Mozambique

In March, the second landing of Cyclone Freddy in Zambezia, Sofala, and Tete resulted in flooding and high winds, damaging the upcoming harvest and destroying infrastructure. In these areas a likely poor harvest and the loss of livelihood assets, along with high staple food prices and limited income-earning opportunities are expected to result in Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes in the most affected areas. In less flood and cyclone affected areas of southern and central Mozambique Stressed (IPC Phase 2) outcomes are likely. In Cabo Delgado, Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes persist in conflict affected areas, while the regular distribution of humanitarian food assistance (HFA) is maintaining Stressed! (IPC Phase 2!) outcomes.

In late March, humanitarian partners scaled up humanitarian assistance to cyclone and flood affected households, reaching more than 385,000 people by April 17, 2023, around 47 percent of the targeted population. Humanitarian partners are reporting that there are critical humanitarian supplies shortages and that the response capacity is limited. Humanitarian partners are seeking to provide assistance to 815,000 people affected by cyclone Freddy, cholera, and flooding, with interventions in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), health, education, food security and livelihoods remaining critical priorities. In Sofala, Tete, and Inhambane provinces, humanitarian access to some districts continues to be difficult due to logistical constraints following damage to bridges and poor road conditions.

Across Mozambique, crops are in the maturation and harvesting stages, with the consumption of green foods already taking place in the north. National production is expected to be close to the five-year average but may be lower than last year due to reduced crop yields and crop losses following multiple climatic shocks in 2023. However, flood-affected and low-lying areas have the potential for good vegetable production during the second season following the planned and ongoing distribution of vegetable seeds by the government and humanitarian partners.

Maize grain prices increased significantly from February to March in provinces most affected by natural disasters. In March 2023, maize grain prices increased by 39 and 47 percent in the Nampula market and Mutarara market (Tete Province), respectively. In the Mocuba market (Zambézia province), which was severely affected by tropical cyclone Freddy, the price of maize grain remains abnormally high since November 2022. Compared to last year and the five-year average, maize grain prices more than doubled in the markets of Nampula, Mutarara, and Mocuba. Relatedly, headline inflation rose to 10.8 percent in March, with food and non-alcoholic beverages contributing the most to the high annual inflation rate. Food inflation rose to 18.2 percent in March, up from 16.7 percent in February.