Markets Up, Available Food Down

Chimwaza, Malawi … Passing through the Chimwaza Trading Center early Monday morning it is surprising to observe the sea of humanity gathered around the piles of clothing and wares offered for sale. We agreed the number of people already milling about was far higher than in years past. Then came the explanation. It is one of the many trading centers feeling the pinch of the famine that is engulfing the country.

“They are coming,” Wilson said, “in order to sell their clothes and other possessions at the market. They need the money to buy food. They are starving.”