Malawi

CRS supports Lusubilo's programs for orphans and other needy children in northern Malawi. Photo by Debbie DeVoe/CRS

Beautiful, landlocked Malawi is among the world's poorest countries. More than half the population lives below the national poverty line, surviving on less than $1 a day. Most Malawians are family farmers, and the majority of them live under the constant threat of not having enough food each day. Malawi is also hard hit by the HIV and AIDS pandemic. Catholic Relief Services partners with the Catholic Church in Malawi to people grow more food, improve their health and earn more money.

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Stats
History
Partners
Programs

Stats

Population:	14,268,711
Size:	45,747 sq mi; slightly smaller than Pennsylvania
People Served:	2,060,500 (2011 est.)

History

Catholic Relief Services began working in Malawi in 1997 at the invitation of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi. Our initial work focused on improving food security, with CRS carrying out Malawi's first programs with U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) food aid. In response to a major drought across southern Africa in 2001, CRS and seven other agencies formed the Consortium for Southern Africa Food Security Emergency (C-SAFE). The consortium later transitioned into a 5-year Food for Peace development program, led by CRS and CARE and funded by USAID. Over the years, CRS has continued to develop innovative, high-quality programs to also address health, HIV, economic empowerment and justice.