Deputy Director of Environmental Affairs in the Ministry of Natural Resources, Michael Makonombera, has described the Climate Just Communities (CJC) Project as a powerful initiative that has strengthened community resilience.
The project held its close-out ceremony in Zomba to mark the completion of its work supporting climate-affected communities in seven districts including Karonga, Salima, Machinga, Zomba and Phalombe.
Funded by the Scottish Government’s Climate Justice Fund and implemented by DAI Global UK with local partners, the project focused on building resilient infrastructure, improving livelihoods and enhancing disaster preparedness through locally led participatory approaches.
Makonombera, the guest of honour at the event, said any project that does not fully address the impacts of climate change falls short.
“The CJC project stands out for its impact. It has enabled communities to take control of their own development.
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“It has given them the tools, knowledge and resources to adapt to climate challenges and thrive sustainably. This is about building long-term resilience,” he said.
He also acknowledged the role of international support in Malawi’s environmental initiatives but stressed that with international aid declining, Malawi must increasingly look to internal sources to fund its climate programmes.
CJC Project Director Anne Brady highlighted what she described as the strong sense of ownership communities have taken in shaping climate resilience initiatives.
“It has been vital to involve communities from the start, listen to their priorities and let them lead the interventions,” Brady said.
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She added that the project avoided the traditional model of simply delivering aid and instead focused on building community capacity so that local structures can be maintained and continue benefiting communities over time.
Brady also said that despite pressures on global aid budgets, the Scottish Government remains committed to climate justice.
She revealed that Scotland plans to fund a bridging year of programming from April 2026 while preparing for a longer-term programme.
Traditional Authority Ngwelero of Zomba praised the project for the changes it has brought to communities.
“We can see improvements in our livelihoods, our environment and the resilience of our people,” he said.
Launched in 2023, the CJC programme operates in Malawi, Rwanda and Zambia with the goal of empowering marginalised communities to lead their own responses to climate change
