Malawi is a landlocked African state dwarfed by its large neighbour Mozambique. It is characterised by Lake Malawi which extends 500 kms and its outflow river, the Shire. The population is 13.9 million and it has two capital cities: Lilongwe and Blantyre. 11% of the population live in these urban centres. There are 22 tribes and the main language is Chichewa. The official literacy rate is 56%, though functionally it is probably half this.
HIVAids prevalence – 16% of the population. Orphans and vulnerable children - 550,000. The average age expectancy is less than 40 years. Because it is well watered and fertile, no one should starve in Malawi, but each year during January and February ‘the hungry season’ strikes due to poor resource management. Malawi has been impoverished by falling world prices for tobacco, tea and sugar and the prevalence of HIVAids among 15-49 year olds. Most people are subsistence farmers who live hand to mouth on the land.