Malawi: President Chakwera renews global appeal for food aid amid hunger crisis

Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera has once again called for international assistance as the country faces a severe food crisis affecting more than 5.7 million people—over a quarter of its 20 million population.

In one of the worst food shortages in decades, many rural villagers have resorted to eating wild plants like buffalo beans to survive, highlighting the dire situation.

In a televised address on Wednesday evening, Chakwera emphasized the gravity of the crisis, saying, “We are not out of the woods yet. This is why I continue to lobby for international support to address the humanitarian crisis we are facing.”

Earlier this year, Malawi appealed for $200 million in food aid due to a devastating drought linked to the El Niño weather pattern. While some assistance has been received, Chakwera noted that much more is needed to prevent widespread hunger and potential loss of life.

“From the governments of Sweden and Netherlands, the WFP received a donation of $11.8 million. I say thank you,” Chakwera said, listing other contributions: $7 million from the U.S., $3.8 million from the U.K., and $1.9 million from Japan. “If you are out there standing with Malawians and giving them the help they need during this crisis, I can assure you that Malawians are honest and fair-minded people…who know how to distinguish them from those who brought them nothing.”

Despite these contributions, the United Nations’ World Food Program (WFP) warns of a funding gap. Kylie Scott, WFP’s head of partnerships in Malawi, explained that while funding is secured until the end of 2024, resources are insufficient to bridge the crisis until March 2025.

“At the moment, we have got funding until the end of the year,” Scott said. “But there will be a gap until March 2025. We are working really hard to make sure that no one gets left behind.”

Meanwhile, Malawi’s Department of Disaster Management Affairs, the WFP, and local humanitarian groups continue to distribute aid to the most affected communities. But as Chakwera’s renewed appeal underscores, the need for global solidarity remains urgent to ensure millions of lives are not lost to hunger.