Approximately 2.8 million people in Mozambique are classified in IPC Phase 3 (Crisis) and 400,000 people in IPC Phase 4 (Emergency) for the period of November 2022 to March 2023. An estimated 3.15 million people are in need of urgent action.

The 34 districts classified in Crisis (IPC Phase 3) are: Cabo Delgado (Ancuabe and Chiure, Balama - Namuno, Mecufi and Metuge, Pemba), Niassa (Mecula), Nampula (Liupo, Meconta and Mogincual, Mogovolas, Angoche, Ilha de mozambique), Zambezia (Maganja da costa, Morrumbala, Mulevala, Nicoadala), Tete (Doa and Mutarara), Sofala (Chemba, Cibabava), Inhambane (Mabote, Funhalouro and Panda) and Gaza (Chibuto, Chicualacuala, Massangena, Chigubo, Mabalane, Guija, Massingir and Mapai), Manica (Machaze). Additionally, the displaced population (IDPs) in Ancuabe-Chiure, Metuge and Montepuez-Mueda were also classified in Crisis (IPC Phase 3). It should be noted that eight of the 17 districts of Cabo Delgado province - Ibo, Macomia, Meluco, Mocímboa da Praia, Muidumbe, Nangade, Palma, Quissanga – , arguably among the most food insecure, were not covered by the present IPC analysis due to lack of data.

In the districts classified in IPC Phase 3 or 4 (Crisis or Emergency), the main contributing factors to the acute food insecurity observed in the current period were the occurrence of cyclones and strong winds – including tropical storm Ana in the provinces of Zambezia (affecting 32 percent of the population), Tete (24 percent) and Nampula (11 percent) and cyclone Gombe in the provinces of Nampula (54 percent) and Zambezia (17 percent). Below average and irregular rains in Gaza (63 percent), Manica (51 percent), Inhambane and Tete (36 percent) and Niassa (16 percent) as well as the increase in food prices and the loss of crops through animal destruction (Niassa) has also been noted.

In the Cabo Delgado and parts of the Niassa and Nampula provinces, insecurity and violence as a result of population displacement were the main causes of acute food insecurity. The arrvial of displaced people in Pemba and Metuge has also increased job competition leading to higher unemployment rates, further exacerbating the food insecurity situation.

• Ensure urgent humanitarian assistance to the 398,000 people identified in IPC Phase 4 (Emergency). Specifically, a combination of complementary interventions is recommended to minimize the effects of shocks both on access to food as well as restoring and rebuilding livelihoods.
• Consider the annual need for direct food assistance and productive social assistance to a percentage of the national population in IPC Phase 3 (Crisis) on account of exposure to shocks, including the resident population and IDPs.
• Consider the percentages of people in IAA for analysis and planning, taking into account that the absolute number of this target group changes constantly due to the continuous flow of IDPs between districts.
• Increase the resilience of IDPs with means of agricultural production while maintaining humanitarian food assistance.
• Study strategies to improve levels of access to safe water in the coming periods due to low rainfall.
• Continue with livelihood programs to reduce dependence on humanitarian aid and food diversity.