The Devastating Impact of Climate Change in Southern Africa
Emmanuel Himoonga, the 61-year-old chief of Shakumbila, a small agricultural community in Zambia, is facing a crisis like never before. The region is currently experiencing its worst drought in at least a century, with devastating consequences for its people.
The Dire Situation in Shakumbila
- Himoonga describes how the drought has become more frequent, occurring once every three to four years instead of every five years.
- The last rainy season was a complete failure, leading to crop losses and widespread hunger.
- The chief has lost everything, and his community is struggling to survive.
The Regional Impact of the Drought
Southern Africa is reeling from the effects of the drought, with 27 million people affected and 21 million children suffering from malnutrition, according to the World Food Programme (WFP). Several countries, including Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, have declared national disasters.
- An El Niño-induced dry spell lasting nearly two months decimated more than half of the harvest in some countries.
- The “lean season” for small-scale farmers started earlier than usual, exacerbating the food crisis.
- The situation is expected to worsen, with the risk of chronic malnutrition increasing.
The Role of Climate Change
Eric Perdison, WFP’s southern Africa director, attributes the drought to climate change. He warns that the region is likely to experience more extreme weather events in the future.
- Average temperatures in Zambia have risen significantly over the past century, with projections showing a further increase in the coming years.
- Zambia is forecasted to have more “very hot days,” leading to additional challenges for agriculture and food security.
The Human Toll of the Crisis
The drought has had devastating consequences for families in the region, leading to hunger, desperation, and separation.
- People are surviving on just one meal a day, resorting to eating wild roots and fruit to stave off hunger.
- Food donations are insufficient to meet the needs of the population, leaving many people hungry and at risk of malnutrition.
- Families are being torn apart as individuals are forced to seek work elsewhere, leaving their loved ones behind.
Conclusion
The situation in southern Africa is dire, with the effects of climate change exacerbating an already fragile food security situation. Immediate action is needed to support the affected communities and mitigate the long-term impact of the drought.
FAQs
What is causing the drought in southern Africa?
The current drought in southern Africa is primarily attributed to climate change, with rising temperatures and changing weather patterns contributing to the crisis.
How are communities coping with the food shortage?
Many communities are struggling to cope with the food shortage, relying on limited resources and external assistance to meet their basic needs. The situation is dire, with widespread hunger and malnutrition affecting millions of people.