The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has raised food security fears for southern Africa due to heavy rains and floods that have destroyed thousands of hectares of crops.

In a media release the FAO warned of continued flood risks along rivers for southern Africa, including Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Mozambican women flee floods

“Food insecurity levels are already critical in the affected areas of some of these countries and floods will only further worsen the ability of poor farmers to cope and feed their families in the coming months,” said FAO regional emergency coordinator for Southern Africa Cindy Holleman.

The release said flood damage in South Africa has destroyed thousands of hectares of land, with the government having declared a national state of disaster.

The Mozambique government has declared a red alert for the central and southern parts of the country, while Lesotho has lost up to 60% of harvests in some areas.

Photo: www.fao.org

Source: www.freshfruitportal.com