By Burnett Munthali
Research has revealed that Malawi is grappling with a severe hunger crisis, raising doubts about the country’s ability to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of ending hunger by 2030.
According to the latest Global Hunger Index (GHI) report, released this morning in Lilongwe, Malawi has made minimal progress in addressing hunger since 2016. While the country is not among the worst-affected globally, the persistent hunger levels are cause for concern.
The report identifies Chad, Yemen, South Sudan, and Madagascar as the countries with the most alarming hunger crises worldwide. While Malawi fares better than these nations, its ranking indicates that significant work is needed to address food insecurity.
Malawi shares its struggle against hunger with neighboring countries such as Zambia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique, Mali, and Nigeria. These nations, like Malawi, continue to face challenges in achieving food security for their populations.
On the other hand, some African nations are performing better in combating hunger. Countries such as South Africa, Eswatini, Namibia, Morocco, and Algeria have made significant strides, demonstrating that progress is possible with the right interventions.
The GHI findings come as Malawi faces rising prices for essential commodities, including maize and fertilizer, which further compound food insecurity. Many rural communities rely on subsistence farming, which has been severely affected by erratic weather patterns, including droughts and floods.
Experts at the launch of the report in Lilongwe emphasized the need for Malawi to adopt more resilient agricultural practices and invest in infrastructure to reduce the impact of climate change on food production. They also called on the government to strengthen social protection programs to support vulnerable populations.
While Malawi is not among the worst-performing countries in the GHI rankings, its stagnation since 2016 is a reminder of the urgent need for action. As the 2030 deadline approaches, stakeholders must prioritize policies and programs that address hunger and ensure sustainable food systems.
Failure to act now could see Malawi fall further behind, jeopardizing not only its ability to meet the UN goal but also the well-being of millions of Malawians who depend on a stable and sufficient food supply.
