Members of the Tsapa Women’s Cooperative know what it’s like to live on the frontline of the climate crisis.  They live in Chikwawa, Malawi, where climate change is making the weather more extreme – with frequent flash floods and long periods of drought impacting on traditional livelihoods.  In this photo, members of the Cooperative stand proudly around their solar-powered fruit drier. The innovative equipment, which the women use to make banana chips, comes thanks to Christian Aid’s Breaking the Barriers Programme (funded by the EU). They are now waiting on the delivery of a refrigerated van, which will allow them to increase their sales area and, hopefully, the number of customers for their baobab juice and dried fruit.

Juliet, Chairperson, says they have been forced to adapt but are now reaping the benefits, “The most memorable moment was when Christian Aid taught us how to make baobab fruit juice. That initiative transformed our lives! Some members constructed houses. Single mothers who were struggling to feed their kids now can do so and are able to pay school fees. There is visible progress.”

Juliet hopes that one day their products will be sold in shops and markets across Malawi.