The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is facing a severe funding shortfall in its efforts to combat the devastating drought ravaging Southern Africa.
The organization has managed to raise only a fifth of the $400 million needed to assist seven countries in the region, a WFP spokesperson revealed on Tuesday.
Thomson Phiri, the WFP spokesperson, attributed the funding challenges to the escalating food crisis brought on by the worst drought in decades.
Zambia, Malawi, and Zimbabwe have already declared states of disaster as the El Niño weather phenomenon wreaks havoc on the region.
The impact on agriculture has been catastrophic, with approximately 70% of the population reliant on rain-fed farming losing their entire harvests.
To address the immediate crisis, the WFP aims to provide food assistance to 5.9 million people until the next harvest season in 2025.
The agency has begun sourcing grain from Tanzania, South Africa, and Latin America to support affected communities.
Despite receiving some donor support, the WFP warns that the current food crisis is unprecedented and overwhelming available resources.
The organization is grappling with a double challenge as donors face budget constraints, further exacerbating the situation for vulnerable populations in Southern Africa.
UN climate crisis coordinator Reena Ghelani has sounded the alarm, expressing deep concern over the escalating hunger crisis.
She warned of prolonged dry spells and frequent droughts in the region due to climate change, emphasizing the urgent need for action.