Both the BBC and the Associated Press (AP) have today run reports that highlight the desperate situation facing many in southern Ethiopia where late rains leading to failed crops and high food prices are putting not only thousands of children at risk but adults as well.

BBC reporter, Gavin Hewitt reports that while there is water in the creeks and the soil is a deep rich burgundy but the people there speak of a "green drought". This is because the last rain failed and few crops were planted.

Many of the residents in the villages he visited showed him their children, all of whom were sick and some of them showing signs of severe malnourishment. The AP reports that is not only children that are at risk as a growing number of adults and older children -- traditionally less vulnerable groups -- who have been stricken by severe hunger brought about the drought and worldwide food crisis.

Drought is especially disastrous in Ethiopia because more than 80 percent of people live off the land. Agriculture drives the economy, accounting for half of all domestic production and 85 percent of exports.

The video report below shows just how deeply the food crisis is affecting the people of Ethiopia.