UN World Food Programme Seeks $400 Million for Drought Relief in Southern Africa

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is urgently seeking $400 million in funding to support drought relief efforts in Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi. An El Niño-induced drought has devastated harvests, affecting 4.8 million people in these countries.

The funding is crucial for the next six months to provide food assistance to those in need. El Niño, a weather phenomenon, has significantly reduced rain levels, resulting in decimated harvests across Southern Africa. WFP spokesperson Tomson Phiri stated, *"It's fair to say this will probably be the biggest El Niño response we have ever done in Southern Africa. "*

Approximately 70% of the Southern African population relies on rain-fed agriculture. The drought has resulted in the driest February in decades, a 20% reduction in necessary rainfall for crops, and the decimation of 40-80% of maize harvests in Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain described the situation as *"alarming and heartbreaking"* after visiting Zambia, the epicenter of the crisis.

The WFP is providing cash payouts to support hungry communities and is looking to buy grain from international markets to address the shortfall. In August 2022, the WFP spent $14 million to assist communities in Lesotho, Madagascar, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. However, successive droughts have depleted grain stocks, forcing countries like Zimbabwe to seek grain imports.

Why this matters: The drought relief efforts in Southern Africa have significant implications for global food security and humanitarian aid. If left unaddressed, the crisis could lead to widespread famine, displacement, and social unrest, with far-reaching consequences for regional and international stability.

Private millers in Zimbabwe plan to import 1.4 million metric tonnes of maize from Brazil, Argentina, and other countries to combat hunger. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has also launched a humanitarian appeal for $5.5 billion to complement the internal resources of impacted countries.

Cindy McCain emphasized the urgency of the situation, saying, *"I'm asking the international community to join us and step up now. We can't ask millions to wait for the next harvest season – a year from now – to put food on their tables. These families need our support today while we help to build a more resilient future."*

The WFP faces a significant funding shortfall, highlighting the need for urgent support to address the humanitarian crisis in Southern Africa. The climate crisis has been fueling extreme weather events across the continent, including deadly floods, cyclones, powerful wildfires, and heatwaves.

The UN has issued warnings of imminent famine as millions of families are plunged into hunger and malnutrition. The World Food Prize Laureates have written a letter to G20 leaders calling them to end hunger and famine.

The urgency of the situation in Southern Africa cannot be overstated. With millions of lives at stake, the international community's swift response is crucial to mitigating the impact of this severe drought.

Key Takeaways

• WFP seeks $400m to support drought relief in Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi.
• El Niño-induced drought affects 4.8 million people, decimating harvests.
• 70% of Southern Africa relies on rain-fed agriculture, making them vulnerable.
• Funding is crucial to provide food assistance for the next 6 months.
• Swift international response is needed to mitigate famine and social unrest.