68 Million People Affected by Drought in Southern Africa

Tens of millions in Southern Africa are grappling with the devastating impacts of an El Niño-induced drought, as reported by the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Elias Magosi, the SADC executive secretary, revealed that approximately 68 million people, or 17% of the region's population, are in urgent need of assistance due to significant declines in crop and livestock production. The ongoing drought, which began in early 2024, has led to widespread food shortages, particularly affecting countries like Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Zambia. During a summit in Harare, Zimbabwe, SADC leaders convened to address pressing regional issues, including food security. The 2024 rainy season has been particularly challenging, with many areas experiencing delayed rainfall and extreme heat, exacerbating the crisis. Al Jazeera's Haru Mutasa reported that discussions are likely focused on securing additional funding and food aid for the affected nations, as rural communities express unprecedented concerns about their future. The United Nations has also highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that Southern Africa experienced its driest February in a century, receiving only 20% of the usual rainfall. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized that the climate crisis, driven by human-induced factors, is worsening conditions and threatening economic stability across the region. In response to the crisis, SADC has launched a $5.5 billion appeal for humanitarian assistance, but funding has been insufficient. Outgoing SADC chair Joao Lourenco urged regional and international partners to intensify their support for those affected by the El Niño phenomenon.