Technical Brief: IFAD's response to tropical cyclone Freddy in Malawi

The devastation caused by Cyclone Freddy in Malawi in March 2023 underscored the country’s vulnerability to climate-related disasters. Affecting over 2.26 million people and causing over $500m of damages, the cyclone devastated critical infrastructure, agricultural systems and livelihoods.

In response, IFAD activated its Crisis Response Initiative to address immediate needs and support long-term recovery. Key actions included rebuilding irrigation schemes, providing seeds and fertilizers for winter cropping, and supplying livestock kits to affected farmers.

This report highlights IFAD’s emphasis on building climate-resilient infrastructure, leveraging microfinance for disaster recovery and integrating flexibility into programming for rapid response.