In Mid November 2005 Malawi suffered from its worst food crisis since 1992, due to a drought that sent maize production, the main staple food, plummeting by 24%. The IIS of SA Relief efforts aimed both to avert hunger and help people recover their livelihoods. The Malawi aid was therefore in the form of distribution of food as well as "Starter-Packs". The 'Starter-Packs' comprised fertilizer and maize, beans as well as ground-nuts seeds to plant. This ensured the continuation of subsistence farming. The relief mission over-looked the disbursement of 300 metric tons of first grade maize-meal which benefited 130 000 destitute families in districts such as Machinga, Mangochi, Salima, Zomba, Dedza and villages along the Shire River.