Malawi declares state of disaster amid severe food shortages

Malawi President Arthur Peter Mutharika has declared a state of national disaster in eleven districts grappling with acute food shortages caused by prolonged drought conditions.

Justin Saidi, Chief Secretary to the President, issued a statement, noting that President Mutharika “has noted with grave concern the impacts of food insecurity as a result of cumulative impacts of prolonged dry spells,” Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

A recent Food Situation Report by the Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee (MVAC) warns that approximately four million people are at risk of facing acute food shortages later this year and into early 2026.

“The president is therefore appealing for both local and international support for the affected families. The number of people affected by the dry spells is very large. Let’s therefore help the affected communities as soon as possible,” Saidi emphasized.

The districts affected by the declaration span Malawi’s four administrative regions, highlighting the widespread nature of the crisis.

Over the past five years, Malawi has endured multiple episodes of El Niño-induced drought, which have repeatedly threatened food security across the country. Authorities have called for urgent humanitarian aid to mitigate the impact on vulnerable populations and prevent further escalation of hunger-related hardships.

By Vafa Guliyeva