Implementation of humanitarian assistance expected to be delayed in some targeted districts

An estimated 2.8 million people will face acute food insecurity across the country. So far, assistance has started in only 6 out of the 25 districts facing food insecurity. These districts include Chikwawa, Nsanje, Chiradzulu, Phalombe, Zomba, and Machinga. Plans to roll out assistance in the remaining 19 districts is expected to be delayed in the coming months due to underfunding. 

This year’s Farm Input Subsidy Program (FISP) is also experiencing funding shortages. Usually the program provides subsidized inputs to approximately 1.5 million farmers. Since the implementation of the FISP is currently delayed and delivery will miss the critical agricultural activity period, households may delay planting or plant recycled seed and use less fertilizer.  

Mid-season dryness is likely in the central and southern regions due to El Niño conditions. Some areas in Kasungu and Mzimba districts experienced pre-seasonal rains, locally known as chizimalupsa, but the season has yet to officially start.   

Food prices across Malawi remain high and continue to increase. The average national maize price increased about 10 percent between September and October, rising to approximately MWK 143/kg. This price is well-above average and nearly double the national average maize price in October 2014. 

For more detailed analysis, see the Food Security Outlook for October.