Africa's worst famines in recent past

New Delhi: Famine has been a tragic problem with most of the countries in the recorded history of mankind. Some countries are still facing famine particularly in the sub-Saharan region. Famine is a condition which is caused by factors that include drought, population explosion, etc. During famine, the poor get starved, face malnutrition and epidemics and there is hike in mortality rate. So, let's have a look at some of the worst famines that occurred in different regions of Africa since the year 2000.1. Niger food crisis (2005-2006) This famine was a localized food security crisis occurred in the regions of northern Maradi, Tahoua, Tilleberi and Zinder of Niger (Africa). This was caused by early end of the rainfall in 2004 which made prices of food soured. Out of 3.6 million of the population 2.4 million got affected in the areas of famine. 2. Sahel Famine of 2010 This was the famine that hit millions of the residents of Niger and across West Africa. Again, less or erratic rainfall during 2009-2010 became the reason behind this famine which caused food shortage across the regions. 3. East African famine of 2011 2011 East African famine was the worst famine of Africa which made atleast 150,000 people died out of starvation. Missed rainfall for consecutively two years was the reason behind this major drought after 60 years. This time famine was declared officially by the United Nations and help was granted. Aid agencies helped in digging irrigation canals and distributing crop seeds to the farmers. 4. Sahel drought of 2012 July 6, 2012, once again saw the famine situation in the Sahel region due to month long heat wave. More than 1,500,000 Nigerians got affected in this famine. 20,000 pounds of charity was distributed in the affected regions by the United Nations.