Despite the backbreaking labour of the harvest, a shadow hangs heavy over much of Mozambique. Across the southern and central regions, families grapple with the devastating effects of drought, a cruel twist that has left granaries bare and bellies rumbling.
While the harvest brings a glimmer of hope, it’s a hope tempered by reality. The scorching grip of El Niño has choked crop yields, with even the country’s most productive areas – the breadbaskets of Tete, Zambézia, Sofala, and Manica – suffering below-average production. This year’s harvest is expected to fall short of both last year’s and the five-year average, a grim prospect for millions who depend on the land for their survival.
The situation is particularly dire for the poorest households. A recent food security assessment by FEWS NET painted a stark picture: granaries, usually overflowing with life-sustaining cereals, stand eerily empty. With limited options, these families struggle to afford the sky-high market prices, leaving them teetering on the brink of crisis.
A beacon of hope comes in the form of humanitarian assistance. In April, Food Security Cluster partners provided emergency food aid to nearly 400,000 people, offering a lifeline in a time of hardship. However, this is just a drop in the bucket. As of May, only a meagre 18% of the resources needed for the response plan have been secured. This shortfall raises serious concerns, particularly in the drought-stricken south and central regions, where needs are already pressing.
Meanwhile, the conflict in Cabo Delgado casts a long shadow. Resources are understandably diverted north to address the escalating violence and displacement. This leaves communities already grappling with drought feeling further marginalized.
A glimmer of light shines in the north, however. Improved security in Cabo Delgado has allowed for a more productive harvest, leading to a significant drop in maize prices. This localized success story offers a glimpse of what’s possible with better support and a return to normalcy.
The coming months are critical for Mozambique. As food reserves dwindle and the lean season approaches, the need for international assistance grows ever more urgent. Without a concerted effort, the current crisis threatens to spiral, pushing millions deeper into hunger and despair. The time to act is now.
