Publication: Managing Drought Risk for Food Security in Africa : An Innovative Solution in Malawi
Date
2009-01
ISSN
Published
2009-01
Author(s)
Syroka, Joanna
Bunte, Kara
Abstract
Malawi periodically experiences drought
leading to shortages of grain on the domestic market and a
sharp increase in consumer prices. Consumers, including many
of the poorest farmers in the country, experience difficulty
obtaining enough grain to meet their family requirements.
One method to reduce the risks of grain shortfalls is to
improve the capacity of farmers to produce enough grain even
when drought occurs, for example, through input subsidies
and efforts to improve water use efficiency. An additional
measure is to finance the establishment and distribution of
strategic grain stocks. However, in the occasional year when
drought is most extreme, supplementary assistance will still
be needed in the form of expensive food imports and,
possibly, food aid.
Citation
“Syroka, Joanna; Bunte, Kara. 2009. Managing Drought Risk for Food Security in Africa : An Innovative Solution in Malawi. Agricultural and Rural Development Notes; No. 44. © World Bank, Washington, DC. http://openknowledge.worldbank.org/entities/publication/70f41161-fa25-5094-b420-55129c5d5e10 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”