Department of Disaster Management Affairs (Dodma) and its international partners have launched the 2025/26 Lean Season Food Insecurity Response Programme to mitigate the impact of an impending food crisis affecting four million people nationwide.
Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs Wilson Moleni, speaking during the launch at Kaphatenga Primary School ground in Salima District on Friday, said the launch marked a significant step towards addressing food shortages during the lean season from October 2025 to March 2026.
He said the Malawi Government was committed to supporting all affected households nationwide, but stated that while government needs K209 billion for the exercise, only K61 billion has been secured.
“We are still appealing to donors… We are distributing food to four million families across Malawi, not just in selected districts as others speculate. Each household will be receiving a 50 kilogramme (kg) bag of maize or K90 000 every month from November to March next year,” said Moleni.
In his address, World Food Programme country director HyoungJoon Lim pledged continued support to Malawi’s food security programmes.
“We are working hand in hand with the government to ensure food security. We have provided food and are managing transportation to distribution points, while engaging more partners to meet the funding gap,” he said.
Salima district commissioner James Mwenda thanked Dodma for the support and said the programme will benefit about 38 000 households in the lakeshore district.
“I warn officials against corruption in the distribution process. Any officials caught indulging in corruption will be held accountable,” he said.
The latest Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee report estimates that about four million people will face severe food shortages this lean season, owing to erratic rains and economic shocks.
President Peter Mutharika also declared a State of Disaster in 11 districts that are facing acute food shortages. The crisis demands urgent humanitarian action, including the distribution of about 200 000 metric tonnes of maize.
