Localized production shortfalls result in reduced household stocks and income
Summary
Maize harvests were 50-75 percent below average during the 2013/2014 agricultural season in Central Karonga (CKA), Middle Shire (MSH), and Phalombe/Lower Chirwa Plain (PHA) livelihood zones due to poorly-distributed rainfall and an early cessation of rains (Figure 1). As a result, market dependence for households in these areas began four to six months earlier than usual. In addition, maize prices are abnormally high throughout the country. Less demand for labor in the affected livelihood zones has reduced incomes, resulting in significantly below-average purchasing power. Food security outcomes for more than 600,000 people in parts of northern and southern Malawi will deteriorate to Stressed and Crisis (IPC Phase 2 and 3) between now and March 2015. Humanitarian assistance is needed immediately and through the next harvest in April for affected populations.
