Highlights
The El Niño-induced drought has contributed to a projected 64 percent decrease in maize production (the staple food) compared to last year. An estimated 320,000 people require food assistance – a quarter of the total population.
Final operational arrangements are being made for IR-EMOP 200954 that will complement government efforts for drought relief in the severely affected Lubombo and Shiselweni regions. It will be followed by an EMOP that will target 150,000 people.
Substantial gaps in funding remain to ensure assistance is provided throughout the peak of the lean season.
Operational Updates
Drought and Food Security: Following the declaration of a state of disaster emergency, the Government of Swaziland published the National Emergency Response Mitigation and Adaptation Plan. The response is on-going. The UN has received approval for response support through the UN emergency response funding window, including USD 2.8 million allocated for WFP to provide food assistance.
An IR-EMOP to target 70,000 people most affected by the drought, with one month of food assistance has been approved, to be followed by an EMOP that will target 150,000 people at the peak of the lean season including in-kind food assistance and cash based transfers. However, substantial gaps in funding remain. According to the Government-led national drought response plan USD 64 million more is needed, including USD 29.3 million for food assistance.
HIV and Nutrition: WFP is in discussions with the Ministry of Health to advocate for government and donor contributions to the nutrition assessment, counselling and support programme for HIV and TB patients. A malnutrition prevalence survey is being conducted jointly between WFP and the Ministry to support forecasting of people’s needs.
Social protection for Orphans and Vulnerable Children: In light of the continued needs related to drought conditions, WFP is looking for funding to continue assistance. Moving forward WFP will shift its engagement from providing food assistance through NCPs to support the Government of Swaziland to strengthen social protection systems.