CRS History in Malawi

A beautiful and relatively small country in Southeast Africa, Malawi has enjoyed political stability since attaining independence from Britain in 1964. As a landlocked country, Malawi's economy is predominantly based on agriculture. Over the past two decades, Malawi has witnessed catastrophes ranging from drought and avalanche to ongoing floods. Coupled with a high rate of population growth, deforestation and soil degradation, Malawi's agricultural economy has suffered tremendously.

Ranked as one of the poorest nations in the world, Malawi has an average per capita income of $170. Compounding the country's problems is the increasing prevalence of HIV and AIDS. Currently, an estimated 14.2 percent of people aged 15-49 are living with HIV and AIDS. HIV and AIDS has not only left behind a growing number of orphans, but has increased food insecurity among vulnerable households.

CRS opened an office in Lilongwe, Malawi's capital city, in 1997, and has a sub-office in Blantyre. There are 52 national and 8 international staff working in Malawi.

Please contribute today for a special project in the Diocese of Dedza, Malawi and help people living with HIV and AIDS.