Southern Angola is facing a severe food crisis resulting from the impact of drought on agriculture and livelihoods (particularly between November 2020 and January 2021). Below-average rainfall from 2018 until the 2020–2021 rainy season (typically from November–April) contributed to the worst drought recorded in the country (in terms of impact on livelihoods) since 1981.
In 2023, the southwest received relatively heavy December rains that improved vegetation, but crop planting remained below previous levels since the onset of the long-term drought. Most smallholders in the south planted their crops late, as they had to preserve seed stocks and protect them from the effects of unseasonal rains. As a result, yields are expected to be lower than usual, leading to fewer income-generating opportunities during the May-June harvest.
Local currency depreciation is also compounding the effects of the drought on the southern provinces of Cunene, Huíla, and Namibe.
The worst-affected households in the areas of concern in southern Angola are expected to continue experiencing Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes until the main harvests begin in May 2024. This is mainly because of the depletion of lean-season food stocks, slightly below-average early season harvests, lower-than-average precipitation forecasted, and prices remaining high.
(FEWS NET 20/12/2023, ACT 27/07/2023, FAO accessed 12/02/2024, WFP 19/02/2024)
Southern Angola is facing a severe food crisis resulting from the impact of drought on agriculture and livelihoods (particularly between November 2020 and January 2021). Below-average rainfall from 2018 until the 2020–2021 rainy season (typically from November–April) contributed to the worst drought recorded in the country (in terms of impact on livelihoods) since 1981.
In 2023, the southwest received relatively heavy December rains that improved vegetation, but crop planting remained below previous levels since the onset of the long-term drought. Most smallholders in the south planted their crops late, as they had to preserve seed stocks and protect them from the effects of unseasonal rains. As a result, yields are expected to be lower than usual, leading to fewer income-generating opportunities during the May-June harvest.
Local currency depreciation is also compounding the effects of the drought on the southern provinces of Cunene, Huíla, and Namibe.
The worst-affected households in the areas of concern in southern Angola are expected to continue experiencing Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes until the main harvests begin in May 2024. This is mainly because of the depletion of lean-season food stocks, slightly below-average early season harvests, lower-than-average precipitation forecasted, and prices remaining high.
(FEWS NET 20/12/2023, ACT 27/07/2023, FAO accessed 12/02/2024, WFP 19/02/2024)
