A severe, El Niño-induced drought in Malawi has led to a deepening humanitarian crisis, with millions of people facing repeated displacement and acute food insecurity. The crisis has hit Malawi particularly hard, a nation where over 80% of the population relies on agriculture for survival. As livelihoods vanish and water sources dry up, many Malawians are being forced to leave their homes in search of food and water, with some describing their plight by stating, “Without water nothing can exist.”
The drought, which has been exacerbated by erratic weather patterns in 2024, has been officially declared a national disaster in 23 of the country’s 28 districts. According to the UN, over 6.1 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance. The widespread crop failure, particularly in maize—the country’s main staple—has left nearly 6 million people acutely food insecure. This has caused food prices to spike, with maize prices now 160% higher than the five-year average, pushing many families into extreme poverty.
A Wave of Internal Migration
The lack of water and food has triggered a significant wave of internal displacement. Data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) shows that hundreds of thousands of people have moved within the country, with many relocating from the hard-hit southern regions to the relatively more fertile north and center. The IOM reports that 84% of displaced people cite drought as the primary reason for their migration. The humanitarian situation is particularly dire for women and children, who make up a disproportionate number of those displaced and are at increased risk of malnutrition and health crises.
Humanitarian Response and Future Outlook
In response to the crisis, the World Food Programme (WFP) and other humanitarian partners have launched a Flash Appeal to assist 3.8 million people. The aid, which includes both food and cash transfers, is being distributed to help stave off hunger and prevent further displacement. Despite these efforts, the situation is expected to worsen. The UN has warned that the number of people facing acute food insecurity is projected to increase to 5.7 million between October 2024 and March 2025. The government, with the support of international partners, is also focused on long-term strategies to build climate-resilient water infrastructure and promote climate-smart agriculture to prevent future disasters. However, with aid funding falling short of the required amount and an early election this week, the path to recovery for the weary Malawian population remains uncertain.
