Household Survey for Anticipatory Action in Malawi

This household survey for anticipatory action in Malawi was prepared in 2021 by Research Insight for Learning Ltd. to help inform the timing, accountability, and quality of the pilot. The methodology included a questionnaire developed and administered to 910 individuals through phone interviews, capturing their preferences regarding the ideal timing and type of support in anticipation of floods and dry spells. Sampled participants came from three flood prone districts, as well as three districts regularly affected by dry spells. Insights into patterns of crisis and preparedness are provided, including for instance that 43 per cent of respondents say they had no knowledge of a flood event. Respondents identified the group village heads as the first point of contact in a crisis, as well as groups like the Village Civil Protection Committees and Area Civil Protection Committees as key to connecting respondents to support and early warning systems. Given this role, they must be incorporated into anticipatory action programmes. The study also found that the most vulnerable groups to shocks include children, the elderly, and pregnant and lactating mothers. General, flood-specific and dry-spell-specific, and gender recommendations are provided. These include prioritizing the use of cash-based modalities and integrating activities that protect and promote livestock.