As food prices remain high despite the conclusion of the 2023 main harvest, a Famine Early Warning Systems Network (Fewsnet) report released Tuesday indicates that the anticipated El Niño weather condition might escalate the situation.
According to the report, the Southern Region continues to grapple with problems such as currency depreciation and economic challenges, particularly in Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho and Malawi, a development that is negatively impacting household purchasing power, especially for households that primarily rely on market purchases for food.
The report says the strong likelihood of El Niño this year triggers fear of below-average rainfall in Southern Africa, which could consequently reduce crop output for the 2023-24 agriculture season.
“Based on historical trends during El Niño years, the onset of the main rainy season between October and December will most likely be delayed with mixed performance. Irregular rainfall will most likely compound the impacts of reduced access to agricultural inputs on planted areas, which will, in turn, affect income-earning among poor households who rely on agricultural labour opportunities,” the report reads.
The report has, therefore called on the government and the donor community to start planning for assistance in 2024.
“There is particular concern for areas in the south that already experienced significant crop losses due to dry spells in 2023 and cyclones in 2022 and 2023. Government and donors should prepare now for rising food assistance needs in 2024,” the report adds.
As household food stocks decline, the report says more households are expected to begin facing food crisis outcomes as food prices seasonally increase, impacting household purchasing power.
It is expected that about 4.4 million people will be food insecure from October to March 2024.
“Additionally, the El Niño is expected to result in an erratic and delayed start to the 2023-24 rainy season, impacting planted areas and agricultural labour opportunities for poor households,” the report reads.
Speaking in Nkhata Bay last week, President Lazarus Chakwera acknowledged the extent of the hunger situation in the country but assured Malawians that maize would be made available in all Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (Admarc) depots for easy access.
Recently, Agriculture Minister Sam Kawale also said the government would use the 68,420 metric tonnes (mt) and 15,960mt of maize kept by the National Food Reserve Agency and Admarc, respectively, to support food insufficient households.
Currently, maize prices remain higher than last year and the five-year average, as prices are 55 to 250 percent above those of last year and 150 to 360 percent above the five-year average, according to other reports.
