The World Food Programme (WFP) urgently requires $409 million to provide food assistance to over 4.5 million people in Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. This aid is essential until March 2025 due to the region’s struggle with an El Niño-induced drought.
The drought has had a severe impact, causing Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe to declare national drought disasters. These countries are facing high levels of chronic malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, which are closely linked to poor diet quality and inadequate public health conditions.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called for over $3 billion from donors to prevent widespread starvation. The WFP report emphasizes the necessity of this funding to meet the immediate needs of affected populations.
“WFP requires $409 million to scale up its initial response and provide food assistance to over 4.5 million people in Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe until March 2025,” states the WFP report. The agency plans to expand its efforts in other El Niño-affected countries in the region.
To ensure comprehensive coverage and prevent duplication, WFP is closely coordinating with national responses as part of the $5.5 billion Regional Humanitarian Appeal from the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
The WFP is working with governments, SADC, and other humanitarian partners to scale up the necessary response. International financial institutions are also involved to help prevent large-scale loss of lives and restore livelihoods.
Although the current El Niño cycle has ended, its effects will linger for months. The hunger crisis is expected to worsen until the next harvest season in April/May 2025. There is also a 70% chance of La Niña developing by October 2024, which increases the risk of flooding in countries already affected by El Niño.
The El Niño crisis is predicted to cause a significant regional food deficit. About 5 million tonnes of imported maize will be needed to meet the regional demand. Maize prices in Southern Africa have risen unusually high. Prices in Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Madagascar, South Africa, and Zimbabwe were at least 10% higher in May 2024 compared to May 2023.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announced that 500,000 people would receive humanitarian support during the lean season. “Through USAID’s support, humanitarian partners will provide food assistance to over 500,000 people during the upcoming lean season. They will distribute agricultural supplies and livestock to households affected by the drought and improve access to water for agriculture and consumption,” USAID stated.
The WFP’s efforts are part of a coordinated regional response to a severe crisis. Chronic malnutrition and micronutrient deficiency are rampant in Southern Africa. This problem is closely linked to poor diet quality and inadequate public health conditions.
The international community’s response is vital to averting a humanitarian disaster. Immediate funding and coordinated action are necessary to prevent widespread hunger and malnutrition. The next few months are critical as the region faces the aftermath of El Niño and prepares for potential La Niña impacts.
The need for international solidarity is more pressing than ever. Support from donors and humanitarian organizations is crucial in addressing this crisis. The WFP’s appeal for $409 million highlights the urgent need for resources to ensure food security for millions of people in Southern Africa.
This region is experiencing one of its most severe food crises in recent history. The combination of natural disasters and economic challenges has created a perfect storm. The WFP’s coordinated efforts with national governments and international partners aim to provide immediate relief and build long-term resilience.
The WFP is urgently appealing for immediate funding to address the hunger crisis in Southern Africa. It is vital for international and regional bodies to coordinate their response to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe. As the region faces further climatic challenges, the support of the international community is incredibly important.
Source: Newsday
