The Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) has launched the ‘Catch the Rain’ initiative under the SURG-Water project, with the aim of promoting a sustainable water-conservation culture across Malawi.

The campaign was launched at MUBAS Campus in Blantyre on 5 September 2026 at a time when the country is facing severe drought conditions linked to the El Niño weather phenomenon.

Augustin Masamba, Vice President of the Rainwater Harvesting Association of Malawi, urged Malawians to embrace rainwater harvesting as a way of safeguarding livelihoods and strengthening the country’s resilience to climate change.

“The campaign will support livelihood activities like farming, specifically drip irrigation, which improves crop yields and also reduces the time individuals spend fetching water from wells for their families,” Masamba said.

Masamba further noted that rainwater harvesting can help mitigate urban flooding by capturing runoff that would otherwise be lost during the rainy season.

Blantyre City Mayor Jomo Osman hailed the SURG-Water initiative, noting that Malawi loses significant amounts of rainwater every year because it is not adequately captured and stored.

Osman cited countries such as Germany and Morocco as examples of nations where rainwater management plays an important role in supporting both agricultural and domestic activities.

Associate Professor Steve Kumwenda, Head of the Public and Environmental Health Department at MUBAS, highlighted the campaign’s practical applications in the health sector, particularly in the face of growing global climate challenges.

“The campaign has already begun operating across six health facilities under SURG-Water, starting with Thekerani Health Centre in Thyolo, which is focusing heavily on the maternity ward, where newborns require reliable access to clean and hygienic water,” he said.

Kumwenda added that the initiative complements the use of solar power, which helps make the collected water suitable for drinking, cooking and sanitation.

Emphasising the importance of youth participation, MUBAS student Robert Mhone called on fellow students to take an active role in promoting a culture of water harvesting in their communities.

“Students are future leaders, so it is vital for us to get involved in developments shaping our country,” Mhone said.

The launch event included performances from local artists Zeze Kingston and Prince Chitz, as well as student dance challenges, music and comedy performances.