In Eswatini, an estimated 238,500 people, equivalent to 20 percent of the population, are experiencing IPC Phase 3, Crisis in the current period, spanning from June to September 2023. In the projected period, from October 2023 to March 2024, the number of people experiencing IPC Phase 3 or above (Crisis or worse) is expected to rise to 268,000 people in IPC Phase 3 an additional 14,700 individuals classified as IPC Phase 4, Emergency.

The country is currently grappling with the lingering effects of high food insecurity stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, exacerbated by the repercussions of the war in Ukraine, which has led to spikes in essential commodity prices, resulting in price shocks, loss of income, and unemployment. Further exacerbating the situation are extended periods of drought and flooding, contributing to the overall food insecurity in Eswatini. 

• Immediate humanitarian assistance be provided to the most vulnerable households in IPC Phase 3+, prioritizing Orphaned and Vulnerable Children, child-headed households, the elderly and people living with HIV and disabilities 
• Shock responsive social protection programs, accommodative of basic needs for both elderly and persons with disability 
• Promote livelihood asset-building programmes to build vulnerable groups resilience to current shocks while in the same time building their ability to cope with future shocks 
• Strengthen innovative and cost-effective ways to improve food diversification, including small-scale backyard gardens to address low household diversity score especially in the rural areas 
• Build capacity and provide support to smallholder farmers on the management practices of harvested crops to reduce post-harvest losses 
• Awareness raising on addressing the impact of El Nino 
• Promotion of climate smart agricultural practices and subsidising these technologies 
• Encourage sustainable water management practices such as reducing water usage 
• Strengthening of the health system for preparedness, surveillance, and response to emerging pandemics, including Cholera 
• Scale up programs aimed at Increasing access and use of improved sanitation facilities 
• Strengthening the resilience of smallholder farmers to climate shocks and market fluctuations by providing them with improved seeds, water harvesting and irrigation strategies, extension services, and access to credit and insurance. 
• Address underlying factors such as poverty, inequality, and lack of access to essential services, including healthcare, to ensure long-term improvements in livelihoods and food security in the zone. 
• Conduct hygiene education campaigns: conduct intensive hygiene education campaigns to improve awareness about the importance of sanitation and hygiene.