By Pemphero Malimba:
The World Food Programme (WFP) in Malawi has reported a positive response from its partners as it plans to allocate $80 million (approximately K140 billion) to support at least 2.1 million people who are among the nine million estimated to be food insecure this year.
WFP Deputy Country Director Simon Denhere made the announcement yesterday in Lilongwe during a review meeting on the 2023-24 Lean Season Response Programme.
The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (Dodma) reportedly supported over 4.4 million people across the country through the programme spanning October 2023 to March 2024.
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Denhere said WFP’s resource mobilisation efforts are yielding results, with partners stepping up to provide support.
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“So far, we have raised between $18 million and $20 million. We still have a gap, but we are in discussions with our development partners to secure additional assistance.
“The response has been very encouraging and we have already received significant contributions that will enable us to begin delivering food to those in need,” he said.
The WFP official added that their programme will include the provision of both food and cash assistance, with operations primarily focusing on the Southern Region.
Dodma Commissioner Charles Kalemba said the department is waiting for the latest report from the Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee (Mvac) to initiate activities aimed at supporting those in need.
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“The Mvac report, expected this week, will provide us with an updated assessment of the ground situation. Based on the response plan, we will then deploy our teams to provide necessary support,” Kalemba said.
He then expressed concern over malpractices that reportedly affected the 2023- 24 Lean Season Response Programme, saying Dodma received 640 cases during the period.
“We encountered cases where community leaders were involved in food theft and, in some areas, incorrect registrations occurred under local leadership, disrupting our operations.
“In response, we had to temporarily halt activities in affected areas. We do not condone such misconduct and are gradually improving the situation,” Kalemba said.
On March 23, President Lazarus Chakwera declared a state of disaster in 23 out of 28 districts in the country due to the severe impacts of El Nino conditions, including dry spells and floods.
