Ongoing Food Shortage Threatens People of Southern Africa

Catholic Relief Services
Friday, 3 May 2002

Food shortages caused by severe drought have reached critical levels in countries across southern Africa, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) reported today. The Government of Zimbabwe's announcement of a "state of disaster" is the latest event in an unfolding spectacle of hunger plaguing the region. Between 2 and 5 million people are at risk of starvation in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe, and countless millions more are in danger of severe malnutrition and disease. The last three years have seen a shortage of rainfall and poor harvests, with this year's drought compounding the situation – causing crop failure and driving up food prices.

"Across the region, people are suffering. We have come through the first months of the year, known as the 'hungry season,' only to find a harvest that is far below expectations. In desperation, many are now eating the seeds that were to be planted for the next harvest – which is still some 10 months away," said Dr. Idumbo Kasele, CRS' Agricultural Technical Advisor for the Southern Africa region.

Food deficits in one country are typically met by imports from elsewhere in the region. The ability of these nations to cope with the current situation, however, has been exhausted after cycles of flood and drought, which have coincided with political and economic instability.

Emergency food distribution, already begun in Malawi, will be expanded, with complementary programming to provide seed distribution for the next planting season and education projects to teach sustainable farming practices. Similar efforts are underway in Zambia. In Zimbabwe, CRS is organizing emergency nutrition centers to serve as safety nets for the malnourished, many of whom are living with HIV/AIDS.

"Food insecurity, while acute right now, won't be solved solely with distributions," Dr. Kasele noted. "We need to make sure that people are prepared for the future – this is a drought-prone region, but no one need die of hunger; we are working not only to help stave off this crisis but to mitigate future ones as well."

Catholic Relief Services is the official relief and development agency of the United States Catholic community. Founded in 1943, the agency provides assistance to people in more than 80 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Catholic Relief Services provides assistance on the basis of need, not race, creed or nationality.

For more information, or to contact Catholic Relief Services, see their website at: www.catholicrelief.org