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Nutrition Information in Crisis Situations -
Malawi
NICS 10, August 2006
In contrast to last year’s poor harvest, this year’s maize production is
estimated to be the largest since 2000 and to exceed the national requirement (MVAC,
06/06). However, part of the country has experienced a dry spell and floods, and
about 833,000 people are estimated to be at risk of food insecurity. Nutrition
surveys, conducted in April at harvest time in areas considered the most food
insecure in 3 livelihood zones, showed nutrition situations that were overall
not critical. However, a high prevalence of oedema was recorded (Bunda College
of Agriculture/UNICEF, 04/06) (figure 8). Mortality rates were also under
control (figure 8).
Figure 8 Prevalence of acute malnutrition and mortality rates, Malawi (BCA/UNICEF,
04/06)
NICS 9, May 2006
Malawi has faced a number of food and nutrition crises over the past five
years, especially in 2001-2002. Again in mid-2005, an appeal was launched by the
government of Malawi to support immediate humanitarian needs and to minimise the
long-term impact of the current food crisis (OCHA, 30/08/05). This 2005 crisis
was due to below average rainfall, lack of inputs because of difficulties in
procurement, transport, and delivery, and low purchasing power for agricultural
inputs among the majority of smallholder farmers. The appeal was revised in
November 2005 and it was estimated that 4.9 m people will need food assistance
until the March 2006 harvest (UNICEF, 18/04/06). Because of dry spell in the
first quarter of 2006, and high malnutrition rates in some districts, food
distributions have been continued to 1.4 m people in 14 districts in April 2006.
The 2006 harvest has been estimated to be good overall, but some pockets of food
insecurity may remain in the north where crop conditions have not been optimal (IRIN,
03/05/06). Furthermore, people's livelihoods have been depleted during the
several years of hardship, and the high HIV prevalence also affects food
security. Random-sampled nutrition surveys were conducted in 26 districts of
Malawi in December 2005 (MOH/UNICEF, 03/06). Prevalence of acute malnutrition
varied widely depending on district, from 13.1% (10.8-15.4) in Phalombe
district, South region, to 2.6 (1.6-3.6) in Kasungu district in the north, and
was acceptable in ten districts, average in 12 districts and precarious in four
districts (figure 11). Overall, districts in the South region showed higher
prevalence of acute malnutrition, while the Northern region seemed better off.
Oedematous children represented about one third of malnourished children, which
is a significant proportion. Wasting seemed to have remained stable at national
levels since the beginning of this century. Stunting was very high, varying from
54.2% (50.9-57.5) in Dedza to 23.8% (21.2-26.4) in Kasungu. Mortality rates also
varied widely but were below the alert rate in all districts but Ntcheu and
Phalombe (figure 11).
Figure 11 Prevalence of acute malnutrition and mortality rates, Malawi,
December 2005 (MOH/UNICEF, 03/06)
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