Local Action, Lasting Impact: Chimbalangaโs Journey to Disaster Resilience
2025-05-09 08:10:52By Admin
Nestled in the disaster-prone areas of Traditional Authority Chikowi, the community of Chimbalanga had long grappled with erratic rains and failing harvests. Today, they stand as a beacon of resilience, proving that even the most vulnerable can rewrite their future.
For years, families here relied on fleeting aid to survive floods and droughts. Then, in 2023, the Chimbalanga Village Disaster Risk Management Committee (VDRMC)—a group of 15 community members and local leaders—joined forces with YODEP through Localization Project, a
Save the Children Malawi-funded initiative. Trained in early warning systems, data collection and reporting, resource mobilization, safeguarding, gender inclusion, and first aid, they turned their struggles into action.
Their boldest move? A community farm to combat hunger and fund disaster responses. Recognizing the importance of agricultural resilience, they collectively planted rice (projected to yield 20 bags), maize (15 bags), groundnuts (12 unshelled bags), sweet potatoes (20 bags), pigeon peas, and cassava. These crops would not only ensure food security but also act as an emergency reserve during disasters.
To fund this initiative, members contributed seeds and labour. The committee also used savings of K30,000 to purchase additional seeds and engaged in piecework, earning an extra K10,000 for farm inputs. Collaboration fuelled their success; the Village Development Committee and Community-Based Organisation (CBO) contributed K5,000 each for seeds, while local chiefs provided land for cultivation in support of the project.
Beyond crops, the committee nurtured 949 saplings—guava, mpoza, kesha, and tangatanga trees—to protect the environment. Of these, 283 trees were distributed to households, with each receiving both a fruit and an exotic tree. The remainder were planted across the community to bolster reforestation and curb environmental degradation.
Ultimately, these efforts extend beyond immediate resource mobilisation. Harvested crops will empower the VDRMC to respond swiftly to disasters, positioning them as the first line of support for affected families. Surplus resources will also support the local Community-Based Childcare Centre (CBCC), ensuring children access nutritious meals.
Chimbalanga’s story isn’t just about survival—it’s a lesson in local leadership. As climate disasters escalate globally, their model demonstrates how communities can transform vulnerability into strength through unity and determination. “Resilience isn’t about how much you have,” says Chairperson Elias. “It’s about what you grow together.”
