WFP Seeks Funds to Combat Severe Drought in Southern Africa

The World Food Programme (WFP) is urgently seeking funds to address the severe drought in Southern Africa, which has left millions of people food insecure. The drought, fueled by the El Niño weather phenomenon, has devastated crops and livestock across the region, with Zambia, Malawi, and Zimbabwe among the hardest hit.

WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain highlighted the crisis during a recent visit to Zambia, warning that millions are facing acute news brief. "Droughts and floods in southern Africa stemming from El Niño have left millions of people food insecure," McCain said.

The drought has particularly affected Zambia, which is experiencing its driest agricultural season in over 40 years. Over 9 million people in 84 out of 117 districts are affected, with significant crop losses, increased livestock deaths, and reduced water availability. The Zambian government has declared the drought a National Disaster and Emergency.

Malawi has also declared a state of disaster in 23 of its 28 districts, with President Lazarus Chakwera appealing for over $200 million in humanitarian assistance. The country's corn crop, a staple food, has been severely affected, impacting 2 million households and necessitating around 600,000 metric tons of food aid.

Why this matters: The severe drought in Southern Africa has significant implications for global food security and humanitarian efforts. If left unaddressed, it could lead to widespread famine, displacement, and social unrest in the region.

Zimbabwe is facing a similar crisis, with the government considering declaring a drought disaster. The drought has decimated the country's corn crop, leading to a forecast that 9 million people will need food aid until March 2025. The Zimbabwean government has signed a $429.3 million drought flash appeal with the United Nations to assist over 3.1 million people.

The broader impact of the drought extends beyond human food security. At least 100 elephants have died in a national park in Zimbabwe because waterholes are drying up. Conservation officials are working to mitigate the effects on wildlife, but the situation remains dire.

Scientists believe that climate change is exacerbating the severity of El Niño events, making their impacts more extreme. The region's poorest and most vulnerable countries are bearing the brunt of these climatic shocks, despite contributing the least to global emissions.

The international community is being called upon to provide assistance to Southern Africa. The WFP, USAID, and other organizations are mobilizing resources to address the immediate needs of those affected, but the scale of the crisis requires significant and sustained support.

Key Takeaways

• Severe drought in Southern Africa affects 9 million people in Zambia, Malawi, and Zimbabwe.
• Drought causes significant crop losses, livestock deaths, and water scarcity.
• WFP seeks urgent funds to address food insecurity and prevent widespread famine.
• Climate change exacerbates El Niño events, making impacts more extreme.
• International community urged to provide sustained support to vulnerable regions.