Period covered by this Ops Update: 1 November to 27 November 2012.
Appeal target (current): This emergency appeal seeks CHF 1,025,310 in cash, kind or services to support the Malawi Red Cross in delivering immediate assistance to 3,500 households (17,500 beneficiaries) for 9 months, and will be completed by end of June 2013.
Appeal coverage: 16%
Appeal history:
This Emergency Appeal was launched on 17 October, 2012.
Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF): CHF 100,000 was requested and approved for this operation to support the national society to respond.
Summary: An in-country Household Economic Security (HES) workshop was conducted from 29 October – 2 November. The assessment workshop was facilitated by a HES Specialist supported by the British Red Cross. The food and livelihood security assessment orientation for MRCS staff and volunteers aimed at consolidating and deepening the existing analysis of food security and livelihoods issues for the two districts in the Lower Shire Livelihood Zone. The detailed assessment conducted also looked into strengthening analysis and planning for the imminent 9-month appeal implementation.
The methodology used during the assessment included collection of primary and secondary information, field visits and observation. Tools included direct interviews with key informants (local authorities, lead gardeners and care facilitators) and communities (focus groups of males and females).
Food sources, income sources and expenditure of each wealth group (poor, middle and better off) were explored and the impacts of each hazard on the food and income sources across the wealth groups documented.
The IFRC Regional Representative for Southern Africa visited the proposed impact area and talked to some of the food insecure individuals during his visit in Malawi within the reporting period.
To date, funds have been received from the Swedish Red Cross. Additional support from donors is encouraged in order to provide necessary support, as needs are critical and persistent. In particular, the window for preparing fields and planting new crops is short and needs to be capitalized on immediately to ensure food availability for families.
