A new £3.2 million programme has been launched to help communities in southern Malawi adapt to the effects of climate change.

The three-year Climate Challenge Programme Malawi (CCPM) will focus on delivering long-term change and improving people's access to food, water and energy.

The initiative will be delivered by the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF) and aims to work with local people to identify the climate challenges they face, with a particular focus on helping the most vulnerable, including women and girls, and promoting human rights.

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Announcing the funding ahead of attending an international conference at the Vatican, Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: "It is our moral responsibility to do what we can to help tackle the effects of climate change, as unpredictable weather is devastating the lives of some of the world's poorest and most vulnerable people.

"This £3.2 million fund will work with communities in southern Malawi to come up with ways of adapting to severe storms, floods and droughts, ensuring people have access to basic essentials we take for granted, such as food and water."

SCIAF director Alistair Dutton said: "SCIAF is delighted to have been chosen to manage the Climate Challenge Programme Malawi. We have a strong record of successfully delivering climate justice development programmes in Malawi and the region, and working closely with local partners and communities to ensure our work has the biggest impact.

"This programme will help vulnerable communities in southern Malawi cope with the climate challenges they face by increasing the food, water and clean energy they have."

(LM)