World Bank Funds Maize Import to Combat Drought in Malawi Food Crisis
Beyond this agreement, WFP is already assisting over two million people with food assistance, malnutrition treatment, and school meal programs.
LILONGWE, Malawi— The United Nations World Food Programme will import 48,000 metric tons of maize to address severe food insecurity caused by El Niño-induced drought, officials announced Friday, writes Winston Mwale.
The $35 million World Bank-funded initiative aims to support approximately 954,000 households facing critical food shortages after the drought decimated 44% of Malawi's crops.
"This is a significant step in complementing the Malawi Government's efforts in the provision of relief assistance," said Charles Kalemba, Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs.
WFP will procure maize from Tanzania and distribute it nationwide to help communities access food until the next harvest between April and July. Currently, 5.7 million people in Malawi are food insecure.
World Bank Country Manager Firas Raad said the $50 million emergency response aims to provide greater food security to vulnerable households.
WFP Regional Director Eric Perdison emphasized the importance of partnership in addressing climate-related crises.
"WFP is focused on making sure critical resources reach the people who need them most," he said.
Beyond this agreement, WFP is already assisting over two million people with food assistance, malnutrition treatment, and school meal programs.