WFP cuts aid to Dzaleka refugees by 46%
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Times
Illustrative image · LThe World Food Programme will cut cash-based food assistance for refugees at Dzaleka camp in Malawi by 46%, reducing the number of recipients from 65,000 to 35,000. The measure is due to take effect in November amid a funding shortfall of $142.3 million, according to its October 2026 report.
The World Food Programme (WFP) will cut its food assistance to refugees at Dzaleka camp in Malawi by 46% from November, reports the Times. The number of people receiving cash-based food assistance will fall from 65,000 to 35,000, according to the UN agency’s October 2026 country brief.
WFP reports a funding shortfall of $142.3 million for its operations during the current lean season. The agency says it is prioritising assistance for the most vulnerable. The Malawian government, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and protection partners conducted a rapid risk assessment and strengthened referral mechanisms to support the transition, WFP says.
Innocent Magambi, executive director of the Malawian organisation Inua Advocacy, called on WFP to ensure that people in need of assistance are among the 35,000 beneficiaries. He also urged the government to speed up its review of the Refugees Act so that camp residents can engage in economic activity and support themselves.
The reduction follows the announcement on 27 October of a 33.3% cut to planned food assistance in Malawi. The WFP cuts planned food assistance in Malawi by 33.3% as part of another agency decision.
