HARARE: The Southern African Development Community (SADC) reported on Saturday that approximately 68 million people in Southern Africa are grappling with the severe impacts of an El Niño-induced drought, which has devastated crops across the region.
The drought, which began in early 2024, has severely affected crop and livestock production, leading to widespread food shortages and economic strain. SADC heads of state convened in Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, to address regional issues, including the urgent matter of food security.
Elias Magosi, SADC executive secretary, stated that 68 million people—about 17% of the region’s population—are in need of aid. “The 2024 rainy season has been particularly harsh, with much of the region experiencing adverse effects due to the El Niño phenomenon, including delayed rainfall,” he noted.
This drought is the worst in years, driven by both the natural El Niño event, which involves unusual warming of the eastern Pacific waters disrupting global weather patterns, and increased temperatures from greenhouse gas emissions.
Countries such as Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi have declared states of disaster due to the hunger crisis, while Lesotho and Namibia are seeking humanitarian assistance.
In May, the region launched a $5.5 billion appeal for humanitarian aid to address the drought’s impact, but funding has been insufficient, according to outgoing SADC chair Joao Lourenco, President of Angola. Lourenco urged regional and international partners to increase their support, stating, “The amount mobilized so far is regrettably below the required levels, and I call on all partners to intensify their efforts to assist those affected by El Niño.”
The drought is a key topic at this year’s summit, along with other pressing issues such as the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, which Lourenco described as a significant concern.
