The Sahel region of West Africa is facing a serious food crisis brought on by drought that is threatening the lives of millions of people.

The crisis in the region, which covers eight countries, has been compounded by rising food and fuel prices, as well as conflict in Mali.

United Nations agencies estimate that 15 million people don’t have enough food and approximately 1.5 million children are on the brink of starvation.

The agencies have appealed for more than $700 million to meet the food needs of families and their children in the region.

Nicholas Alpui, Director of Programmes for the UN Children’s Fund tells Derrick Mbatha that the crisis in the Sahel is extremely serious and unfolding fast.

Duration: 4’35”