An empty village grain store

The permaculture centre in Malawi supported by Alton Climate Action Network donors has now trained 30 local farmers. But due to drought causing a failed harvest, the community has run out of maize to feed itself and has appealed for money to buy food for the 3 months of January – March until the April harvest. This video of a Zoom meeting on 9 December explains the many achievements of the Gumbi Alton Permaculture Community Training Centre this year – and the economic and climate-related challenges that have led to their appeal. With James Gomani and Chipiliro Chimalizeni from Gumbi.

The Gumbi Alton Permaculture Community Training Centre is ACAN’s climate justice initiative, a demonstration farm teaching local farmers sustainable farming. Within 3 years, the community should be self-sufficient in food, but right now they are really struggling. Their appeal is targeted on 500 of the most needy households across the 19 small local villages in the Gumbi area. The Malawian government has declared a state of disaster across the entire country amid severe food shortages and loss of international food aid.

Our appeal has already raised about £1,700 ( as of 10th December). More money is needed. If you are able to help – £30 will buy sufficient maize to keep a family fed for 3 months – then please go to the donate page on this website and click on the Gumbi button. Thank you.