On March 11, 2026, MUST students studying Disaster Risk Management (DRM) had an interactive session with officials from International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The IOM national shelter officer, Innocent Chalera, provided the students with first hand practical insights into complexities of conflict, displacement and resettlement within Malawian context.

He also delved into the “human mobility and climate change nexus,” equipping the future professionals with the tools to navigate Malawi’s evolving humanitarian landscape.

The session centred on the reality that climate change is no longer just an environmental issue but a primary driver of how and why people move. 

Students also explored how Malawians are affected by internal and disaster displacement, caused by sudden floods and cyclones, and labour migration with planned relocation as a long-term adaptation strategy. 

It also showed that human mobility is both a consequence and a form of loss and damage affecting everything from community cohesion and mental health to economic stability.

Discussions also covered how migration reshapes key sectors in Malawi, including agriculture, water security, and urbanization. 

A major focus was placed on finding sustainable ways to support displaced populations through restoring access to land and livelihoods, and ensuring that human mobility is integrated into national Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and climate strategies.

"I encourage the significance of linking international organizations with academic institutions to address real-world challenges. Bridging the gap between classroom theory and on the ground realities is important for preparing for the next generation of professionals," said Chalera. 

He identified a major gap in migration data and hailed the partnership with the Centre for Disaster Risk Management at MUST, which "opens doors for critical research regarding drought induced displacement". 

He said now students will have the opportunity to be linked with IOM’s displacement trucking matrix unit. 

DRM lecturer, Maynard Nyirenda, thanked IOM for accepting to come to MUST and share practical insights on conflict displacement and resettlement in Malawi. 

He said such sessions motivate students who aspire to be professionals in DRM.

Gabriel Ng’ambi, a student, said engaging with practitioners provided a much needed reality check. 

“As students we know the theory but we don’t know the reality on the ground," he said.