According to an Oxfam report, nearly 116 million people in eight African countries are faced with severe water crises, leading to an almost 80 percent increase in hunger over the last five years. The report identifies climate change as a key driver, exacerbating extreme weather events and undermining food security for millions., This situation has been intensified by inadequate investment in water resources and governance.
The climate crisis has significantly exacerbated water scarcity in Eastern and Southern Africa, affecting nearly 116 million individuals who lack access to safe drinking water. A recent Oxfam report highlights that the region has witnessed an almost 80 percent increase in hunger over the past five years, with many small-scale farmers suffering severely due to extreme weather conditions, including droughts and flash floods.
The report, titled “Water-Driven Hunger: How the Climate Crisis Fuels Africa’s Food Emergency,” details how climate change has intensified extreme weather events. Severe water scarcity has detrimentally impacted the livelihoods of pastoralists, farmers, and fisherpersons, leaving millions deprived of food and essential resources. The linkage between water crises and hunger is evident, with over 55 million people in the highlighted countries experiencing extreme hunger.
In summary, the intersection of climate change and water scarcity has created a dire food emergency in Africa, with millions facing hunger and deprivation. The evidence presented in the Oxfam report calls for urgent action to address these issues. It suggests that both national governments and wealthy nations must take responsibility for investment and support to secure water resources and food security for vulnerable communities. The implications of climate change demand urgent global attention and coordinated efforts to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
