Southern Africa steps up collective action against worsening drought threat

Member states of the Southern African Development Community, or SADC, have embarked on a collective action to confront the region’s deepening drought crisis, a silent emergency that has eroded livelihoods, worsened poverty and triggered chronic food and water shortages.

Next week, the regional block, in partnership with the World Bank, will host a five-day convention forum aimed at coming up with innovative solutions, sharing best practices and strengthening cross-border cooperation to address the worsening drought situation.

The forum, being held in Eswatini, will bring together more than 150 delegates from across government, international organizations, academia and civil society players.

Anethe Mtambanegwe, SADC communications and public relations officer, said the gathering will focus on changing the narrative of drought management in Southern Africa, moving away from costly emergency responses towards long-term resilience building.

The forum will also see the launch of initiatives designed to help countries in the region transition from reactive crisis management to proactive drought resilience.

Expected outcomes from the forum include enhanced regional cooperation, stronger disaster risk reduction strategies and new partnerships to safeguard development investments.

victor@chinadailyafrica.com