WFP Increases Cash Transfer for Refugees in Dzaleka Camp, Malawi, by 25 percent.
“Our primary goal is to ensure that all refugees in the camp have access to sufficient food to thrive,” said Simon Denhere, Deputy Country Director of WFP in Malawi.
WFP/Patricia Cepeda
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), with support from donors, has increased cash transfers to refugees in Dzaleka Camp by 25 percent. Over 54,000 refugees in the camp will from this month, receive 75 percent of their daily food needs, providing critical relief during a time of rising food insecurity.
The adjustment from 50 to 75 percent in ration size is in response to the food insecurity situation driven by El Niño drought disaster. Since July 2023, WFP cut food assistance to refugees by 50 percent due to funding shortages. The situation in the camp has worsened, with food prices soaring, more refugees arriving, and others returning under Malawi’s encampment policy.
“We are grateful to our donors for their vital support.” said Simon Denhere, Deputy Country Director of WFP in Malawi. “WFP remains committed to providing cash transfers that meet the full food basket needs of refugees.”
Contributions from donors including Denmark, France, UN CERF, USAID, and Sweden allows WFP to enhance critical food assistance for those residing in Dzaleka Refugee Camp through cash transfers via e-payments and cash machine cards. The value of these transfers is adjusted monthly based on current market prices for key commodities such as cereals, pulses, and vegetable oil. For August, this 25 percent increase has raised the monthly amount per person from MWK 8,900 to MWK 13,600.
“USAID stands with refugees who have fled conflict by supporting food assistance to help them survive, recover, and regain stability, said USAID Malawi Mission Director Pamela Fessenden. “We remain committed to helping support the needs of vulnerable refugees in the Dzaleka Camp.”
Arnaud Roux, Deputy Head of Mission from the French Embassy in South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi said that “France’s support for WFP in Malawi and the refugees at Dzaleka Camp aligns closely with its International Strategy for Food Security, Nutrition, and Sustainable Agriculture. As Paris prepares to host the Nutrition4Growth summit in May 2025, aimed at enhancing global governance on food security and nutrition, France is intensifying its food assistance efforts for vulnerable populations, bolstering their resilience.”
WFP continues to collaborate closely with the Government of Malawi, donors, UNHCR, and other UN agencies to address the food security challenges facing refugees in Dzaleka Camp. As the situation evolves, WFP calls on the international community to sustain their support and prevent further deterioration of conditions for the thousands of vulnerable people seeking refuge in Malawi.
Read more about WFP’s work in Malawi
