South Africa 's drought could adversely affect food security and cancel out the expected recovery in economic growth , according to the country 's agricultural minister . He predicted earlier that hot and dry conditions in southern Africa could cause widespread famine . The United Nations Food and Agriculture organization estimated that the grain shortfall would be four million tons . " Of the countries facing famine , Mozambique and Zambia , in addition to Zimbabwe and South Africa , were the most in danger . It said meeting food aid needs could be difficult as international attention was focused on emergencies in the former Soviet Union, eastern Europe, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. The countries facing famine do not have adequate rail and road facilities , complicating the distribution of food to needed areas .
South Africa 's drought could adversely affect food security and cancel out the expected recovery in economic growth , according to the country 's agricultural minister . He predicted earlier that hot and dry conditions in southern Africa could cause widespread famine . The United Nations Food and Agriculture organization estimated that the grain shortfall would be four million tons . " Of the countries facing famine , Mozambique and Zambia , in addition to Zimbabwe and South Africa , were the most in danger . The countries facing famine do not have adequate rail and road facilities , complicating the distribution of food to needed areas .