Nearly 70 million people in southern Africa are currently suffering from the effects of an El Niño-induced drought, causing widespread food shortages and forcing some families to resort to eating grass seed. Zambia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and Namibia have all declared the situation a state of disaster and are calling for humanitarian support.
In Malawi, almost half of the population, estimated at 9 million people, are in need of humanitarian assistance, with children making up half of those affected. The lack of rain has devastated the agriculture-dependent nation, leaving families like Masautso Mwale’s in dire straits.
Mwale, a subsistence farmer from the small village of Jangiya, has resorted to cutting down trees and selling charcoal to earn enough money to buy food for his family. While he recognizes the harmful impact of deforestation on the environment, the drought has left him with few other options. The resulting increase in tree cutting for food has further contributed to global warming, as around 10% of it is caused by deforestation.
The heads of state from the Southern African Development Community have acknowledged the challenges posed by the El Niño-induced drought and its negative effects on crop and livestock production. The late onset of rains in the region has exacerbated the situation, leading to damaged economies and widespread food shortages. The community is working to address the crisis and provide support to those in need.
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