Sociological side of Malawi’s flood challenge

Pic: Courtesy BBC 

Too much has taken place in Malawi in the past three months including the coming of Nigerian artist Davido and of course the floods. Most prominently and of course sadly are the floods. 

Since floods broke out in Malawi many have asked the question, why do people from Nsanje, the worst hit area, not relocate to higher lands that are safer?

Well, many years ago, I asked the very same question and came to the all-to- common conclusion that probably the people of Nsanje remain in these flood-prone areas to benefit from relief food and items. That is what most people say after all.

But really asking, Jackson Mtungila,an Engineer working   and staying in the Capital,  Lilongwe who is  a Sena from  Nsanje, I learn much more. It is really not about the relief goods. It is much more complex than that.

“People have stayed in those lands for generations and besides would there be enough resources to move all those people upland?” he says.

pic:Courtesy BBC

I realized that there is need for a more sociologically inclusive plan if the government of Malawi is to secure precious lives in the lower Shire Valley especially Nsanje District. People in this part of Malawi, who are mostly from the  Sena tribe, are known to have strong cultural values.

Living in these dangerous valleys is one deep-rooted cultural norm that will require a sociological intervention.  It will be an uphill task for government and the civil society but it can be done. So far, UNICEF indicates that since the onset of cyclones that have resulted in the deadly floods, 230 have already been displaced while number of dead  or missing stands at 276,  645 people had been injured.