An analysis by the Famine Early Warning System Network (Fewsnet) indicates that the lean season has begun in October, nearly two months earlier than normal.
The analysis, released on October 2, 2025, indicates that the worst affected districts would include Neno, Mwanza, Blantyre, Thyolo, Mulanje and Phalombe following poor harvests, above-average maize prices and other factors.
“Poor households in these areas face limited access to labour opportunities, reduced incomes and above-average food and non-food item prices, all of which are eroding household purchasing power and limiting access to sufficient food,” the analysis reads.
It adds that in many Central and Northern region areas households are currently experiencing minimal food security outcomes, supported by access to own-produced food stocks from the 2025 harvest.
Speaking in an interview after the inauguration ceremony on Saturday, President Peter Mutharika said there is already a comprehensive rescue plan whose implementation would begin this week.
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Mutharika said his first action in office would be to look at the food situation in the country, adding that the government has already found food in an undisclosed neighbouring country to buy.
Earlier last month, grain trader Agriculture Development and Marketing Corporation Limited said it expected to import 200,000 metric tonnes of maize into Malawi, aimed at ensuring consistent maize availability in its markets.
The decision to import the maize followed an assessment of stock levels, market trends, supply flows and the impact of rising maize prices on household food security.
Earlier, Department of Disaster Management Affairs (Dodma) spokesperson Chipiliro Khamula said they were awaiting the Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee report which informs their response plan. The report is yet to be released.
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Commenting on the issue, agriculture commentator Leonard Chimwaza said it is cause for concern that the Mvac report is not ready by now because the 2023 Disaster Risk Management Strategy gives direction on how the government and non-state actors need to prepare in cases of eventualities.
“Considering that we do not have the Mvac report in place, it is very difficult for these entities to start planning and implementing activities that would help the country address the looming hunger, which is worrisome,” he said.
The 2024-25 Mvac report projected that over 5.7 million Malawians would face hunger due to climatic shocks that affected crop yields.
