Families in parts of Markham District are facing growing food and water shortages as prolonged dry weather destroys food gardens, reduces water supplies and threatens the livelihoods of rural communities.

The impact is being felt particularly in Umi and Atzera Local Level Governments, where many families depend on subsistence farming for their daily food.

Food crops are drying up, water sources are declining and households are struggling to find enough food to feed their children.

The situation is also affecting education, with some children reportedly attending school without lunch. Some schools have had to dismiss students as early as 2pm because children have no food to eat during the day.

For families who depend on their gardens, the loss of crops means fewer meals and increasing pressure to provide for their households.

Cocoa farmers are also facing difficulties as prolonged dry conditions threaten cocoa production, putting an important source of income at risk.

Communities in Onga-Waffa LLG are also experiencing the effects of the dry spell, raising wider concerns about food security across the district.

The affected areas include Umi LLG, which has 20 wards, Atzera LLG with 21 wards and Onga-Waffa LLG with 13 wards.

With gardens drying up and water becoming increasingly difficult to access, communities are facing challenges that extend beyond food shortages, including concerns about health, children's education and household livelihoods.

Local communities are calling for urgent assistance from the Markham District Development Authority, Morobe Provincial Government, local-level governments, disaster authorities and development partners.

The requested assistance includes emergency food supplies, clean drinking water, medical support and agricultural assistance to help affected families and farmers cope with the prolonged dry conditions.

Concerns have also been raised about delays in food relief, with ward councillors reportedly having submitted lists of affected people to the district authority while communities continue waiting for assistance.

The situation puts to light the vulnerability of rural communities that rely heavily on rain-dependent gardens and agricultural activities for food and income.

As the dry spell continues, access to food and safe drinking water remains a major concern for families across the affected parts of Markham District.