K45bn WFP shortfall threatens relief efforts

The World Food Programme (WFP) is facing a $26 million (about K45 billion) funding gap that could disrupt hunger relief efforts, emergency logistics, food assistance and nutrition support in Malawi. A WFP Malawi Country Brief published on February 20 shows that the funding gap affects response efforts planned between February and July 2026. The UN agency says the deficit is part of its annual budget of $66.69 million (about K115 billion).

The report states that 1.3 million people have been assisted, with 12 161 metric tonnes (MT) of maize distributed and $768 318 (about K1.3 billion) transferred in cash to enable households to purchase food. However, without immediate financial support, WFP warns that its operations could be severely affected, further appealing for timely donor support, saying it is critical to sustaining life-saving assistance, strengthening resilience and protecting vulnerable households from worsening food insecurity and health crises. Reads part of the brief: “Malawi faces rising humanitarian needs shaped by weather shocks and health emergencies.

Recent heavy rainfall has damaged roads and caused severe flooding in districts such as Nkhotakota, affecting over 36 000 households.” On refugee assistance, WFP says it has supported 60 000 refugees and asylum seekers at Dzaleka Refugee Camp with cash-based food assistance, enabling families to buy food of their choice. However, from June 2026, this support risks suspension due to lack of funding, potentially exposing refugee families to hunger and negative coping mechanisms. The agency says urgent support is needed to sustain assistance and safeguard lives.

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Meanwhile, the Department of Disaster Management Affairs is struggling to raise about K60 billion from the K209 billion budget proposed for lean season disaster response. Mzuzu University-based built environment lecturer Mtafu Manda said there is a need for strong political will to address recurrent deficits in disaster response. He said: “The National Assembly should allocate adequate resources to it, and when external support is required, it could supplement the fund.” The Malawi Vulnerabi l ity Assessment Committee (Mvac) 2025 report indicates that 4 million people or about 891 000 households, are at risk of hunger during the 2025/26 consumption period, representing 22 percent of the country’s projected population of 18.5 million.

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