National Meteorological Policy.

This National Meteorological Policy (NMP) of Malawi aims to enhance meteorological services to support the country's socio-economic development. The Objectives of the NMP are: a) To provide readily accessible and accurate weather and climate information for efficient planning, management and operation of relevant sectors; b) To guide and improve coordination of collection, management and dissemination of meteorological data and information among stakeholders; c) To ensure timely dissemination of meteorological information for early preparedness; and d) To improve capacity of the climate change and meteorological sector for effective and efficient delivery of meteorological services in the country.
The NMP recognizes the critical role of accurate weather and climate information in various sectors, including agriculture, health, and disaster management. The policy prioritizes seven issues: monitoring and prediction of weather and climate; management of meteorological data and information; meteorological engineering and Information Technology (IT) development; meteorological research services; financing the climate change and meteorological sector; capacity building and awareness; and cross-cutting issues. The Policy addresses the challenges posed by natural disasters, which are often weather-related, and emphasizes the need for an effective Early Warning System for Disaster Preparedness. This system involves continuous monitoring of atmospheric conditions to predict severe weather events like tropical cyclones, floods, and droughts. To improve the reliability and accuracy of weather forecasts, the Policy highlights the necessity of upgrading equipment and conducting refresher training for meteorological personnel. It also stresses the importance of a robust communication system for disseminating forecasts, advisories, and warnings to the public and specialized users. Strategies include adopting an inclusive approach in service provision, developing accessible meteorological products, and ensuring gender balance in training and recruitment.