In Southern Africa, a Severe Drought and Famine have left About 20 Million People Without Food.

At a food aid distribution location deep in rural Zimbabwe, Zanyiwe Ncube carefully and intensely concentratedly poured her modest allotment of precious golden cooking oil into a plastic Africa bottle.

When relief workers gently conveyed that this would be their final visit, her relief at the handout paid for by the U.S. government during her country’s terrible drought was tempered. Her country is in southern Africa.

In the Mangwe district in southwest Zimbabwe, Ncube and her 7-month-old kid, whom she carried on her back, were among the 2,000 individuals who were given rations of cooking oil, sorghum, peas, and other goods.

Food distribution is a component of a program run by the World Food Programme of the United Nations and supported by the American aid organization USAID.

A harsh weather pattern is currently in place: too much rain followed by insufficient rain. According to scientists, these climate extremes are become more common and harmful, particularly for the world’s most vulnerable citizens.

Both young and old waited in line for food in Mangwe; some carried whatever they might acquire home on donkey carts, while others used wheelbarrows. On the dusty ground sat others who were waiting their turn.

Ncube, 39, should be harvesting her crops right now so she can feed her two kids and herself, as well as her niece, who she also looks after.