What's happened
Malawi is experiencing a food emergency with over four million people at risk of malnutrition due to drought, flooding, and economic hardship. Meanwhile, Afghanistan faces a worsening hunger crisis with over 17 million people food insecure amid aid cuts and natural disasters. Both countries' crises are driven by climate, economic, and political factors.
What's behind the headline?
The crises in Malawi and Afghanistan highlight how climate change, economic instability, and political upheaval intersect to create humanitarian emergencies. In Malawi, drought and flooding have decimated crops, while economic woes limit access to food. Afghanistan's prolonged conflict and aid withdrawal have left millions vulnerable. Both situations will likely worsen without urgent international intervention.
The Malawi crisis underscores the importance of timely aid and social safety nets, yet funding remains critically underwhelming. The country's debt burden and aid dependency hinder swift responses, risking a rise in hunger-related deaths.
In Afghanistan, aid cuts and natural disasters have created a perfect storm, with nearly one-third of the population facing crisis-level food insecurity. The lack of infrastructure and ongoing deportations exacerbate the crisis, making recovery unlikely without sustained international support.
Both stories reveal that climate resilience and economic stability are vital to preventing future crises. The international community must prioritize aid and development programs that address root causes, or these emergencies will persist and deepen, impacting regional stability and global food security.
What the papers say
The articles from All Africa, Al Jazeera, The Independent, AP News, and Reuters collectively depict a dire picture of food insecurity in Malawi and Afghanistan. All sources agree that climate shocks, economic hardship, and aid reductions are central to the crises.
All Africa emphasizes Malawi's underfunded humanitarian response and debt issues, with the government inheriting a fragile economy. Al Jazeera highlights Afghanistan's ongoing conflict, sanctions, and natural disasters, stressing the impact of aid cuts and deportations.
The Independent and AP News focus on the rising number of food-insecure people, malnutrition, and the challenges faced by aid agencies, with AP noting the specific funding shortfalls and the impact on child mortality. Reuters underscores the dwindling international aid and the inability of agencies like WFP to mount effective winter responses.
While all sources agree on the severity, some emphasize the political and climate dimensions more heavily, illustrating the complex, multi-layered nature of these crises. The consistent theme is that without increased, sustained aid and climate resilience strategies, these emergencies will continue to worsen.
How we got here
Malawi's food crisis stems from a 20% drop in maize yields caused by drought and flooding, compounded by foreign exchange shortages and inflation. Afghanistan's crisis is driven by decades of conflict, aid reductions since 2021, and natural calamities, leading to record levels of hunger and malnutrition. Both countries have seen aid cuts and economic strains worsen their situations.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why Is Afghanistan Facing a Growing Food Crisis?
Afghanistan is currently experiencing a severe food crisis affecting millions of people. Factors like economic collapse, natural disasters, and reduced international aid are worsening the situation. Many wonder what’s causing this crisis and what can be done to help. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about Afghanistan’s food insecurity and explore potential solutions.
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What Are the Biggest News Stories Today?
Stay updated with the top headlines making waves today. From legal battles and political shifts to humanitarian crises and international tensions, these stories are shaping the news cycle. Curious about how these events connect and what they mean for you? Read on for clear, concise answers to your most pressing questions.
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Why Are Malawi and Afghanistan Facing Severe Food Crises Now?
Malawi and Afghanistan are currently experiencing some of the worst food emergencies in recent years. Droughts, flooding, economic hardship, and aid cuts are driving millions into hunger and malnutrition. But what exactly is causing these crises, and could they get worse? Here’s what you need to know about the factors behind these urgent food security issues and what’s being done to help.
More on these topics
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Afghanistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country at the crossroads of Central and South Asia.
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The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.