Over 27 million people in southern Africa are suffering from severe hunger as a result of drought caused by the El Niño weather phenomenon, with the World Food Program warning of a looming catastrophe.
Gerald Imray reports for The Associated Press.
In short:
- Five countries—Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe—have declared disasters due to the drought and hunger crisis.
- Millions rely on small-scale rain-fed agriculture, which has failed due to below-average rainfall and rising temperatures linked to climate change.
- The World Food Program needs $369 million to provide aid, but funding has fallen far short.
Key quote:
“This is the worst food crisis in decades. Crops have failed, livestock have perished and children are lucky to receive one meal per day.”
— Tomson Phiri, WFP spokesperson.
Why this matters:
Drought in southern Africa threatens millions who depend on agriculture for food, worsened by climate change. The region's food security and livelihoods are at serious risk if international aid does not increase.
