In response to food insecurity caused by an El Niño-induced drought, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Malawi Government have signed an agreement to import 48,000 metric tonnes of maize worth $35 million. The initiative is funded by the World Bank Group.
The agreement was formalised by WFP’s Regional Director for Southern Africa, Eric Perdison, and Charles Kalemba, Malawi’s Commissioner for Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA).
“This partnership is critical for providing relief to food-insecure households across Malawi,” said Kalemba, reiterating the government’s dedication to addressing hunger following President Dr Lazarus Chakwera’s declaration of a state of disaster last year.
In his remarks, Perdison highlighted WFP’s commitment to ensuring the maize reaches those most in need, stressing the importance of international cooperation during crises.
“We are focused on ensuring critical resources are delivered to the people who need them the most,” said Perdison.
The World Bank Group mobilised the funding for the initiative, with its Country Manager for Malawi, Firas Raad, saying, “This financing aims to enhance food security for vulnerable households.”
The maize, to be sourced from Tanzania, will be distributed to approximately 954,000 households as part of a nationwide effort to alleviate hunger until the next harvest between April and July.
Malawi currently faces a severe food crisis, with 5.7 million people experiencing acute food insecurity and 44 percent of crops affected by drought.
In addition to this emergency intervention, WFP continues to support over 2 million Malawians through food assistance, malnutrition treatment, school meal programmes, and logistical support for maize distribution.
The initiative forms part of the Crisis Emergency Response Component (CERC) under the Food Systems Resilience Programme for Eastern and Southern Africa – Phase 3. The programme aims to provide swift resource access during emergencies.
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