Phalombe – town and district
The approximately 410'000 residents of the district are mostly self – sufficient, they grow mainly corn and tobacco. Increasing crop failures are reported. These are caused by the increasingly arid climate, followed by shorter and more intensive rainy seasons, which often bring torrential rainfalls. Noteworthy in this context is the soil erosion caused by the extensive deforestation. However, wood still represents the only affordable source of energy for the people (cooking).