International institutions are warning of a growing food crisis in southern Africa, with up to 50 million people at risk.

The UN’s World Food Programme says Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe are the worst affected countries.

These were hit by a devastating drought in 2019 and have been ravaged this year by a locust infestation that has spread south across the continent.

The region is also facing economic hardship stemming from the restrictions imposed to contain coronavirus.

Agencies have increased the procurement of food in an effort to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe.