Since Malawi realised democracy in the early 1990 has the country continuously fluctuated between democratic and authoritarian governments. The country is marked by a rapid population growth, corruption and violations of human rights. Poverty is not kept outside the borders either: the country ranks among the least developed countries of the world which mainly effects the rural population.
Kolping in the field
The foundation of Kolping in Malawi was significantly supported by the association Treffpunkt Malawi e.V.. Since 1997, there had been close contact between the Kolping Family in Mzambazi, which had just been founded, and the Treffpunkt Malawi. The association supported the Kolping Family in its aim to be officially recognised as a Kolping Family. In 2008, all requirements were fulfilled. The Treffpunkt Malawi received the official foundation documents for the three Malawian Kolping Families Mzambazi, Chaboli and Chimwemwe, issued by the International Kolping Society in Cologne. Members of the Treffpunkt Malawi also made regular visits to Malawi, which intensified the exchange.
The Kolping Society, which was appointed National Association in March 2023, now has 1.600 committed Kolping members in more than 56 Kolping Families. The bishop supports the development of the young association in situ.
Cultivation and marketing in good hands
Most people in Malawi live from smallholder farming: KOLPING INTERNATIONAL supports farmers by distributing small livestock like goats, chicken, cows and pigs, to increase harvests substantially. The animal’s dung even triples harvests so that the farmers can sell the large part of it and can thus earn money.
Special importance is attached to the diversification of the planted vegetables and fruits. Drought resistant seeds are provided and cisterns for the storage of rainwater are constructed. The farmers process field crops to juices, chips and jam. The more efficient production and utilization as well as marketing are also intensely promoted.
This help secures the food supply of the small farmers and helps them to deal with the effects of climate change.
