To better understand how climate change is affecting water access and community resilience in Thyolo, The One Foundation and Co-op funded a comprehensive climate risk and vulnerability study in partnership with Self Help Africa.
The study analysed climate trends, water availability, and the impacts of extreme weather on households, agriculture, and local water systems.
Our investment in this research has provided decision‑makers with critical, locally grounded evidence on the ways in which rainfall variability, drought, and flooding are disrupting water sources and increasing risks for families and farmers in the region.
By mapping climate exposures and community vulnerabilities, the study has guided partners in prioritising climate‑smart interventions—including strengthened water infrastructure, improved maintenance planning, and targeted community adaptation strategies.
Findings from the Thyolo climate study are now being used to inform district‑level planning and resource allocation, helping the district government and service providers design resilient WASH systems that can withstand future climate shocks.
This work demonstrates how strategic research can strengthen community resilience, support sustainable water services, and ensure that climate risk is central to local development planning.