Severe drought hits Malawi's maize crop Malawi is appealing for food aid from the international community following President Peter Mutharika’s declaration that the country is suffering an acute food deficit this year. Malawi's agro-based economy depends largely on smallholder farmers to produce maize, the country’s staple. However farmers have not been able to harvest enough to take them to the next growing season because of erratic rains. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES