UK releases K10.8bn for hunger response
Britain has given Malawi £5 million (K10.85 billion) to support hunger-stricken families through cash transfers and food distribution.
A statement announcing the donation yesterday said the support will be managed by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to over 250 000 people from 56 000 households in areas hardest hit by this year’s lean season.
The donation is in response to the Government of Malawi’s request for external support for its Food Insecurity Response Plan.
British High Commissioner Fiona Ritchie said in the statement the United Kingdom Government wants to help people avoid making difficult survival choices such as skipping meals, selling assets, or taking children out of school.
She said: “We will continue to support the Government’s efforts to curb food price rises and shortages in order to help reduce the impact of difficult but necessary economic reforms.”
The support is part of the UK Government’s £100 million package for worst hit countries, particularly across East Africa, the Sahel, Afghanistan and those reeling from climate-related cyclones and drought like Malawi.
The support follows a food security meeting in London of 200 ministers, heads of international agencies, philanthropies and companies to galvanise action to reverse the trend of growing food insecurity hosted by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Department of Disaster Management Affairs (Dodma) commissioner Charles Kalemba is on record as having said the hunger situation is getting worse by the day and more support will be needed.
In its food insecurity response plan for 4.4 million people, Dodma secured $78 million (about K133 billion) for cash transfers to support people facing hunger.
Meanwhile, the department is set to review its food insecurity response plan following the 44 percent kwacha devaluation which has also led to a rise in fuel prices and other commodities.
