The World Food Programme (WFP) has announced that it will scale down food assistance to refugees at Dzaleka camp in Dowa District, Malawi, from November this year. The reduction in assistance will be by 46 percent, affecting a significant number of refugees who rely on the aid for survival. According to the WFP's October 2026 Country Brief, the organisation is facing a funding shortfall of $142.3 million for its operation during the current lean season.
The WFP will reduce the number of people receiving cash-based food assistance from 65,000 to 35,000. This decision has been prompted by funding constraints, which have forced the organisation to transition to targeted assistance. The WFP, in collaboration with the Government of Malawi, UNHCR, and protection partners, conducted a rapid protection risk assessment and strengthened referral pathways for affected populations.
The decision to scale down assistance has been met with concern from various stakeholders. Inua Advocacy Executive Director Innocent Magambi has urged the WFP to ensure that those deserving of support are not left out on the 35,000 list. Magambi has also called on the government to expedite the review of the Refugees Act to allow refugees to engage in business and support themselves.
The Refugees Act, which is currently in place, leaves camp residents entirely dependent on humanitarian assistance, with no pathway to self-reliance. Magambi's sentiments are shared by Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation Executive Director Michael Kaiyatsa, who described the decision as a "disaster". Kaiyatsa emphasised the need for a law to allow refugees to engage in business outside the camp.
The Malawi Human Rights Commission has also weighed in on the issue, calling on the Ministry of Homeland Security to expedite the submission of a new refugee bill to Cabinet. The commission noted that the current Refugees Act is outdated and does not provide a framework for refugees to become self-reliant.
The reduction in food assistance comes at a time when refugees at Dzaleka camp are already living under severe economic constraints. The camp population is expected to be severely impacted by the decision, with many facing an uncertain future. The WFP's decision highlights the need for a sustainable solution to the funding crisis and the plight of refugees at Dzaleka camp.
Key stakeholders, including the government, UNHCR, and WFP, are expected to work together to address the challenges facing refugees at Dzaleka camp. The expedited review of the Refugees Act and the implementation of a new refugee bill are seen as crucial steps towards providing a sustainable solution to the crisis.
Key points
- WFP to scale down food assistance to refugees at Dzaleka camp by 46 percent
- Reduction in assistance affects 30,000 refugees
- Stakeholders call for expedited review of Refugees Act to allow refugees to engage in business
