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Crisis in Malawi: your two-minute guide
![Fatima Guwira was helped by Concern after losing all of her crops to the floods that devastated Nsanje District, Malawi, in January 2015. Credit: Concern Worldwide](https://admin.concern.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/360x220/public/media/migrated/26707scr_0.jpg?changed=2016-04-19T10:36:48+00:00)
Fatima Guwira was helped by Concern after losing all of her crops to the floods that devastated Nsanje District, Malawi, in January 2015. Credit: Concern Worldwide
Drought and crop failure have sparked a national emergency. Find out what that means for the people of Malawi – and how Concern is helping.
The crisis in Malawi
- This month the government of Malawi declared a national emergency, caused by ongoing drought and the worst crop failure in a generation. Almost four million people need help getting enough food to survive.
- The crisis has been made worse by recent flooding and by El Nino, a weather phenomenon linked to climate change.
- Maize is the staple crop in Malawi. Last year’s harvest was 30 per cent below the five-year average, and this year’s harvest is even smaller.
- As supplies dry up, the price of food has rocketed. Maize prices in February were 155 per cent above the national five-year average. This year inflation in Malawi is expected to reach 22 per cent.
- Malawi already has one of the highest rates of stunting – child underdevelopment caused by malnutrition – in the world.
How we are helping in Malawi
- We’ve joined with other organisations to help 150,000 people caught up in the crisis.
- This help includes immediate cash grants so families can buy essential supplies, as well as seeds to replant their crops.
- We are also helping malnourished children get emergency medical care.
![Apoline Niyosenge is taught how to wash her hands properly by Concern community worker Abel Bamwisho, DRC. Photo: Pamela Tulizo](https://admin.concern.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/primary_cta_mobile/public/media/images/2022-01/DRC_2021_RS59619__lpr.jpg?changed=2023-09-14T09:46:26+00:00)