By Chisomo Phiri
The United States of America (USA) Government through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has given Malawi Government $7 million (about K12 billion) in response to food insecurity and other humanitarian needs as a result of El Nino.
USAID Malawi Mission director Pamela Fessenden made the announcement at a press briefing in Blantyre on Tuesday.
Fessenden said USAID has partnered with the World Food Programme (WFP) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
“This means two million households [nine million people] announced by the Government of Malawi, who have lost their crops due to the El Nino-induced drought during the 2023/24 agriculture season, will receive assistance,” she said.
On his part, the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DODMA) deputy director responsible for disaster preparedness Fedson Chikuse said the donation will reduce the amount needed to mitigate the impact of El Nino.
Chikuse said that out of a $446 million budget, they have managed to so far source $14 million with well-wishers pledging $64 million.