World Food Programme (WFP) to purchase and transport approximately 48,000 metric tons of maize on behalf of the Government with World Bank funding
The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) and the Government of Malawi have signed an agreement to import 48,000 metric tons of maize worth US$35 million, funded by the World Bank Group, to help food protection communities affected by the EL Niño-induced drought .
WFP’s Regional Director for Southern Africa met today with the Disaster Management Commissioner to discuss the details of the agreement and reaffirm their shared commitment to meeting Malawi’s emergency food needs.
“This is an important step to complement the Government of Malawi’s efforts to provide relief assistance to food insecure households across the country,” said Malawi Commissioner for Disaster Management Charles Kalemba. “The gesture reflects the Government’s “
“WFP is focused on ensuring critical resources reach those who need them most,” said Eric Perdison, WFP Regional Director for Southern Africa. “This collaboration demonstrates the impact of partnerships in climate-related responses. challenges posed by the crisis.”
BankWord mobilized $50 million earlier this year to help Malawi address the recent impact childsaid Firas Raad, World Bank Country Manager for Malawi. “We hope this financing will provide greater food security for vulnerable families and we are proud of our close collaboration with WFP.”
The funding comes from the Crisis Emergency Component (CERC) – Phase 3 of the Food Systems Resilience Program in Eastern and Southern Africa, a World Bank Group program that helps countries quickly access resources during emergencies. Under this agreement, WFP will purchase and transport approximately 48,000 metric tons of corn from Tanzania to Malawi to fill the child drought. The Government of Malawi will distribute food to approximately 954,000 households to alleviate hunger and help ensure communities have access to food until the next harvest between April and July.
Malawi currently faces acute food insecurity challenges, with 5.7 million people experiencing food insecurity in the country child– Induced drought negatively affected 44% of crops. WFP is working closely with the Government of Malawi to address this emergency. In addition to this agreement, WFP has provided food assistance, including malnutrition treatment and school meals, to more than 2 million people. WFP also provides logistical support to help the government transport maize to distribution points in Malawi.
Distributed by Apo Group on behalf of the World Food Program (WFP).
