This study assessed the sustainability of SRHR advocacy projects in rural communities of Traditional Authority Tengani in Nsanje District, Malawi. The study was motivated by growing concerns regarding the continuity of donor-funded advocacy interventions following the withdrawal of financial support, particularly after the suspension of foreign assistance by the United States Government in January 2025. The study explored the strategies used to ensure sustainability of advocacy sustainability of advocacy project and to determined the success factors and constraints for sustainability of advocacy projects particularly SRHR in Nsanje district Malawi.

A descriptive qualitative case study design was adopted. Data were collected from 30 purposively selected participants comprising community members, youth representatives, traditional leaders, religious leaders, health workers, NGO staff, and government officials involved in SRHR advocacy initiatives. Semi-structured interviews and questionnaires were used to gather data, while thematic content analysis was employed to analyse the findings.

The findings revealed that SRHR advocacy projects contributed to increased awareness, positive behavior change, improved access to SRHR services, and strengthened community participation. Capacity building, community ownership, stakeholder collaboration, and involvement of traditional and religious leaders enhanced sustainability and community acceptance of the projects. Community structures such as youth clubs, peer educators, and safe spaces continued operating after donor withdrawal, demonstrating some level of self-reliance. However, the study also identified challenges including cultural misconceptions surrounding SRHR, limited funding, weak post-project support, poor coordination among stakeholders, and overdependence on donor resources.

The study concludes that sustainability of SRHR advocacy projects depends on integrated community participation, long-term capacity building, effective stakeholder collaboration, and strong local resource mobilization mechanisms. The study recommends that future SRHR advocacy interventions should incorporate sustainability planning from project inception, strengthen local leadership and institutional systems, and integrate economic empowerment strategies to ensure continuity beyond donor support.