World Vision, WFP  feed starving  Malawians

In the wake of the food crisis due to dry spell in several districts in the country, the World Food Programme (WFP) and World Vision Malawi on Wednesday distributed food to people of Malindi area in Chikwawa district.

World Vision International Senior Humanitarian Advisor Philippe Guiton said  after the distribution  that Malawi is the most affected country in the Southern Africa, as it registered 2.8 million people including 1.5 million children facing food shortage as a result of flooding and dry spells from the previous growing season.

Guiton said the food distribution which is being  implemented by World Vision Malawi in Chikwawa, is worth $2.8 million (about K1.9 billion) and will reach 600,000 people in  Mwanza, Neno, Chitipa and Mangochi districts.

Each household is receiving a 50 kilogrammes (kg) bag of maize, two litres of cooking oil and six kilogrammes of split beans (chipere) with pregnant mothers as well as those nursing children under the age of two receiving an extra 10kg of super cereal soya.

He said in some areas, the programme will be affected through cash transfers whereby households are given money to buy food.

Guiton also assured Government and indeed all beneficiaries that his organisation will do its best to ensure that no lives are lost where they are operating.

“At this time of unprecedented global need and specifically in Malawi, despite resource challenges, our commitment to the humanitarian imperative to save lives and livelihoods and to protect food and nutrition security remains stronger than ever,” he said.

He further explained that the process of distribution by World Vision uses a computerized system where beneficiaries go through strict verification stages to detect any attempt to defraud the system.

One beneficiary Mary Tchalosi hailed WFP and WV for moving swiftly to assist communities affected by drought.

Tchalosi said the food situation in the district   is the worst as it has affected the highest numbers of people.

“We are seen like beggars but we are not. After the floods last year and dry spell this year, we tried to plant crops but drought thwarted our efforts to harvest food, hence we are always asking for assistance,” said Tchalosi.

World Vision and World Food Programme launched the 2015/2016 food relief programme on 9 October 2015.

About 18.5 million US Dollars is being used on this programme, which started last year and expected to end March this year.

So far World Vision is responding to needs of affected families in nine countries in Southern Africa apart from Malawi.

Group village head Salumechi said the food aid was timely and appealed for more help from well-wishers so as to complement government efforts as there is no hope for his people even for this growing season.

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