International experts are being sent to southern Africa to assess the effects of a severe drought on food supplies . The lives of 15m people are thought to be at risk. 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 Kenya , Ethiopia , Somalia , and Djibouti , has also felt the drought . The U.S. State Department believes that a huge food 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 Kenya , Ethiopia , Somalia , and Djibouti , has also felt the drought . The U.S. State Department believes that a huge food assistance program will be needed to avoid the crisis .