Millions of Mozambicans are facing a deepening humanitarian crisis in 2024, driven by a confluence of climate shocks and ongoing conflict, according to the recently launched Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP).
“Mozambique is one of Africa’s most climate-vulnerable countries,” said Caroline Delgado, a spokesperson for the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). “The people here are incredibly resilient, but the constant battering of cyclones, floods, and droughts is pushing them to the brink.”
The HNRP estimates that 2.5 million Mozambicans will be vulnerable to natural disasters this year, with Gaza, Sofala, and Tete provinces at particular risk of drought. This comes on the heels of the devastating conflict in Cabo Delgado, which has displaced hundreds of thousands and disrupted agricultural production.
“We lost everything in the fighting,” shared Maria Lucia, a displaced farmer from Cabo Delgado, now living in a crowded camp. “My husband used to grow enough food for our family, but now we rely on handouts. I don’t know how much longer we can survive like this.”
The HNRP outlines a multi-sectoral response plan, with a focus on food security, emergency shelter, healthcare, and sanitation. The FAO, for example, is appealing for $20.1 million to assist over half a million people with seeds, tools, and training to get them back on their feet.
“The situation is urgent,” stressed John Ndlovu, the UN’s Humanitarian Coordinator for Mozambique. “We need the international community to step up and support this critical response plan. The lives of millions of Mozambicans depend on it.”
However, challenges remain. The ongoing conflict in Cabo Delgado hampers access to some areas, and funding shortfalls are a constant threat. The HNRP is currently only 20% funded, raising concerns about its ability to meet the immense needs.
With the rainy season approaching, the risk of further floods looms large. The Mozambican government and humanitarian organizations are racing against time to prepare and prevent a further escalation of the crisis. The future for millions of Mozambicans remains uncertain, hanging in the balance of weather patterns, the trajectory of the conflict, and the international community’s willingness to act.
