Nearly 70 million people in southern Africa are facing the effects of an El Niño-induced drought, with Zambia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and Namibia declaring a state of disaster and requesting humanitarian support. In Malawi, almost half of the population is in need of assistance, with children being particularly affected as over 80% of people rely on rain-fed agriculture. The situation in Malawi is dire, with families resorting to eating grass seed due to crop failure.
The drought has devastated crop and livestock production, resulting in food shortages and damaged economies. Subsistence farmers like Masautso Mwale are struggling to survive, resorting to dangerous activities like deforestation to earn money for food. Mwale acknowledges the harm caused by deforestation, but the desperation brought on by the drought leaves him with few options.
The impact of the drought extends beyond food shortages, with deforestation contributing to global warming through the release of carbon dioxide. Despite the harmful effects, selling charcoal remains a common practice in Malawi as a means of earning income for food. Mwale’s story highlights the complex issues faced by individuals in southern Africa as they navigate the challenges of the El Niño-induced drought and its far-reaching consequences on their livelihoods and the environment.
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