This paper explores the ways in which the interlinked challenges of climate change and desertification are managed in Malawi. The authors examine the synergy and conflict between local autonomous adaptation strategies and national adaptation policies, which are in accordance with international commitments to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Malawi’s National Action Programmes (NAPs), that cover desertification issues, and the National Adaptation Programmes for Action (NAPA) still fall short of defining specific roles for the local government in supporting adaptation strategies, specifically in urban areas, which, it is argued, is indicative of a weak vertical synergy. The article assesses the extent of support offered across various levels of administration in order to address climate change and desertification issues, along with support given to autonomous adaptation at the community level. The article concludes that policy on desertification and climate change is poorly mainstreamed towards development processes, and suggests that national policy should facilitate local adaptation strategies to enhance resilience at a community level.