Southern Africa is facing a growing hunger crisis as Malawi became the latest country to declare a drought disaster, joining its neighbor Zambia. The Malawian president, Lazarus Chakwera, announced the state of emergency on March 24th, stating that 23 of the country's 28 districts were severely affected. He pleaded for urgent international humanitarian assistance of over $200 million to address the crisis.
This follows warnings issued late last year by the World Food Programme (WFP) about the potential for a hunger crisis in southern Africa due to El Niño, a weather phenomenon linked to abnormal warming in the Pacific Ocean. El Niño disrupts weather patterns around the globe, and in Southern Africa, it typically leads to decreased rainfall.
The current drought is particularly severe. According to the WFP, February saw the driest conditions in 40 years for Zambia and Zimbabwe. Malawi, Mozambique, and parts of Angola have also been hit hard by “severe rainfall deficits,” according to the WFP’s seasonal monitor.
The lack of rain has devastated crops, particularly maize, the staple food for millions in southern Africa. The US government's aid agency, USAID, estimates that over 20 million people in the region will require emergency food assistance in 2024, with El Niño being a major contributing factor.
The situation in Malawi is especially concerning. The country is already grappling with high poverty rates and relies heavily on subsistence agriculture. The drought has exacerbated food insecurity, leaving many Malawians struggling to afford or find enough food.
Zambia, which declared a national disaster in February, is also facing a dire situation. The government estimates that over 2.3 million people will need food aid this year. The country has launched a national response plan, but international assistance is crucial to meet the immense needs.
Zimbabwe, another country in the region battling drought, is expected to follow suit and declare a state of disaster. The government is currently assessing the extent of the damage caused by the dry spell.
The international community has begun to respond to the crisis. The WFP has already started scaling up its food assistance programs in Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. However, more resources are urgently needed to prevent a full-blown hunger crisis from unfolding in southern Africa.
The El Niño-induced drought highlights the vulnerability of southern Africa's food systems to climate shocks. Experts warn that climate change is likely to increase the frequency and intensity of droughts in the region. Urgent action is needed to build resilience and adapt to a changing climate to prevent future food crises.