Famine? What famine?

The President of Malawi made the news this week for threatening to censor the press in response to a series of articles they published in the newspaper on the expected food shortages in the south of the country [The responses to the article are especially interesting]. The maize crop in the south largely failed due to drought; they are expected to harvest far short of what they need. As this is the most heavily populated area of the country, also with the highest HIV infection rates, the combination of hunger and vulnerability people is likely to take a heavy toll – likely leading to starvation for some and a worsening health status for thousands more. The President denies this possibility, and noted that Malawi had so much surplus food that it even exported some food to help other food insecure regions in neighboring countries. This is true: in 2007, Malawi did donate food to its neighbors.

However, food security is not a static issue and droughts are largely unpredictable. His neglect for the region, insistence on Malawi’s ability to feed its people, and obstinacy in the face of increasing evidence of impending hunger are cause for concern. So is his threat to shut the press down if they continue to report these lies to please donors. This country is, in theory, democratic. It makes me nervous for Malawi. It makes me nervous for the example Malawi sets for the African Union in their position as AU Chair this year.

This is a usually peaceful place. With the recent violence in Mozambique fueled by soaring food prices, I sit anxiously waiting to see what will transpire in the coming months here. Let’s all hope for rain and increased attention to the truth about food security in Malawi.

PS: Jon got his visa yesterday (in 4 hours versus my 4+ months) so he should be able to stay even if I get kicked out of the country for this post...