Malawi
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- Ongoing humanitarian assistance has improved outcomes from Crisis (IPC Phase 3) to Stressed! (IPC Phase 2!) in several southern districts of Malawi that were heavily affected by Tropical Cyclone Freddy and subsequent flooding. Consequently, areas such as Mwanza, Mulanje, Mangochi, Zomba City, Phalombe, and Thyolo in southern Malawi and Nkhotakota in central Malawi have improved their food security area classification. However, a recent FEWS NET field assessment indicates that certain districts in southern Malawi require immediate assistance, with the delayed start of assistance and low coverage causing Crisis (IPC Phase 3) food security outcomes to persist. The situation is expected to improve between January to March as the humanitarian food assistance program is anticipated to reach more districts and households. Populations that were facing Emergency (IPC Phase 4) household outcomes in targeted districts are expected to transition to Crisis (IPC Phase 3).
- Maize prices in FEWS NET-monitored markets continued to significantly increase, rising by over 10 percent in December 2023. Year-on-year price increases averaged nearly 90 percent, with Lilongwe observing the highest increase at 150 percent and Karonga market having the lowest at around 30 percent. December prices were trending at 230 percent above the five-year average, while the national average was around 830 MWK per kilogram of maize. Prices of other foods are also steeply increasing, with bean prices increasing by over 10 percent and 35 percent compared to last month and last year, respectively, and nearly doubling compared to the five-year average. Price increases are mainly being driven by low supplies in deficit areas, worsening macro- and microeconomic conditions, and increasing transportation costs.
- Malawi is facing a shortage of maize staple, with insufficient stocks held both by private traders and by the government-run Agriculture Development and Marketing Corporation (ADMARC) and the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) Reports indicate that total maize procurement in 2023/4 was expected to be between 80,000 to 100,000 metric tons, significantly below the annual target of 217,000 metric tons. Between December 2023 and January 2024, the official maize reserves after drawdowns for ADMARC sales (10,000 tons) and for humanitarian food assistance (20,000) would be at only 14,000 metric tons. The remaining stocks are enough to feed 200,000 households for only one month.
- Rainfall performance is improving after a late and erratic start to the rains. According the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services, rainfall amounts from December to January were generally above normal in most southern areas, with normal to above-normal rainfall in much of central and northern Malawi. The improved rainfall is contributing to increased farm activities, including weeding and fertilizer application, particularly in northern and central regions where the rains started late. In addition, pasture availability for livestock is also reported to have increased. However, forecasts indicate that January to March rainfall will likely be below average in southern Malawi, driven by El Niño conditions, while rainfall in parts of central and northern Malawi is expected to be average to above average. Extreme events such as mid-season dry spells and localized flooding are expected within the season.
Recommended citation: FEWS NET. Malawi Key Message Update January 2024: Enhanced rainfall improves farm activities and income for poor households, 2024.
This Key Message Update provides a high-level analysis of current acute food insecurity conditions and any changes to FEWS NET's latest projection of acute food insecurity outcomes in the specified geography. Learn more here.