International experts are being sent to southern Africa to assess the effects of a severe drought on food supplies. Ten drought-stricken countries are affected with Zimbabwe and South Africa in the most severe condition. These two countries, normally food exporters, must now import substantial amounts of grain. It has been described as the worst drought of the century, with about 15 million people at risk. The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) estimates that there is enough grain for all but five African countries. The U.S. State Department believes that a huge donor assistance program will be needed to avoid the crisis.
International experts are being sent to southern Africa to assess the effects of a severe drought on food supplies. Ten drought-stricken countries are affected with Zimbabwe and South Africa in the most severe condition. These two countries, normally food exporters, must now import substantial amounts of grain. It has been described as the worst drought of the century, with about 15 million people at risk. Additionally, the northeast of Africa, including Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Djibouti, has also felt the drought. The U.S. State Department believes that a huge donor assistance program will be needed to avoid the crisis.