Malawi feels the extra heat
Small-scale farmers in Malawi are becoming aware that they are bearing the brunt of climate change, which has been adversely affecting productivity, according to a new study by an international aid agency. The research was conducted in Salima district, in Malawi’s central region, and Nsanje in the south, as part of an effort to understand poor people’s experiences in adapting to climate change. “Changing rainfall patterns and higher temperatures have forced farmers to shorten the growing season and switch to more expensive hybrid crops,” said a report based on the study Climate Change and Smallholder Farmers in Malawi, by Action Aid International. – Irin
Funding the malaria fight
Kenya is among 15 African countries that are set to benefit from about 6 million from the United States Agency for International Development towards combating malaria. This announcement came as African countries prepared to commemorate the Malaria Day on 25 April. Speaking during a media briefing, Kenyan director of medical services Dr James Nyikal said a survey conducted in 20 districts showed that Kenya had been able to reduce the child mortality rate from malaria over the past year. The survey also showed that the number of pregnant women receiving malaria treatment had increased from 4,9% in 2001 to 20,2% last year. – BuaNews
