Food Insecurity has improved only marginally after Cyclone Freddy. Many areas, especially in the Southern Region, remain in Crisis (IPC Phase 3) and remaining official maize reserves are only enough to feed 200,000 households for 1 month, according to official estimates.
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.
https://fews.net/southern-africa/malawi
Humanitarian assistance has improved outcomes in some areas, and after a very sketchy start to the rainy season, somewhat heavier rains are improving agricultural activity. However the situation remains serious.
Read the entire report here: https://fews.net/southern-africa/malawi
Photo Credit: Fews