South Africa's drought could adversely affect grain production 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 said that the expected shortfall would be four million tons. In a statement on Wednesday, President Jacob Zuma of neighboring Swaziland urged his people not to panic. Total food imports for the region could be as high as 6m tonnes, three times more than in a normal year. The countries facing famine do not have adequate rail and port facilities, complicating the distribution of food to needed areas.
South Africa's drought could adversely affect grain production 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 said that the expected shortfall would be four million tons. In a statement on Wednesday, President Jacob Zuma of neighboring Swaziland urged his people not to panic. The countries facing famine do not have adequate rail and port facilities, complicating the distribution of food to needed areas.