The governments of Iceland and Norway through the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) have pledged $4.1 million (about (K4.1 billion) to support 270 000 people facing severe hunger in Balaka and Chikwawa districts.

The joint contribution comprises $3.6 million (about K3.6 billion) from Norway and $500 000 (about K500 million) from Iceland for the 2022/23 Lean Season Food Insecurity Response Plan.

According to the Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee (Mvac) report, 3.8 million people in 27 districts and four cities will require food assistance ranging from three to five months, starting from November 2022 to March 2023.

People receive relief food in Nsanje

Speaking in Lilongwe on Wednesday during a signing ceremony of the agreement, WFP country director Paul Turnbull said it was important that they formalise the generous Nordic contribution meant to assist smallholder farmers who have been heavily affected by climate shocks and rising food prices.

“The contribution will provide humanitarian assistance to the districts through cash-based transfers,” he said.

Turnbull commended the governments of Norway and Iceland for their commitment to supportingvulnerable communities.

Norwegian Ambassador Ingrid Mikelsen said she was happy to sign the agreement between WFP, Malawi and the Royal Norwegian Embassy for the lean season response.

“The poor harvest caused by floods has shown the need to expand the support for up to five months in some areas. We are pleased that we have been able to reallocate funds to support the response plan,” she said.

Iceland Embassy head of mission Inga Petursdottir said they remain steadfast in their support to vulnerable Malawians at risk of hunger.

“Iceland partnered WFP to help vulnerable families to mitigate and manage the impacts of climate change shocks,” she said.

Department of Disaster Management Affairs director of response and recovery the Reverend Moses Chimphepo commended WFP and the governments of Norway and Iceland for the kind gesture.

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