Tag Archives: World Food Programme (WFP)

Agriculture, Malawi

Malawi receives US$28m global support to combat hunger, malnutrition

Maravi Post Reporter

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Malaw Government has received US$28 million global support towards 2025/2026 Lean Season Food Insecurity Response Programme.

Malawi has secured the global support through World Food Program (WFP).

The support comes as about 4 million Malawians are in a dire need of food experience in 2025/2026 consumption year.

This is due to the impact of climate related shocks which that affected agricultural production and household food security across the country.

In response to the state of national disaster WFP, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Luxembourg, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States, countries have contributed US$28 million to support the vulnerable and the most affected by Hunger.

Speaking during the site inspection in the Southern Region, WFP Country Director to Malawi Dr. Hyoung-Joon Lim, highlighted that WFP has supported over 823,000 people with food and cash assistance.

“We are treating malnourished children and mothers,” Lim said.

He was quick to say that, through the generous support that these governments are assisting the Malawian Government, WFP will make sure that the support reaches to the intended group of people and that the most affected are supported.

On his part Commissioner for Disaster Management Affairs, Wilson Molleni, express gratitude to the donors for the timely support to the affected people, however he was quick to say that, the program still faces a deficit of US$17 million to reach 1.5 million through the full lean season.

The commissioner Molleni, said that, there is need to build resilient food systems by investing in climate-smart agriculture, irrigation expansion for food security and self-reliant communities.

Development

WFP Malawi reaffirms commitment to bolstering national disaster response capacity

Jones Gadama

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-In a significant stride towards strengthening Malawi’s preparedness for health and climate emergencies, the World Food Programme (WFP) Malawi has officially recommitted itself to supporting the government in national disaster response efforts.

The announcement was made by WFP Malawi Country Director, Hyoung-Joon Lim, on Thursday during the closure of the week-long Malawi 2025 Health Supply Chain Simulation Exercise (SimEx), held at the Bangula Humanitarian Staging Area in Nsanje District.

The Simulation Exercise, conducted in partnership with the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), was designed to test and enhance Malawi’s ability to respond rapidly and effectively to multi-hazard health emergencies.

These exercises are crucial in a country frequently challenged by natural disasters such as floods, droughts, and outbreaks of diseases, which collectively threaten the health and well-being of millions of Malawians.

Hyoung-Joon Lim emphasized the critical role that WFP Malawi will continue to play in ensuring that the country is equipped with efficient and coordinated supply chain systems.

“Our commitment is to remain a steadfast partner in Malawi’s disaster preparedness and response framework, particularly by strengthening supply chain mechanisms that are vital during emergencies,” Lim remarked.

He underscored that effective logistics and supply chain management are the backbone of any successful humanitarian response, enabling timely delivery of essential health supplies and food aid when communities need them the most.

The exercise served not only as a simulation of a health crisis but also as an opportunity to evaluate coordination among various stakeholders, including government agencies, humanitarian organizations, and regional partners.

By simulating a realistic multi-hazard health emergency, participants were able to identify existing gaps and areas for improvement in the country’s disaster response systems. This collaborative approach is fundamental to building resilience against future shocks.

Moses Chimphepo, Commissioner of the Department of Disaster Management Affairs of Malawi (DoDMA), praised the ongoing partnership with WFP Malawi, highlighting its significance in the broader disaster management landscape.

“The support from WFP Malawi is invaluable. Their expertise and resources enhance our capacity to manage disasters effectively and save lives,” said Chimphepo.

He further noted that the joint efforts during the Simulation Exercise have reinforced the government’s resolve to continue investing in preparedness and response mechanisms.

One of the tangible outcomes of the exercise was the handover of a 41,000-litre fuel storage tank from WFP Malawi to DoDMA. This asset is expected to play a crucial role in future emergency operations by ensuring an uninterrupted fuel supply for logistics and transportation.

Reliable fuel storage and distribution are often overlooked but are vital components in maintaining the mobility of emergency response teams and the delivery of supplies to affected areas.

The importance of this fuel storage facility cannot be overstated, particularly in remote and vulnerable regions like Nsanje District, where infrastructure challenges can delay response times.

By addressing such logistical bottlenecks, WFP Malawi and DoDMA are laying the groundwork for more efficient and timely disaster interventions.

Malawi’s vulnerability to climate-related disasters and public health emergencies has increasingly brought into focus the need for comprehensive preparedness strategies.

The 2025 Health Supply Chain Simulation Exercise represents a proactive step towards meeting these challenges head-on.

Through continuous engagement and capacity building, the country aims to reduce the impact of disasters on its population, especially the most vulnerable groups.

The collaboration between WFP Malawi and the Africa CDC during the exercise also illustrated the importance of regional partnerships in combating health crises.

Diseases do not respect borders, and coordinated efforts across countries and agencies are essential to mounting effective responses.

This exercise strengthened Malawi’s ties with continental health actors and fostered knowledge exchange on managing complex emergencies.

Beyond the immediate benefits of the Simulation Exercise, the commitment from WFP Malawi signals a long-term partnership geared towards sustainable disaster resilience.

By focusing on supply chain efficiency, resource availability, and stakeholder coordination, Malawi is positioning itself to respond more effectively to future emergencies and minimize disruptions to health services and food security.

As climate change continues to exacerbate the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, the need for such preparedness initiatives becomes even more urgent.

WFP Malawi’s renewed support offers hope that the country’s disaster management systems will evolve to meet these growing demands, safeguarding lives and livelihoods across the nation.

The week-long Simulation Exercise in Nsanje has not only tested Malawi’s health supply chain resilience but has also reaffirmed the collaboration between government agencies and humanitarian partners.

The handover of the fuel storage tank, the shared expertise, and the collective learnings from the exercise mark a milestone in Malawi’s journey towards stronger disaster preparedness.

With organizations like WFP Malawi committed to this cause, the future holds promise for a more resilient Malawi, ready to face health and climate emergencies with greater confidence and capability.

Business

MBS, WFP pair to enhance Sesame product quality

MaraviPost

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS), in partnership with World Food Programme (WFP) Monday, June 23, 2025 on commenced a Method Validation Training Workshop in Blantyre, Malawi, the training will enhance MBS capacity to meet international quality requirements for Sesame products.

For years Malawi has faced challenges in exporting Sesame due to substandard product, limiting its competitiveness in global markets.

However, with increasing demand for sesame particularly in Japan, the partnership will address quality concerns and improve market access for Malawian Sesame.

The Deputy Director General of MBS, Thomas Senganimalunje, emphasized that while market opportunities exist, non-compliance with international standards has been a major setback.

“In past years, some sesame shipments have been rejected due to poor quality and substandard products, thats why this partnership is crucial as it will help improve sesame quality and expand export capabilities.” he said.

The training will equip MBS staff with reliable and accurate analytical methods, ensuring trustworthy laboratory results and more efficient operations.

“The training is being facilitated by the National Metrology Institute of South Africa (NMISA),” Senganimalunje added.

On his part, WFP Deputy Country Director Simon Denhere, stated that WFP is committed to supporting Malawi in meeting market demands.

“We are eager to strengthen this partnership to ensure Malawian Sesame meets required standards and competes effectively in Japan markets,” he said.

“The training will also facilitate sesame product accreditation by providing technical knowledge and equipment, enabling MBS and the country to export good quality Sesame to markets like Japan,” Denhere added.

He was also quick to say that this project will help to increase foreign currency for Malawi.

The workshop brings together laboratory technicians, quality assurance experts, and regulatory officers of MBS to strengthen Malawi testing capabilities.

Participants will undergo training in advanced analytical techniques.

This is being possible with funding from Japan Government through WFP.

Malawi, Politics

Opposition leader Chaponda chides MCP cadres on politicising public maize distribution

MaraviPost

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Opposition Leader in Malawi Parliament Dr George Chaponda has accused Malawi Congress Party (MCP) cadres of politicising goverment maize distribution exercise.

The opposition leader Chaponda observes food distribution exercise is meant to provide relief to vulnerable communities suffering from hunger across the country, is being shamefully manipulated for political gain.

In a press statement issued on Tuesday, January 28, 2024, Chaponda calls upon the government to immediately stop the malpractice and return the food distribution exercise to the capable and neutral hands of Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA).

“My office has noted with great concern over the ongoing abuse of the food distribution exercise by the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) government. This
exercise, which is meant to provide relief to our brothers and sisters suffering from hunger across the country, is being shamefully manipulated for political gain.

“Let me be clear: this is a grave injustice and a betrayal of the trust and welfare of the Malawian people.The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) was established to handle disaster response impartially and professionally”, reads the statement in part.

Dr Chaponda adds, “However, instead of allowing DoDMA to carry out its mandate, the MCP government has hijacked this process by involving its politicians in food distribution.

“These actions are nothing but a calculated effort to gain political mileage at the expense of suffering Malawians. Such behaviour is not only unethical but also deeply disrespectful to the principles of fairness and justice that should guide our nation”.

The opposition leader observes, “It cements allegations from other quarters of society that this government may have deliberately created the hunger crisis to exploit the suffering of the people for its own political advantage.

“The maize and other relief items being distributed do not belong to the MCP. These resources are the property of the Malawian government approved by parliament, procured using taxpayers’ money and support from our development partners through the World Food Program”.

He added, “They are meant for every Malawian in need,
regardless of political affiliation, tribe, or region. No political party has the right to claim ownership or use them as campaign tools.

“To the people of Malawi: I urge you to reject this political manipulation. Our collective suffering should not be exploited for political gain”.

He appeals, “We must demand transparency, fairness, and accountability in the distribution of relief items. Let us remind the MCP government that they have a duty to serve all Malawians equally and not just their political supporters.

“We call upon the government to immediately stop this malpractice and return the food distribution exercise to the capable and neutral hands of DoDMA”.

Chaponda calls further, “I urge our development partners to closely monitor the distribution process to ensure that their contributions reach the intended beneficiaries without political interference.

“As the Leader of the Opposition, I remain committed to holding this government accountable. We will not stand by while the welfare of Malawians is compromised for political expediency. Together, let us work towards a Malawi where resources are distributed fairly and where every citizen is treated with dignity and respect”.

Development

NBS Bank, WFP in social cash transfers to Phalombe Cyclone Freddy victims    

Maravi Post Reporter

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Listed NBS Bank and World Food Programme (WFP) have started disbursing funds through social cash transfer to over 2000 people affected by Cyclone Freddy at Nkhulambe Centre 1 and 2 in Phalombe.

The Bank’s Head of Marketing & Customer Experience Tamanda Ng’ombe  said their main role is to make sure that the funds fall into the right hands.

“We work hand in hand with partners on the ground who work every day with the beneficiaries. In this case, the partner entrusted to do that is Circle for Integrated Community Development (CICOD). They are responsible for identification and then later pass the information to us to verify beforehand. The ID information is sent to us and we crosscheck what is on paper and what the beneficiary is presenting.”

“So far we have not met any challenges, WFP and CICOD have done a good job on the ground together with the District Commissioner  and Department of Disaster Management (DODMA). They made sure that everything is in order, so our job has been straightforward,” said Ng’ombe.

WFP country Representative, Paul Turnbull said the lean season response is targeted at people who are food insecure.

“They are hungry because they didn’t get enough food from the last harvest. We understand that this particular district took the brunt of cyclone Freddy, so we realize that a lot of people won’t have enough food for this year. But it’s a program of limited duration,” said Turnbull.

In his remarks, Senior Group Nkhulambe said his area is one of the most affected by Cyclone Freddy as four villages namely Makambe, Nkhulambe, Nagoli and Mudeni lost 167 people while six are still missing.

“We are being given K150,000 which I have advised my subjects to use to buy food, which is our number one need. It will take time for us to start farming again as the area is full of sand. However, we are grateful for the help from international organizations through the government,” he said.

One of the beneficiaries, 70-year-old Thelma Selemani of Madukano Village said she lost her maize and cassava gardens during Cyclone Freddy.

“We were surviving on mangoes, now we are going to buy maize with this money,” said Selemani

Commissioner for DODMA, Charles Kalemba echoed that Nkhulambe area needs more support.

“Most of the land here has been encroached by rocks or sand and cannot produce anymore, so from the time Cyclone Freddy happened in March to now we are still supporting the people in terms of food security.”

“What we are seeing here is a process where people are receiving cash transfers, we had also given them maize for October, but for November, December, and January they are getting K150,000 which they are going to use for purchasing food, and then we will also come back for more money in February and March,” said Kalemba.

Malawi

“9 million Malawians in blink of hunger”-WFP

Maravi Post Reporter

By Thandie Chadzandiyani

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Ukraine war has pushed the cost of living in Malawi where the price of bread has doubled, United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has found that half of Malawians are living on less than a dollar a day, a situation the organisation claims to have been exacerbated by the war.

WFP says the situation is pushing about 9 million of Malawians to the blink of hunger.

WFP claims to have undertaken an analysis which established that cost of basic necessities like cooking oil has increased with over 300% within the 2 years of President Lazarus Chakwera’s administration.

The analysis shows that the Russian invasion of Ukraine has worsened the situation mostly in the Southern African country.

WFP’s Global Spokesperson, Tomson Phiri says “WFP is seriously concerned about the souring food prices that are pushing poor to the blink of hunger in Malawi. WFP assessment has found that these challenges are now further exacerbated by the effect of the Ukraine crisis.

“Half of Malawians are already living in poverty, on less than US$2 (2 thousand Kwacha) a day. The price of bread has increased by 50 per cent in the last 3 months”.

Phiri claimes that the interviews the organisation held with bakery owners in Malawi established that the prices of wheat has nearly doubled since the onset of the Ukraine war.

The organisation claims that the removal of value added tax on some commodities has not curtailed the price increase.

“WFP needs US$6.3 million (more than 6.3 billion Malawi Kwacha) to feed poor Malawians”

“We need US$2.9 million (about 3 billion Kwacha) now to be able to provide 22,500 families who were affected by floods with assistance. We also need an additional US$3.4 million (about 3.4 billion Kwacha) to continue providing vital food assistance to refugees and asylum seekers”, Phiri explained.