Mozambique: Drought Appeal, August 2024 - July 2025 (August 2024) [EN/PT]

Foreword by President of the National Institute for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (INGD)

The National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD), as the coordinating body for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction in Mozambique, has been working tirelessly to protect people, their livelihoods, and public and private assets that are exposed and vulnerable to the various phenomena that cyclically affect our country, as well as to any other risks or threats that could cause a partial or total interruption to the normal functioning of society.

Due to the impact of the drought induced by the El Niño phenomenon during the 2023-2024 season, the humanitarian assistance needs of affected communities have increased substantially, particularly in the Central and Southern Regions of Mozambique. It is expected that approximately 1.8 million people may experience food insecurity between October 2024 and March 2025.

In this context, the urgent appeal being launched reaffirms the determination of the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction, along with its humanitarian partners, to seek immediate solutions to address the urgent needs of the most vulnerable populations affected by the drought. Through this appeal, we aim to ensure the provision of food, nutrition, sanitation, and protection, using existing structures while also strengthening local resilience capacities in the areas most affected by the drought.

Faced with this anomalous situation triggered by the drought, the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction reiterates its gratitude to its international cooperation partners and humanitarian actors for their unwavering commitment to this noble cause of mobilizing urgent humanitarian assistance for drought-affected communities in Mozambique.

-Luísa Celma Meque

Foreword by the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator

The impact of El Niño has left the central and southern regions of Mozambique grappling with a severe drought, affecting an estimated 1.8 million people.

In the drought-affected areas, where crops have failed, one in every three people are vulnerable. Reports have emerged of families forced to leave their homes in search of water, moving from the Macossa district in Manica Province to Gorongoza in Sofala, and from Muanza district to Cheringoma in Sofala. This migration is a testament to the severity of the drought, as people seek the most basic necessity of life—water.

In this crisis, women and girls are bearing the heaviest burden. During a recent visit to drought-impacted communities in Gaza province, a woman shared her story with me. Her words have stayed with me: "We have seen it before. When livelihoods turn to dust, we are forced to make hard decisions for survival. We pull our children from school to support with daily tasks, resulting in fewer employment opportunities in the future and enormous wasted potential." This is the harsh reality that too many are facing today.

Despite the gravity of the situation, there is still hope. We have a brief window to alleviate the effects of El Niño and prevent further suffering. Immediate investments are crucial to protect vulnerable households. By boosting off-season agriculture, we can avoid the worst and start rebuilding community resilience.

This Flash Appeal represents the collective efforts of humanitarian partners to support the Government of Mozambique in addressing the urgent needs of the most vulnerable. The response plan demonstrates our commitment to working with the National Institute for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (INGD) to bring relief to those in need.

This Appeal outlines an inter-sectoral approach to delivering essential assistance in the hardest-hit areas, including food, nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), and protection services. We aim to provide this support through existing structures, while also enhancing local capacities and promoting gender equality and inclusion.

On behalf of the humanitarian community in Mozambique, I urge your steadfast support. We must build on our investments and keep Mozambique on a resilient path.

-Dr. Catherine Sozi