According to the bank-provided projet information, the aim of this Memorandum is to seek the Board's approval of the proposed Malawi Emergency Humanitarian Response to the 2024 El Nino Induced Drought Operation for a total of US$ 1,000,000.00 (One Million United States Dollars) Grant from the Bank Group's Special Relief Fund (SRF). This is an emergency relief assistance from the Bank Group to the Republic of Malawi to support ongoing humanitarian efforts by the government and other development partners to address the immediate national food gap induced by the effects of the El Nino.

It is expected that the support will directly contribute towards enhancing the food and nutrition security of the affected populationby reducing the food gap amongst the targeted households through the purchase of maize grain for replenishing the strategic grain reserves to enhance the Government's capacity for the lean season response. Up to 1,550 metric tons of maize grain will be procured and distributed to 32,000 households.

Malawi is an agro-based economy with agriculture accounting for approximately 22 percent of the country's Gross Domestic Product. However, the country's economic backbone is increasingly bearing the brunt of adverse climatic conditions, resulting in hunger, property damage, and livelihood loss. Since 2019, Malawi has faced various hazards including cyclones, prolonged dry spells, floods, and pest outbreaks. Among these, Tropical Cyclone Freddy, which hit the country in March 2023, caused significant devastation by destroying fields, livestock, houses, and both public and private infrastructure, resulting in over 600 deaths. According to the 2023 Cyclone Freddy Post Disaster Needs Assessment Report, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries were the second most affected sectors following the social sector. Agricultural losses were estimated at USD 55.34 million for crops, USD 45.46 million for irrigation, USD 6.54 million for livestock, and USD 3.03 million for fisheries.

Doreen KUMWENDA
Agricultural Economist, AHAI6
African Development Bank
www.afdb.org

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