Southern Africa Faces Severe Drought in Early 2024

In early 2024, Southern Africa experienced severe drought due to El Niño, leading to a food crisis in countries like Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The drought devastated maize crops, affecting millions of farming households. Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera declared a State of Disaster, revealing the extensive damage to maize crops. Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema highlighted the drought’s impact on agriculture, water, and energy supplies. The Famine Early Warning Systems Network predicts high food prices and suppressed purchasing power. Experts suggest investing in agricultural resilience, including drought-resistant crops and irrigation technologies. The Southern African Development Community has launched a $5.5 billion humanitarian appeal to support affected populations.