CRISIS FOCUS: Drought in Southern Africa

map-africa-affected These people have lost two years worth of crops. They’re hungry, they’re starving, they’re worried that their children aren’t going to make it.” That’s what Stefan Radelich told us as he stood with families who’ve been hit by a devastating drought – the worst that Southern Africa has seen in 35 years. He recently visited this region to see firsthand how Feed The Hungry and friends like you can help people caught in this crisis.

“It’s hard enough on a good day to survive here,” says Stefan, “but this drought has killed two seasons of crops – so the need to help families and children is now critical.”

Millions of people are in danger of starvation and malnutrition.
Maize prices have increased by 150% because of crop failures.
This crippling drought is one of the strongest El Niño events ever recorded.
Malawi, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe are among the worst hit.
40% to 72% of the people in these countries already live in extreme poverty.
Many are surviving on less than $1 per day.

LESOTHO Most families in Lesotho live off the land through animal herding and subsistence agriculture. And as the drought continues, resources across the region are becoming diminished, imports are decreasing in availability, and the price of food is increasing. The Lesotho government estimates that 650,000 people will need food assistance in 2016.

MALAWI Malawi ranks as one of the world’s least-developed countries, with most of its population depending on small-scale subsistence farming to survive. As such, the intensifying drought poses a great threat to millions of Malawians – as the rains and crops continue to fail. Today, almost half the children under age 5 are malnourished – and this number will only increase as food supplies become scarcer.

ZIMBABWE Zimbabwe, once considered the region’s breadbasket, is now among the worst hit. The country’s president, Robert Mugabe,has declared a state of disaster.

PLEASE PRAY:

For wisdom and provision for our in-country partners as the food shortage intensifies.
For guidance as we look for new ways to expand our ministry to help more children and families in this drought-ravaged region.
That many will be blessed through Feed The Hungry’s presence, as we provide food and share the Good News of Jesus – thanks to caring friends like you.