The U.N. World Food Programme (WFP) is facing significant challenges in raising the necessary funds to combat the severe drought affecting southern Africa. As of Tuesday, the WFP has secured only $80 million of the $400 million needed to aid seven countries in the region. This shortfall highlights the increasingly difficult funding environment for humanitarian aid.

The drought, the worst in decades, has led Zambia, Malawi, and Zimbabwe to declare states of disaster. The El Niño climate phenomenon, which alters global weather patterns, has been a significant factor, bringing extreme temperatures, dry spells, and reducing crop yields. According to WFP spokesperson Thomson Phiri, about 70% of the southern African population, who rely on rain-fed agriculture, saw their harvests devastated by the lack of rains. This situation has dramatically increased the region's food needs.

The WFP's current goal is to use the funds raised to support 5.9 million of the 27 million food-insecure people in the region until the next harvest season in 2025. Efforts include sourcing white grain from Tanzania, South Africa, and Latin America to feed affected communities. Despite notable donor contributions, the demand for food assistance remains exceptionally high, outpacing available resources during this historical drought.

Donor support has waned due to budget cuts, leaving many in southern Africa facing the compounded effects of the drought and reduced aid. Reena Ghelani, the UN's climate crisis coordinator for the El Niño response, emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting a sharp increase in hunger across the region. She warned that climate change is likely to bring prolonged dry spells and frequent droughts in the coming years, exacerbating food insecurity.

This dire situation calls for immediate and substantial action to address the growing needs of millions affected by the drought and to mitigate the long-term impacts of climate change on the region.