MALAWI – The African Development Bank (AfDB), in partnership with representatives from the African Risk Capacity (ARC) Group, has donated US$11.2 million to the government of Malawi to aid in the country’s recovery from a severe drought caused by El Niño.
The funds, sourced from the African Development Fund and the Africa Disaster Risk Financing (ADRiFi) Multi-Donor Trust Fund, are set to provide food assistance to approximately 235,000 households in Malawi’s Lower Shire Valley and southern regions.
Additionally, 118,000 households in central Malawi will receive cash transfers. This payout stems from Malawi’s drought insurance policy and highlights the importance of strategic planning and risk management.
President Chakwera, while receiving the check, emphasized the significance of this support.
“The insurance payment we receive today is not just a financial transaction; it is a lifeline for our vulnerable populations. This payment will enable us to provide immediate relief so that no Malawian will suffer unbearable hunger due to the recent drought.”
El Niño, characterized by the abnormal warming of Pacific Ocean waters, has led to extreme dry conditions in southern Africa and contributed to one of the most severe droughts the region has seen in years.
The World Meteorological Organization has identified the 2024 El Niño as one of the strongest on record, severely affecting Malawi and exacerbating existing food shortages.
In response, Malawi declared a state of natural disaster in March 2024 and launched a national El Niño response appeal the following month to mobilize resources for humanitarian aid and boost food production.
“The devastating El Niño drought in Southern Africa underscores the vital need for preparedness in the face of escalating weather-related disasters,” noted Ibrahima Cheikh Diong, UN Under-Secretary-General and ARC Group CEO.
He acknowledged the critical role of ARC and partners like the African Development Bank in facilitating rapid and effective responses.
Yero Baldeh, Director of the Transition States Coordination Office of the African Development Bank Group, stressed the link between climate change and food security.
He reiterated the bank’s commitment to supporting Malawi’s efforts to enhance resilience against climate shocks through the Transition Support Facility.
Through the ADRiFi program, the African Development Bank has supported drought insurance policies across several southern African nations, including Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
By September 2024, ARC is projected to disburse US$62 million in disaster risk insurance payouts to countries affected by El Niño, with Malawi receiving US$11.6 million, Mozambique US$5.5 million, Zambia US$13.3 million, and Zimbabwe US$31.8 million.
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