Adunia’s Struggle to Feed Her Grandchildren

In countries like Malawi, Somalia, Ethiopia and Niger, severe drought and violent conflicts has created a food crisis, the like of which has not been seen in 30 years. Now, families like Adunia’s are on the brink of starvation.

88-year-old Adunia Uladi resides in poverty-stricken Kawinga village in Malawi with her daughter and four grandchildren. Adunia along with many others in the country endured two years of severe drought, and is now already feeling the effects of the worst food crisis to hit parts of East and South Africa in 30 years.

Adunia depends on her 55-year-old daughter Edina to provide for her and her children, as her age means she is no longer able to work. This year, the harvest produced hardly any crops. Now, the family are in danger of starvation. Their only option will be to eat ripe mangoes in the morning and cooked mangoes in the afternoon. The mangoes can be dangerous if eaten excessively due to the high levels of sugar and fibre.

When the rain finally comes, Adunia will have even more to worry about.  Her home, which is thatched with grass and thin plastic is in no condition to protect her and her family. The tattered roof is not strong enough to keep the water out and there is a risk of illness spreading through the house as insects breed in the cracked walls.

But how can Adunia overcome this obstacle when she is struggling to feed her grandchildren?

Adunia’s only message to the Muslim Hands donors is a plea for food, ‘ We desperately need food. Even if somebody builds a good house for me today, I still have no food to eat’ she says.

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