ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF METEOROLOGICAL DROUGHT ON MAIZE PRODUCTION, HOUSEHOLD FOOD SECURITY AND COPING STRATEGIES IN MULANJE DISTRICT

This study examined the impact of meteorological drought on maize availability and household food security in Mulanje District, Malawi, where rain-fed agriculture remains the main source of livelihood. The purpose of the research was to assess how variations in rainfall patterns influence maize production and consequently affect household food security. A mixed-methods research design was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide a comprehensive understanding of the problem. Quantitative data were collected through structured household questionnaires administered to 150 smallholder farmers, while qualitative data were obtained through key informant interviews and focus group discussions with farmers, community leaders, and agricultural extension officers. Secondary data on rainfall and temperature patterns were sourced from the Malawi Meteorological Service, and agricultural production data were obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture. Quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), while qualitative data were analysed thematically. The findings revealed that frequent and prolonged drought conditions significantly reduced maize yields, leading to decreased food availability and increased household food insecurity, with many households adopting coping strategies such as reducing meal frequency and relying on external assistance. The study concludes that meteorological drought is a major driver of food insecurity in Mulanje District and highlights the urgent need for interventions. The study recommends the promotion of drought tolerant crop varieties, improved access to climate information, strengthening of early warning systems, and the implementation of sustainable agricultural practices to enhance resilience among smallholder farmers.

This study examined the impact of meteorological drought on maize availability and household food security in Mulanje District, Malawi, where rain-fed agriculture remains the main source of livelihood. The purpose of the research was to assess how variations in rainfall patterns influence maize production and consequently affect household food security. The findings revealed that frequent and prolonged drought conditions significantly reduced maize yields, leading to decreased food availability and increased household food insecurity, with many households adopting coping strategies such as reducing meal frequency and relying on external assistance. Drought Trends, Impact on Agriculture, Food Security, Coping and Adaptation, Policy and Support

The study was conducted in Mulanje District, which is located in the Southern Region of Malawi along the border with Mozambique. The district is well known for agricultural activities, with the majority of households relying on smallholder rain-fed farming as their primary source of livelihood. Maize is the dominant staple crop cultivated in the district and serves as the main source of food 16 for most households. Other crops commonly grown include tea, cassava, beans, and bananas. Mulanje District experiences a tropical climate characterised by distinct wet and dry seasons. Rainfall patterns are highly influenced by the Mulanje Mountain ecosystem, which contributes to variations in precipitation across the district. Despite receiving relatively high annual rainfall compared to some parts of Malawi, the district remains vulnerable to meteorological drought due to increasing rainfall variability, prolonged dry spells, and changing climatic conditions. These climatic challenges frequently disrupt agricultural production and negatively affect household food security. The district was selected for the study because of its susceptibility to recurrent drought events and its heavy dependence on rain-fed maize production. Smallholder farmers in the district are particularly vulnerable to climate variability because they rely on seasonal rainfall for crop cultivation and have limited access to irrigation facilities and agricultural inputs. The study area therefore provided a suitable setting for examining the relationship between meteorological drought, maize availability, and household food security.

Traditional authority: Scjuma

District: Mulanje

Coordinates: -15.76145, 35.41895