The Facts

• On Saturday, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) reported that the El Nino-induced drought has destroyed crops, affecting 68M people in southern Africa. The drought began in early 2024 and has devastated crop and livestock production, causing food shortages and economic damage.

• Malnutrition has hit Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Zambia the hardest since the drought began in early 2024. SADC's executive secretary, Elias Magosi, said 17% of the population in the region needs help.