Floods devastate crops, leaving 315,000 farmers hungry in Mozambique

Months after devastating floods swept through southeastern Mozambique, residents like Joacim Pinto are facing a new crisis: hunger. Pinto, a 50-year-old farmer from Xai-Xai in Gaza province, lost his crops and livestock during the floods that occurred from late December 2025 into early 2026. With the floodwaters receded, the reality of food insecurity has set in for many families who relied on their gardens for sustenance and income.

The floods were among the most destructive in recent memory, affecting several provinces, including Gaza, Maputo, Inhambane, Sofala, and Zambezia. As communities recover from the immediate impact of the floods, they are grappling with the long-term consequences. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reported that approximately 275,405 hectares of farmland were impacted, threatening the livelihoods of nearly 315,000 farmers. For many families, farming is not just an occupation; it serves as a crucial safety net against economic fluctuations.

The situation has led to soaring food prices, further complicating the recovery process. Pinto notes that the floods destroyed essential infrastructure, such as wells and roads, making it difficult to access markets. As a result, families that once grew their own food now find themselves dependent on increasingly expensive market goods. The United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP) warns that the combination of damaged supply chains and reduced local production has created significant pressure on food prices across flood-affected areas.

Looking forward, the need for urgent humanitarian assistance is clear. With many markets unable to function and transport costs rising, access to food remains a pressing concern. Ana Mato Hombre, a spokesperson for WFP Mozambique, stresses that while some traders may exploit shortages, the primary driver of rising prices is the drastic reduction in local agricultural output. As families like Pinto’s continue to struggle for food security, the road to recovery from this dual crisis remains long and arduous.