WFP Provides Maize to 29,000 Starving Households in Nsanje
Chief Administrative Officer for Nsanje Rotina Mlombwa said the maize means a lot since Cyclone Freddy also washed away irrigation schemes. She expressed gratitude to WFP.
NSANJE, Malawi - Prolonged dry spells, heavy rains and floods during the 2022 rainy season significantly impacted agricultural activities in Malawi's Southern Region, saturating fields and reducing yields, writes Esther Banda.
This has left many in the region starving.
The World Food Programme (WFP) has begun distributing maize to 29,422 acutely food-insecure households in Nsanje district to help them survive the lean season from December to April.
Nsanje, with a population of 327,000, is one of the hardest hit areas.
Distributions started December 13 at Mankhokwe ADMARC for beneficiaries from the traditional authorities of Nyachikadza and Ndamera.
"I can't wait to eat nsima today. For a while my family survived on sweet potatoes day and night. I thank WFP for their support until the harvest," said Arumindo Gushita, 65, of Monyo village.
Dorothy Window, 63, of Mulemba village said the maize is an answer to prayer, as her family of five recently ate sweet potatoes just once a day, often going to bed hungry.
Group Village Headman Mphampha of Ndamera thanked WFP, saying the food will give strength to work their farms. He pleaded for continued support as many are starving.
"This year's lean season is critical with many Malawians food insecure, so we had to help Nsanje urgently," said WFP Country Director Paul Turnbull.
Chief Administrative Officer for Nsanje Rotina Mlombwa said the maize means a lot since Cyclone Freddy also washed away irrigation schemes. She expressed gratitude to WFP.
Donors include UKAID, USAID, UN CERF, Norway, Canada and Germany.