In a severe blow to southern Africa, millions are facing food shortages as the region grapples with its worst drought in decades. The drought, which has devastated crops, livestock, and local economies, threatens to escalate into a full-scale humanitarian disaster without immediate intervention, according to the United Nations.
Seven countries across the region, including Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, have declared national emergencies in recent months. These countries have seen widespread crop failure, livestock deaths, and dwindling water supplies. The UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) also reported that Angola and Mozambique are struggling under the harsh conditions, which have crippled agricultural production and left millions vulnerable.
“This is the most severe food crisis southern Africa has seen in years,” said Tomson Phiri, the WFP’s spokesperson for the region. “Over 27 million people are suffering, and 21 million children are malnourished due to the widespread crop failure and livestock losses.”
The WFP has been distributing food to those affected and providing other critical relief measures, but the effort has been hampered by a significant funding gap. Of the US$369 million required to address the crisis, only about 20% has been secured.
The drought, largely attributed to the recurring El Niño phenomenon, has caused extreme dryness in some parts of the region, while contributing to unusually heavy rains and flooding in others. These erratic weather patterns have severely disrupted agricultural cycles, with Zambia and Zimbabwe seeing up to 80% of their crops wiped out.
In addition to food shortages, the drought has also impacted electricity generation, as low water levels have reduced the capacity of hydropower plants across the region. Wildlife populations are also at risk, with countries like Zimbabwe and Namibia resorting to culling animals to conserve water and food resources.
As the crisis deepens, experts warn that the situation could become even more dire before the next harvest season in March or April. Without immediate and increased international support, millions could face worsening hunger and poverty in the months ahead.
