The U.N. World Food Programme is struggling to raise $400 million for its southern Africa drought response.
So far, they’ve collected only one-fifth of what’s needed to assist seven affected countries in the region.
Funding has become challenging as the drought worsens, significantly increasing food needs, according to WFP spokesperson Thomson Phiri.
The situation requires immediate financial support.
Southern Africa faces its worst drought in decades. Zambia, Malawi, and Zimbabwe have declared states of disaster.
The El Niño climate phenomenon has severely disrupted weather patterns, affecting crops.
Around 70% of Southern Africa’s population depends on rain-fed agriculture.
This year’s lack of rain has devastated harvests, leaving millions vulnerable to hunger and food insecurity, Phiri noted in May.
The WFP plans to use current funds to feed 5.9 million of the 27 million people in need until 2025.
White grain is being sourced from Tanzania, South Africa, and Latin America to support affected communities.
