As Orant renovates our campus in Kasese, we find a need for more consistent power supply. Working with Green Impact Technologies, we will be installing solar power onto our campus. Read more about the project here!
The Threat of a Dry Spell in Malawi

Last week, the president of Malawi encouraged 7 days of prayer for an end to the country’s dry spell. So what’s going on? Here’s the scoop.
Seasons in Malawi
It’s the start of January. In the Northern Hemisphere, this means cooler temperatures. Winter. Short and snowy days. But in the Southern Hemisphere, seasons are the opposite. And Malawi is in the tropics. Instead of four seasons, it has two main seasons. Between May and October, Malawi has a cool dry season. Between November and April, a hot wet season. Typically, Malawians plant in November and harvest in early March. But due to climate change, planting rains no longer come until early December. Harvest now starts in mid-March. And this year is different.
Impact of Weather in Malawi
Most Malawians rely on subsistence farming to feed their families. Meanwhile, Malawi is especially vulnerable to extreme weather events. This puts families at risk of low crop yields. Low crop yields lead to famine, undernourishment, and even starvation. In the past 50 years, Malawi has had more than 19 major floods and 7 droughts. Over the years, these events have increased in scope and magnitude. As the climate continues to change, Malawi’s communities are at great risk.
Current Events in Kasese
A heatwave and dry spell are affecting Orant’s operations area. Rains have been on and off, which is worrisome for planting. And even more worrisome for food supply.
“Three-quarters of farmers around Kasese have not yet planted their fields,” says Gracious Msimuko, Orant’s Agriculture Program Manager. “The change in planting dates means we will have a long lean season. If people can’t plant until late January, their crops likely won’t reach full maturation. Communities are anticipating famine.”
Elsewhere in Malawi, heavy rains have washed away houses and fields.
Orant’s Response
Orant’s Agriculture Program is encouraging farmers to irrigate their fields. Irrigation is far more feasible for farms along the Bua and Kasangadzi Rivers. For those who live farther from the waterways, the threat is largest.
“I only kept food to sustain my family up to early March,” says Cellina Samson, a farmer in Kasese. “I expected that by then, harvests would be ready. But now, I haven’t been able to plant my fields. My harvest will be late. My family will need extra food to get us through.”
Orant tries to prepare for the lean season every year. Our Agriculture Program stores extra maize. In February, we distribute this relief food to the most in need.
The Orant Journal
An Agroecology Project to Build Agriculture Resiliency in Malawi
Orant is always excited about the progress and the fruits our Irrigation clubs bear. We are happy seeing people's lives transformed through different initiatives from our Irrigation clubs. However, we understand that all this would not be possible without the commitment of individuals from the communities who work tirelessly to make sure that their communities are transformed. In this blog, we meet Christina Lemani, the chairperson for Madzimayera Irrigation Club.
Irrigation Clubs at Work in Malawi
Orant is always excited about the progress and the fruits our Irrigation clubs bear. We are happy seeing people's lives transformed through different initiatives from our Irrigation clubs. However, we understand that all this would not be possible without the commitment of individuals from the communities who work tirelessly to make sure that their communities are transformed. In this blog, we meet Christina Lemani, the chairperson for Madzimayera Irrigation Club.
Microloans and Building Business Skills in Malawi
At the end of 2022 we introduced our third group of our Financial Empowering Microloan (FEM) for Women group called Takondwa. Read our latest blog, as Magret Moffat, one of the group's beneficiaries, tells a story of how the program has already transformed her life through loans and business skills training.
Cultivating a Savings Culture in Malawi
As a way of cultivating a saving culture in the FEM Program, Orant requires each cohort to establish a savings group. Why is this important? Find out here.
Cash Crops in Malawi
Who grows cash crops in Malawi? What are the best cash crops for the climate and soil? Which are most profitable? We interviewed Orant’s Agriculture Extension Officer Gracious Msimuko for expert insight.
How to Make Mbeya Fertilizer
Mbeya Fertilizer may be the solution to rising fertilizer prices in Malawi. It is easy to make with local materials. Here's how.
Irrigation Club in Malawi
Orant launched the Tchale Irrigation Club in April. Irrigation Clubs create food security and economic opportunity.
Bountiful Harvest
The Orant Farm Project has transformed Teleza Manuwelo's life. With 2 acres for farming, Teleza earned enough income to feed her family.
The Orant Farm Project: Dumase’s Story
The Orant Farm Project distributed 20 acres of our farmland to Kasese farmers. Of the farmer recipients was Dumase Mtengowamingo.