Extreme drought in southern Africa triggers hunger crisis for millions

This year's harvest a write-off means that millions of people in southern Africa won't be able to feed themselves until well into 2025.   © AP - Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi

Southern Africa is on the brink of a hunger crisis after an historic drought decimated crops during the peak October to March farming season – one year after the region was pummelled by tropical storms.

Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe declared national disasters within weeks of each other after insufficient rains wiped out crops including the staple maize harvest.