HIGHLIGHTS
Floods triggered by Tropical Cyclone Dineo impact vulnerable populations in Mozambique, Zimbabwe
FAO convenes regional meeting on armyworm infestations
USAID partners continue to respond to drought-related humanitarian needs throughout Southern Africa
KEY DEVELOPMENTS
Parts of Lesotho, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe continued to experience Crisis—IPC 3— levels of food insecurity in January, with some areas predicted to deteriorate to Emergency—IPC 4—levels during the peak of the lean season in March, according to the USAID-funded Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET). Meanwhile, food security improved in Malawi, where FEWS NET reports populations are experiencing Stressed—IPC 2—levels due to ongoing humanitarian assistance.
Heavy rain and floods in Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe since early January have adversely affected crop production and may prolong the need for humanitarian assistance, according to the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (ECHO). In mid-February, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted above-average rainfall in Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia through late February.
USAID/FFP recently contributed $2.5 million to the UN World Food Program (WFP) to provide emergency food assistance in Malawi during the lean season.
On February 17, U.S. Ambassador H. Dean Pittman issued a disaster declaration for Mozambique due to the effects of Tropical Cyclone Dineo, which resulted in at least nine deaths, affected approximately 653,000 people, and damaged crops, houses, and public infrastructure across Gaza and Inhambane provinces.