Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes persist due to El Niño and conflict impacts
Key Messages
Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes are likely to prevail from June to September 2024 in the El Niño-induced drought and conflict-affected areas of Mozambique due to poor harvests, limited income-earning opportunities, and failure to engage in normal livelihoods activities. In addition to these shocks, above-average food prices will make it difficult for poor and very poor households to access food from the markets. In Cabo Delgado, several areas receiving regular humanitarian food assistance will likely be facing Stressed! (IPC Phase 2!) outcomes.
Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes are expected to expand between October 2024 and January 2025, mainly in the country's central region. The impact of the lean season, which includes the rapid depletion of below-average food stocks for families who were able to harvest some of their own crops, combined with above-average food prices and below-average income, will lead to an expansion of areas facing Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes, particularly in areas affected by the El Niño-induced drought..
The areas of highest concern include the semi-arid areas in the south and central parts of the country, which are remote areas with limited access to markets, and the conflict-affected areas in the southeast of Cabo Delgado where insecurity is heightened.
In May, the Food Security Cluster (FSC) partners provided food assistance to around 206,000 people in Cabo Delgado and Niassa, covering 40 percent of their monthly food needs. However, as of June, only 18 percent of the required resources for the planned humanitarian response had been secured. Limited funds forced WFP to reduce food assistance in several districts, and the worsening insecurity situation has led to the suspension of activities in Macomia Sede and Quissanga.
