The U.N. World Food Program (WFP) is struggling to raise $400 million for its drought relief efforts in Southern Africa, having only secured 20% of the necessary funds, according to a spokesperson on Tuesday.
Thomson Phiri noted that the funding situation has become more difficult as the region’s food needs have increased significantly due to the severe drought.
Southern Africa is experiencing its worst drought in decades, leading Zambia, Malawi, and Zimbabwe to declare states of disaster. This drought, caused by the El Nino climate phenomenon, has resulted in extreme weather patterns, including unusual temperatures and irregular rainfall, severely affecting crop yields.
Phiri also mentioned that about 70% of the population in Southern Africa, who rely on rain-fed agriculture, have had their harvests devastated by the lack of rain.
The WFP plans to use the funds collected to provide food assistance to 5.9 million out of 27 million food-insecure individuals in the region until the next harvest in 2025. They have begun importing white grain from Tanzania, South Africa, and Latin America to support local communities.
Even with notable donor contributions, the food demands are “exceptionally high and exceeding the available resources” due to the severe drought, Phiri noted.
Donor budget cuts have exacerbated the situation, with people in Southern Africa facing both the impact of the historic drought and reduced aid, Phiri added.
Reena Ghelani, the UN’s climate crisis coordinator for El Nino, has called for urgent measures.
Ghelani expressed deep concern about the increasing number of people experiencing hunger and warned that climate change might lead to more extended dry periods and frequent droughts in the coming years.
