Drought-hit Malawi offers food relief for millions
Malawi's government launched a food distribution drive Wednesday for over five million hunger-stricken people impacted by a drought exacerbated by climate change and the El Nino weather phenomenon.
The drought is the worst to hit southern Africa in a century, leaving landscapes barren and leading to food shortages for millions.
In Chikwawa, around 350 kilometres (220 miles) from the capital Lilongwe, disaster management affairs commissioner Charles Kalemba said the aid was a joint initiative between the government, the World Food Programme and other donors.
"The severity is intense and that is why we are launching the intervention earlier than we had planned," Kalemba said.
He said the project aims to reach 5.7 million in the country of 20 million inhabitants.
"Now, more than ever, it's critical that we join forces to tackle these escalating risks and ensure that vulnerable communities are not left behind," said Paul Turnbull, the World Food Programme (WFP) director for Malawi.
Chrissie Kalutela, a mother of two, expressed relief about the food aid.
"There was a lot of hunger... we did not harvest anything from the fields so this maize will go a long way," she told AFP as she carried a large bag of the grain on her head.
The drought has damaged 44 percent of the country's crops, according to the WFP.
So far the government has raised $200 million for drought relief, of a target of $244 million, Kalemba said.
During drought season "most of the farmers rely on farming in the wetlands. But what is unique about this year is that the Shire River is flooded, hence it has significantly reduced the farming area in the wetlands," said Jack Mvula, local director for agriculture services.
"The loss of crops is forcing families to make harmful long-term choices. Millions are struggling, resorting to desperate measures such as pulling children out of school to work, or selling critical household assets, such as livestock," he said.
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