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CRISIS OVERVIEW
Southern Africa is currently struggling with the effects of El Niño, characterised by temperatures and precipitation anomalies that have been resulting in floods, droughts, heatwaves, and below-average rainfall (OCHA 19/04/2024).
These have significantly affected livelihoods, agriculture, and food security across several countries. In 2023, Southern Africa faced high food insecurity levels. The subsequent failed rainy season (October–March) in most countries in the region aggravated existing vulnerabilities, such as food insecurity, water scarcity, and health risks (FAO 23/04/2024; OCHA 19/04/2024).
Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe have all declared states of disaster as they experience the worst droughts in decades(Malawi 24 23/03/2024; STC 03/04/2024;
AP 04/04/2024). El Niño-induced weather patterns in these three countries have led to below-normal rainfall, crop losses, and widespread food insecurity (FAO 23/04/2024; OCHA 19/04/2024).