Groundwater is a vital resource in Malawi, serving as a primary source of water for both domestic and agricultural use.

Many rural communities depend entirely on groundwater for drinking. Although the country depends on groundwater for multiple uses, the resource faces several challenges, including over-extraction, pollution, and data scarcity, which hinder sustainable development and management.

Ms. Zione Butao, Deputy Director of Water Resources at Malawi’s Ministry of Water and Sanitation, emphasizes the country’s firm commitment to securing sustainable, high-quality water for both daily survival and national growth. She highlights Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) as a cornerstone strategy, a vital tool for groundwater resilience formally championed in Malawi’s National Water Policy. While the government has long pursued this vision, we are now piloting a landmark project in partnership with the SADC Groundwater Management Institute (SADC-GMI). Supported by the Cooperation in International Waters in Africa (CIWA) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) channelled through the World Bank Group, this project sits under the Sustainable Groundwater Management in SADC Member States Program (Phase 2).

She continued to say the Government of Malawi is eager for this initiative, hoping that it will sharpen government expertise, deepen local knowledge, and spark interest among new partners in joining our mission for water security. To get this Managed Aquifer Recharge pilot off the ground, we targeted hydrogeologically difficult districts where efforts to provide consistent water to rural communities have long been hindered. Geophysical surveys and drilling reports from the Department of Water Resources confirmed the scale of this hurdle, revealing that a concerning number of existing boreholes simply cannot meet the daily water needs of the families relying on them.

T/A Chitantha Mapiri in Kasungu and T/A Chilooko in Ntchisi districts, located approximately 170 km from Lilongwe, the Capital City of Malawi, were identified as areas facing these challenges and were therefore selected for a pilot Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) project, with the hope that the project will augment water supply in the communities. The ongoing pilot project involves constructing MAR infrastructure, including 4 rooftop water-harvesting systems, 3 boreholes, 3 infiltration trenches, and 3 monitoring wells.

The project aims to reduce water scarcity in areas where groundwater extraction is difficult by applying Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) techniques. It strengthens climate resilience by capturing rainwater and storing it for use during dry periods. By creating a reliable buffer against climate variability and drought, the project helps ensure that families have consistent access to water for daily needs and livelihoods.

By thoroughly assessing these methods, the project aims to significantly enhance aquifer storage capacity and stabilize groundwater levels, ensuring that communities have reliable access to water resources well into the future.

Laying the foundation for change: This glimpse of ongoing construction marks a major step forward in bringing sustainable water solutions to life for the community.

Out with the old, in with the new: we are upgrading from the community’s current hand pump’s limited capacity to modern, robust infrastructure designed to meet their growing water needs

This transformative project promises new hope for the communities of T/A Chitantha Mapiri in Kasungu and T/A Chilooko in Ntchisi, offering a brighter future to hundreds. In Kasungu alone, 300 households—comprising 568 women and 557 men—will benefit from this vital project, while at the heart of the region, Liziri Secondary School’s 769 learners (414 girls and 355 boys) are also set to thrive through this essential investment.

The village Chief, Mr. Chitantha Mapiri, is hopeful that this project will breathe new life into his community of 300 households. He explained that while the area boasts rivers, they often dry up during extended dry spells, leaving reliable water sources scarce. With the existing borehole struggling to keep pace, he is eager for a solution that will finally meet the village’s growing needs.

The local school Headmaster, Kingsley Kachipinda, shared how vital this initiative is, noting that the school’s current reliance on an unreliable handpump frequently disrupts learning and fuels absenteeism, as students struggle to find water for drinking, sanitation, and their school garden. This struggle for basic resources resonates deeply with locals like 25-year-old Miss Liness Phiri, who echoed the urgent need for a reliable supply, emphasizing that their present source is both insufficient and unclean. Kingsley also expressed his enthusiasm for the project’s focus on monitoring, noting that tracking both water quality and aquifer levels will empower them to manage this precious resource proactively and plan for a sustainable future.

Work on the ground is moving at a steady pace, and we are optimistic that everything will be completed right on schedule. Once operational, these projects are expected to improve access to water for communities in T/A Chitantha Mapiri (Kasungu) and T/A Chilooko (Ntchisi). The initiatives aim to address water supply challenges in both regions and support the needs of families across the areas.