Months of severe drought in southern Africa, attributed to the El Nino weather phenomenon, have left over 27 million people in a dire situation, according to the United Nations' food agency. The World Food Program has issued a warning that the region is on the brink of a full-scale humanitarian catastrophe.
Five countries - Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe - have declared national disasters due to the drought, leading to widespread hunger. The World Food Program estimates that approximately 21 million children in southern Africa are currently suffering from malnutrition as a result of failed crops.
The region heavily relies on rain-fed agriculture for food and income, making the impact of the drought even more devastating. The El Nino weather pattern, coupled with climate change-induced warming temperatures, has exacerbated the situation, resulting in below-average rainfall and crop failures.
The World Food Program spokesperson highlighted the severity of the crisis, stating that the upcoming months are expected to worsen until the next harvest season in March and April. Many families are struggling to feed themselves, with children lucky to receive one meal a day.
The affected countries have appealed for international assistance, with the World Food Program estimating a need for $369 million to provide immediate aid. However, donations have fallen short, with only a fraction of the required funds received so far.
In addition to the immediate food crisis, the drought has led to other repercussions such as soaring food prices, electricity shortages, and even the culling of wildlife for food in some regions.
Experts emphasize that sub-Saharan Africa is particularly vulnerable to climate change due to its heavy reliance on rain-fed agriculture and limited resources to implement climate-resilient measures. The situation in southern Africa underscores the urgent need for global humanitarian aid and long-term climate adaptation strategies.
Sources: AP Africa news
