Millions of people are affected by chronic food shortages in the African nation

Emergency Scottish Government funding to help charities bring aid to people affected by chronic food shortages in Malawi has been doubled.

The African nation’s worst drought in 35 years, caused by the El Nino climate cycle, has left a third of the population hungry and in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.

Its government has declared a state of emergency and estimates more than eight million people could need food aid by the end of 2016.

Following a pledge of £230,000 earlier this year, Scottish ministers have now announced a further £240,000 will be made available on a match funding basis.

With almost a third of the population facing food insecurity, which is more than the entire population of Scotland, this additional funding will make a real difference on the ground

The cash will come from the Climate Justice Fund and will be used to support some of the poorest families in Malawi to survive the food crisis over the next few months.

International development minister Alasdair Allan said it would be used to supply 25,000 people, including severely malnourished children and people living with HIV, with basic food supplies and drought-resistant seeds to help them prepare for the longer term.

Dr Allan said: “There is no doubt that the poor and vulnerable are the first to be affected by climate change and will suffer the most despite the fact they have done little to cause the problem.

“For people in Malawi climate change threatens all aspects of their lives including access to water, food, a home, an education and economic development.

“With almost a third of the population facing food insecurity, which is more than the entire population of Scotland, this additional funding will make a real difference on the ground.”

The funding will be divided between Oxfam, Christian Aid, the Scottish International Aid Fund (SCIAF) and healthcare charity EMMS International.

Alistair Dutton, SCIAF’s director, said: “Millions of people who are already extremely poor and vulnerable are suffering badly because of the food crisis in East and Southern Africa. Malawi is one of the countries that has been hit the hardest. Families are going hungry every day.

“Thanks to the generosity of the Scottish Government and our supporters, 16,000 people, particularly severely malnourished children, pregnant women and lactating mothers, will get life-saving food. Over 31,000 poor families will get seeds, training and support so they can grow food for the next harvest, start supporting themselves again and cope with the challenges climate change is creating for them.”

James Wells, chief executive of EMMS International, also welcomed the funding.

“We know that hunger hits the poorest and most vulnerable hardest,” he said.

“Our partners in Malawi are seeing the impact of hunger in the lives of their patients, including an increase in child malnutrition. The situation is becoming increasingly urgent, and will last well into 2017.”

Head of Christian Aid Scotland, Sally Foster-Fulton, said: “Thanks to the generosity of our supporters and the Scottish Government, we will be able to extend our reach to those struggling from one of the worst food shortages in a decade."