By Edwin Mauluka

The Government of Zimbabwe has donated 370 metric tonnes of maize to Malawi to help ease the country’s worsening food crisis.

The donation is the second consignment under a 1,000-metric-tonne pledge Zimbabwe made to Malawi in January this year.

Zimbabwe’s High Commissioner to Malawi, Nancy Saungweme, formally handed over the maize on Tuesday through the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA).

Speaking during the handover, Saungweme emphasized regional solidarity, saying Zimbabwe could not stand by while Malawians face hunger when it has resources to help.

“Malawi and Zimbabwe, we are one. We have many Malawians in Zimbabwe and many Zimbabweans here in Malawi; some who are now Malawians. At the end of the day, we are family,” she said.

“As neighbours, we felt it was important to share the little that we have. That is the humanitarian spirit we are talking about.”

Saungweme said Zimbabweans remember Malawi’s support when Zimbabwe faced its own humanitarian challenges.

“When we were hurt some time ago, Malawi came to our rescue by sending humanitarian aid. As neighbours, we must help each other. We do not always have to wait for assistance from outside the region,” she said.

She added that a third consignment of about 300 metric tonnes of maize, along with other relief items, is already on its way and is expected to arrive soon.

Receiving the donation, Chief Secretary to the Government Justin Saidi conveyed President Peter Mutharika’s appreciation to the Government and people of Zimbabwe for the timely support.

“We want to thank the people of Zimbabwe for this humanitarian assistance. Looking at the support we are receiving from Zimbabwe, as well as from companies and banks here in Malawi, the future looks brighter, and we are likely to have no shortfall,” said Saidi.

Saidi attributed the increased humanitarian response from both local and international partners to the State of Disaster declared by President Mutharika last year.

“We are assuring the public that this maize will be distributed to the intended beneficiaries,” he said, adding that no Malawian will die of hunger, citing recent declines in maize prices.

President Mutharika declared a State of Disaster in all districts after the country was hit by severe food shortages caused by prolonged dry spells, rising commodity prices and broader economic pressures.

The declaration followed findings from the Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee (MVAC), which reported that about 4 million Malawians — roughly 22 percent of the population — will be unable to meet their annual food needs during the lean period between October and March.

According to the assessment, Malawi requires approximately 200,000 metric tonnes of maize, valued at MK387.2 billion (US$77 million), to cover the food deficit.

The report further notes that most affected households are in rural areas, while about 64,000 people are urban residents across the country’s four major cities. An additional 6 million people — about 33 percent of the population — require disaster risk reduction and resilience support.

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