The United Nations found that currently about 9.2 million people are food insecure in Southern Africa and the number could reach 12 million by March 2020.

Most affected countries in the region are Zimbabwe where 2.3 million could be threatened, Zambia (1.7 million), Mozambique (1.6 million), Angola (1.1 million) and Malawi (1.1 million).

According to a statement by the organization, parts of southern Africa recorded their lowest rainfall levels since 1981. Others were hit by Cyclones Idai and Kenneth, leading to food insecurity, malnutrition and the spread of disease in many countries.

As a result of this situation, some countries such as Angola and Zimbabwe will have to import 3.5 million tons of cereals to make up the deficit in their production caused by climate hazards, the Southern African Development Community said. The high cost of these imports is also likely to increase the rate of inflation in some of these countries, increasing the financial pressure on the population.

Gwladys Johnson Akinocho