HIGHLIGHTS
SARCOF projects neutral conditions with likely normal to above-normal rainfall from October to March
Initial assessments indicate adequate stocks of seeds within Southern Africa to meet humanitarian assistance needs
USAID partners continue to respond to drought-related humanitarian needs across the Southern Africa region
KEY DEVELOPMENTS
Southern Africa continues to experience the negative effects of El Niño-related drought conditions that began in 2015. The drought has resulted in widespread livestock losses, as well as signficant crop failure resulting in cereal deficits of 9 million metric tons (MT)—including maize deficits of 5 million MT—throughout the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. The drought has also led to water scarcity for both human and animal consumption, and drought-affected communities are using unprotected water sources, increasing the risk of waterborne illnesses. In September,
SADC reported that approximately 21.3 million people in Southern Africa were in need of immediate humanitarian assistance to mitigate the impacts of the drought.The Southern Africa Regional Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF) reports neutral El Niño conditions and a low probability of La Niña conditions in Southern Africa as of September 26. SARCOF expects that Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe will experience normal to above-normal rainfall between October and March. While the October-to-March rainy season is unlikely to mitigate regional water deficits, SARCOF notes the potential for an improved agricultural season if farmers have timely access to inputs, including seeds and tools, and adopt climate-adaptive agricultural practices when appropriate.
USAID/OFDA and USAID/FFP have provided a combined total of more than $308 million in FY 2015–2016 to mitigate the effects of drought in Southern Africa. USAID partners are providing emergency food assistance, nutrition interventions, safe drinking water, and agricultural assistance, including seeds, to affected populations. USAID is also monitoring the flow of emergency relief commodities and food assistance to the region, to ensure the timely delivery of humanitarian assistance to affected populations.