Malawi

Overview

More than one million people (6% of the assessed population) were facing Crisis levels (IPC Phase 3) of food insecurity between July–September 2021. Floods, dry spells, and declining livelihood opportunities resulting from the impact of COVID-19 have been intensifying the food security crisis in Malawi since 2019. The south of the country is most affected, with Chikhwawa and Zomba city districts both reporting 15% of the analysed population in Crisis (IPC Phase 3) food insecurity levels.?

The economic situation in Malawi has been deteriorating. Following a 20% spike in fuel prices in September 2021, prices of basic items such as cooking oil, cassava, and firewood increased. Several antigovernment protests to denounce the high cost of living and high unemployment rates have been taking place since November 2021 and are expected to continue through February 2022. Shortages in fuel and some basic items and a further increase in prices are expected following the impact of Tropical Cyclone Ana, which hit the country on 24 January. The storm has disrupted the supply chain and affected infrastructure, agricultural land, and livestock.?

The food insecurity situation is projected to worsen between October 2021 and March 2022 because of the lean season starting in November and the risk of increased COVID-19 cases. The annual rainy season runs through December and normally results in intense rainfall and floods, especially in areas around Lake Malawi. As at 30 January, heavy rainfall and floods following Tropical Cyclone Ana have damaged about 34,000 hectares of cropland, which will likely affect the harvest season starting in March 2022 and deteriorate food insecurity levels. Projections indicate that 1.49 million people (8% of the population analysed) are likely to face Crisis levels (IPC Phase 3) of food insecurity between October 2021 and March 2022.?

Latest Developments

No recent significant humanitarian developments. The crisis is being monitored by our analysis team.