Summary of Africa's Global Drought Narrative

This Global Drought Narrative is compiled from global drought indicators available at the Global Drought Information System and media reports summarized by the National Drought Mitigation Center. This summary provides an overview of current drought conditions and their impacts in Africa.

In April 2024, regions across Africa experienced drier than normal conditions, with North Africa, southern Africa, and the Maghreb particularly affected. Warmer temperatures exacerbated drought conditions, increasing evapotranspiration and intensifying dryness.

The SPI maps indicate more intense and widespread dryness over 2- to 3-month time scales. While wet conditions prevail in the east over 6 to 12 months, dryness intensifies in the north and south. Northern Africa experienced its driest October-April period based on the ECMWF ERA5 Reanalysis. Over 24 to 60 months, northern and southern Africa remained dry, with the most severe dryness in the north. Excessive heat has expanded and intensified drought areas, with the SPEI maps showing drought across most of the continent at 1 to 3 months and much of the continent at longer time scales. Models and satellite (GRACE) observations revealed persistent low soil moisture and groundwater in the Maghreb, adjacent northern and western regions, and much of central to southern Africa. Satellite observations of vegetative health (VHI) indicated stressed vegetation across almost the entire continent, with the most severe conditions in the north and southwest. According to the African Flood and Drought Monitor, 28% of the continent was in drought by the end of April, affecting 14 countries.

The Impact...

According to media reports from The Globe and Mail, food prices are soaring and hunger is rising across much of Africa. In southern Africa, drought and climate change are causing crop failures and higher inflation. Reuters notes that Southern Africa is facing its worst drought in years due to a combination of naturally occurring El Ni?o and higher average temperatures caused by greenhouse gas emissions. The EU Science Hub reports that Southern Africa is experiencing an extreme environmental and humanitarian crisis as the drought worsens. Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi have declared states of disaster. The Daily Mail highlights that herds of endangered hippos face death in Botswana's blistering heat, stranded in drying ponds as the drought devastates the southern African country.

The impact is severe:

• 28% of Africa is in drought, affecting 14 countries.
• Food prices are soaring, and hunger is rising.
• Southern Africa is experiencing its worst drought in years, driven by El Ni?o and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Morocco’s second-largest reservoir is nearly dry, threatening agriculture and water supply.
• Endangered species, like hippos in Botswana, are facing dire conditions.
• In Ethiopia, drought and conflict have displaced millions, creating a dire humanitarian crisis.

In the face of these alarming developments, rapid action must be taken to manage the devastating impacts of drought. Urgent measures must be implemented to ensure food security, safeguard vulnerable populations, and protect precious ecosystems. Collaboration between governments, international organizations, communities, and individuals is essential to build resilience, promote sustainable practices, and secure a better future.