Malawi the warm heart of Africa – what IS Malawi all about?
Ivor Kellock
Discussing cultural differences, living with malaria (the greatest killer on our planet) the impact of technology, education, reluctant entrepreneurs, religion, China’s influence, debt relief & creating new debts, corruption, energy supply
Where is Malawi? Ivor talks to Stuart Palmer
Who lives & works there (for 8 years) as the director of a mission hospital
Stuart Palmer
World recognition for an ingenious young Malawian
Malawi is among the world’s least-developed countries. The economy is heavily based in agriculture, with a largely rural population. The Malawian government depends heavily on outside aid to meet development needs, although this need (and the aid offered) has decreased since 2000. The Malawian government faces challenges in building and expanding the economy, improving education, health care, environmental protection, and becoming financially independent. Malawi has several programs developed since 2005 that focus on these issues, and the country’s outlook appears to be improving, with improvements in economic growth, education and healthcare seen in 2007 and 2008.
Malawi has a low life expectancy and high infant mortality. There is a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, which is a drain on the labour force and government expenditures. There is a diverse population of native peoples, Asians and Europeans, with several languages spoken and an array of religious beliefs. Although there was tribal conflict in the past, by 2008 it had diminished considerably and the concept of a Malawian nationality had begun to form. Malawi has a culture combining native and colonial aspects, including sports, art, dance and music.