In early March 2023, tropical Cyclone Freddy hit Malawi and parts of Mozambique and Madagascar - for the second time!

A group specifically hit but barely kept in mind are Malawian farmers. Most farmers were in preparations for April harvesting before Freddy hit. Not to mention that many farmers were actually still in the process of recovering from cyclone Ana, which struck Southern Malawi in January 2022, and cyclone Gombe, which struck only a couple months later. Series of such climate disasters are further aggravating rural poverty, food insecurity, and soil fertility.

The climate crisis only increases the risk of devastating cyclones like Freddy. Although the frequency might not necessarily change, the intensity certainly does! We need greater support for climate resilience and adaptation, and to connect them to issues of justice. African farmers have contributed the least to the climate crisis, yet are among those most affected.

Compared to other natural disasters, events, and major developments, (social) media attention and news coverage around the the cyclone remained low. This not only robs those affected of the platforms and support they deserve, but reminds us of the echo chambers we live in and the racist, Global North-centered, and environmental-insensitive angle of many media outlets.

While our understanding of solidarity goes beyond collecting funds and sharing things on social media - and in this case, involves continuing all efforts to decarbonize our economies and hold high polluting corporations accountable - we've created this fundraiser to provide emergency relief to Malawian farmers in recovering from the damage cyclone Freddy has caused. Donations will be given to farmers from the Permaculture Paradise Institute (PPI) in southern Malawi, in areas most strongly hit by the disaster. PPI is an organisation with a mission to shift farming practice and spread agroecological knowledge to farmers in Malawi and the surrounding region. Learn more here.

120EUR is what is needed to support one farmer in re-establishing their permaculture garden and livelihood by providing farm inputs, startup groceries and essential supplies.  

You can donate yourself, send this campaign to individuals and companies with money, and broadly share in your networks, on social media, via email, among your friends, family, and colleagues!