Drought Affects Over 6.5 million People with Severe Food Shortages

n late 2015, Malawi faced the onset of a devastating drought, driven by the El Niño weather phenomenon. As rainfall patterns became erratic and dry spells prolonged, crops failed across the country, leaving millions without food. By 2016, the crisis had worsened, with over 6.5 million Malawians—nearly 40% of the population—suffering from acute food shortages. The government, alongside international organizations, launched emergency relief programs, but the impact was severe. Malnutrition rates soared, and maize production, a staple for Malawians, plummeted by over 30%. Prices of food staples skyrocketed, making survival even harder for vulnerable communities. This drought was a stark reminder of Malawi’s vulnerability to climate change and the urgent need for sustainable agricultural solutions. As the country recovered in the following years, efforts to improve irrigation and food security strategies became a priority to prevent future crises. #MomentsOfLife #MoofLife #MalawiDrought #ClimateCrisis #ElNino #FoodSecurity