World Food Programme Fighting Hunger Worldwide

The Global Food Security Update provides an overview of the food security trends in 57 countries in six regions and offers an outlook for the 3-6 months following its release. It is based on food security monitoring reports, updates from WFP’s regional and country-based Vulnerability Analysis and Mapping (VAM) units and a review of secondary information.

• The purchasing power of Malawians has deteriorated sharply as a result of economic measures taken in 2012. Following the devaluation of the local currency (Kwacha), the average monthly inflation rate has soared to 38% in February 2013. The price of maize, the main staple food, is more than double its price two years ago. Other important food commodities such as rice and beans have also experienced substantial price increases.
• Despite efforts to curb down soaring living costs, social unrests have recently heightened, raising concerns about socio-political stability.

This bulletin provides information on price changes for the most commonly consumed staples and their potential impacts on the cost of the basic food basket.

Southern Africa - Regional Food Security Updates, 2012

Data was collected by a network of border monitors based at selected border points. Borders throughout the region have been surveyed and the most active and important borders have been selected for monitoring. The border monitors record data on prices and trade flows on a daily basis, and transmit it to a central location every week for collation and analysis. Currently, the informal cross border trade monitoring system includes 29 borders, with new borders being added as necessary. Data from borders surrounding Malawi are collected and managed by FEWS NET and WFP Malawi, while the rest of the borders are managed by the TSC.

Southern Africa - Regional Food Security Updates, 2011

Southern Africa - Regional Food Security Updates, 2010

Data was collected by a network of border monitors based at selected border points. Borders throughout the region have been surveyed and the most active and important borders have been selected for monitoring. The border monitors record data on prices and trade flows on a daily basis, and transmit it to a central location every week for collation and analysis. Currently, the informal cross border trade monitoring system includes 29 borders, with new borders being added as necessary. Data from borders surrounding Malawi are collected and managed by FEWS NET and WFP Malawi, while the rest of the borders are managed by the TSC.

 Southern Africa - Regional Food Security Updates, 2009

The community and household surveillance assessment visits the food security situation using food consumption, agricultural season, sources of food and sources of income.