Mozambique

29 October 2024

On 25 October 2024, the Norwegian Refugee Council suspended its operations in Mozambique as a result of escalating violence and deteriorating security conditions in conflict-affected provinces, particularly in northern Mozambique. This suspension will intensify the needs of those already facing the impacts of the country's severe humanitarian crisis, with people grappling with a combination of conflict, food insecurity, and climate-related disasters, such as droughts and recurrent flooding. (NRC 25/10/2024, WorldData accessed 30/10/2024, OCHA 21/08/2024)

15 October 2024

In 2024, the El Niño-induced drought in Mozambique significantly affected the agricultural sector, particularly crop production. Maize, the most important staple crop, was the most affected, with nearly 720,000 tonnes of production lost. The drought contributed to food insecurity and malnutrition, leading households to resort to coping strategies such as selling more animals, consuming seed stocks, purchasing food on credit, and borrowing food or money. (FAO 11/10/2024)

24 September 2024

In 2024, southern Africa is experiencing its worst drought in 100 years as a result of El Niño. Approximately 61 million people need assistance, with over 20 million experiencing Crisis (IPC Phase 3) food insecurity levels. Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe have declared a state of emergency in response to the severe drought. There has also been a significant increase in malnutrition cases in Angola, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia, with expectations for the trend to continue into the first quarter of 2025. (OCHA 20/09/2024, OCHA 19/09/2024)

23 July 2024

El Niño-induced drought from December 2023 to February 2024 has resulted in an estimated 19% of crop being lost compared to the baseline production. A 25% reduction in the national planted hectarage has also been reported compared to 2023. The loss is anticipated to deplete the national food supply, likely heightening food and nutrition needs and increasing the demand for imported goods. (ECHO 23/07/2024)

14 May 2024

Between 10–12 May 2024, attacks and fear of attacks by non-state armed groups in Macomia district, Cabo Delgado, displaced over 750 people. They are sheltering in displacement sites and host communities in the districts of Ibo, Meluco, Metuge, and Muidumbe. Priority needs include protection, food, and NFIs. (IOM 14/05/2024, AllAfrica 10/05/2024, ECHO 13/05/2024)

19 March 2024

On 12 March 2024, Tropical Storm Filipo hit Inhambane province in southern Mozambique. As at 15 March, the storm had affected over 48,000 people in the provinces of Gaza, Inhambane, Maputo, and Sofala. The area dealing with the most impact is Maputo city, with 25,455 people affected. The storm has also caused significant infrastructure damage, destroying or damaging approximately 8,000 houses and affecting 146 schools (22,442 students), 51 health centres, 56 electric poles, and 19 roads. The impact of the storm has the potential to aggravate food insecurity, worsening the IPC projection of 3.3 million people facing Crisis (IPC Phase 3) or worse levels from October 2023 to March 2024. The floods, as well as El Niño-induced dry spells, have also affected crops during the planting season. The highest needs are education, shelter/NFIs, water purification, and hygiene kits. (OCHA 15/03/2024, IPC 28/11/2023, ABC 14/03/2024)

05 March 2024

Between 22 December 2023 and 3 March 2024, attacks and fear of attacks by non-state armed groups displaced approximately 113,000 people from Chiure, Ibo Island, Macomia, Mecufi, Mocimboa da Praia, and Muidumbe districts. The majority (62%) of the displaced were children, followed by women (23%) and men (13%). As a precautionary measure, on 3 March, major NGOs began evacuating their personnel from Ibo Island when the armed groups occupied and controlled Quirimba Island, a section of the same municipality located less than 15km away. Affected and displaced people require immediate attention, including health services and counselling to cope with the loss of family and property. Urgent needs include food, shelter, and NFIs. (IOM 05/03/2024, Club of Mozambique 04/03/2024, MSF 04/03/2024)