El Niño Crisis - Food Security and Water in Malawi - Oxfam Canada 2016

October 2016 - As a result of a particularly strong El Niño event in the Pacific Ocean southern Africa is facing a devastating drought. Several seasons of failed rains in countries throughout the region have left nearly 30 million people facing food insecurity. In Malawi the drought has affected nearly 6.5 million people or almost 40% of the total population. Nearly half of the children under five years old in Malawi are malnourished and the number suffering from severe malnutrition has already doubled in 2016. The drought has also led to a shortage of safe water increasing the risk of the spread of water-borne disease. With GAC's support OXFAM is working to meet the immediate humanitarian needs of an estimated 33 000 drought-affected people in the Mulanje and rural Lilongwe Districts in southern and central Malawi. Through the provision of cash grants to vulnerable households OXFAM is helping them to meet their basic needs improving food security and preventing the adoption of negative coping strategies. Further the repair and rehabilitation of water sources is increasing access to safe water for both humans and livestock.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) improved food security and access to basic needs; and (2) improved access to safe water. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crisis or that are facing acute food insecurity.