Australian aid boost for southern Africa

The federal government has allocated an extra $10 million to combat the food shortage in southern parts of Africa because of drought conditions.

Australia has chipped in an extra $10 million to combat food shortages in southern parts of Africa caused by the El Nino conditions.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop says the cash will help the World Food Program deliver food to 11.9 million drought-affected people.

An estimated 2.7 million children are severely malnourished.