hygiene

Our program seeks to improve the sanitation status and well-being of slum dwellers and those in rural communities. Key program interventions include construction of sustainable and user-friendly facilities for water, sanitation and hygiene, or WASH; hygiene and sanitation campaigns for communities; and capacity building of WASH management structures.

Disaster Risk Reduction and Response

We work in disaster-affected communities to help people prepare, respond and adapt to disaster while empowering local communities on how they can build back better and safer homes. In this program, we help build disaster-resilient houses with affected families and equip the local masons with knowledge and skills on building houses to withstand disasters.

Informal vocational skills training

This program is aimed at contributing to increased inclusive access to equitable, sustainable, informal and formal technical entrepreneurial and vocational education training. We offer six months informal training to disadvantaged youths in brick laying and making, and in carpentry and joinery.

Advocacy

We advocate for increased access to land and housing, and promote policies and systems that increase access to decent housing for vulnerable and low-income groups in Malawi.

What you can do

DONATE

To donate directly HFHM, please contact us to learn more.

VOLUNTEER

Join one of the scheduled Global Village trips to Malawi or lead your own.

TITHE

Establish a strong and rewarding tithe partnership to help build houses globally. Quote 863800, MALAWI on your checks sent to: Habitat for Humanity International, Attn: Affiliate Tithe, 322 West Lamar St., Americus, GA 31709