12.8 million people could face starvation in the countries of Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique, Lesotho and Swaziland by the end of this year, according to the United Nations World Food Program.
United Nations is asking for $500 million USD for financial assistance to help avert disaster in the area.
Many factors have contributed to the potential famine: poor rains, floods, government mismanagement and corruption, HIV/AIDS, disease, civil wars, collapse of industries and political instability.
AIDS, in the past 2 decades, has killed seven million African farmers and has cut farming productivity almost by half.
Links:
Southern Africa’s grim trail of famine – BBC
New appeal to avert Africa famine – BBC
Southern African famine: What went wrong? – BBC
‘Millions face famine’ in Africa – BBC
Malawi’s ‘worst-ever’ famine – BBC
3 nations flash cash as famine bites Africa – IOL
Africa Faces Dual Tragedy: Famine, Hunger, Aids Blight Millions – AllAfrica
African famine is worst in decade – Miami Herald
Famine: Huge crisis looms in southern Africa – AfricaOnline
Southern Africa Facing Famine – CBS
About the Malawi famine
Southern Africa – Encarta