Concern have appealed for funds today to stave off "a massive disaster" in southern Africa. Over 20 million people are affected by the crisis in the region with many already reported to be dying or on the verge of
starvation.
The agency said 2.6 million people were already going hungry in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Lesotho, Mozambique and Swaziland are also affected by the crisis but to a lesser degree.
Zimbabwe and Malawi have been worst affected by the severe food shortages and the aid agency said it is preparing for a "humanitarian catastrophe" in the coming months.
"Only massive, immediate intervention will prevent catastrophe on the scale of the 1984 Ethiopian Famine," Concern Chairperson Mr Tom Arnold said today.
Following drought and floods in Malawi, which is one of the world's poorest countries, up to three million people have eaten little food in many months and can expect to harvest nothing for almost a year. Elsewhere in the country, a very poor staple maize crop is being harvested which will provide only temporary respite.
Stocks of maize are low and market prices are rising beyond the reach of large sections of the population, according to Concern.
The erratic weather has ruined the region's crops. The troubles in nearby Zimbabwe have made matters worse. There, the land crisis has destroyed food production and now the whole of southern Africa is short of maize.
The World Food Programme says harvests in Zimbabwe fell by up to 77 per cent on last year because of drought and disruption caused by land seizures.
The agency estimates that Malawi will need 600,000-700,000 tonnes of food this year. The urgency of taking preventative measures now is highlighted by the fact that food distribution is being hindered by infrastructure problems.
It will take until September or beyond before large quantities reach Malawi and even longer before food reaches isolated villages.
- Those wishing to make a donation can do so by sending a cheque to Concern, Camden Street, Dublin 2 or contacting the agency at: 1850 410 510