Malawi drought: Faces of people struggling with hunger as food crisis looms

At least 2.8 million people, of whom 1.5 million are children, are facing a food shortage in Malawi, one of the countries worst affected by a severe drought exacerbated by the El Nino phenomenon, caused by warm water in the Pacific Ocean. Lack of rains have resulted in crop failure making this year's harvest – which typically takes place in March and April – almost impossible for thousands of households.

IBTimes UK visited communities in the Neno district in southern Malawi, where people are facing hunger due to lack of maize, a staple food in the south-east African nation.

Malawi drought — Rose Nomani, 60, has seven children. She became a widow in 2012 and told IBTimes UK she is very sad as she is unable to pay school fees for most of her children, Neno district, Malawi, 1 March 2016 Ludovica Iaccino for IBTimes UK

The World Food Programme (WFP) is delivering food to thousands of households until April and said Malawi needs $38m (£27m) to help those affected by food insecurity. Analysts warned assistance to people who are facing hunger could be further undermined as donors have cut aid to Malawi following a 2013 financial scandal known as 'cashgate'. More on the drought in Malawi here.

IBTimes UK travelled to Malawi courtesy of World Vision UK. Click here for more information about thecharity's work in Malawi.