Norway is allocating NOK 13 million (approximately USD 2 million) in emergency relief to Malawi. The support is being given in the form of food aid channelled through the World Food Programme (WFP).

New estimates indicate that more than 4 million of the total population of over 12 million will be needing food aid until next spring. This is twice the previous estimate. The authorities plan to start food distribution this summer.

The country is suffering from drought, especially in the south. This year’s poor rainfall has reduced crops, and in addition supplies of seed corn and fertiliser were delayed. The worst hit crop is maize. This humanitarian crisis has been aggravated by widespread poverty and the large numbers of people affected by HIV/AIDS.

Malawi is considered one of the poorest countries in the world. It is a main partner country, and one of the pilot countries Norway has selected for long-term agricultural support.

Press contact: Information Adviser Oona Solberg, tel: 22 24 30 12/ 92 62 22 71