Dahomey, May 1962 - Serious food shortages, even famine, occur time and time again in many African countries, mostly due to drought. The latest famine occurred in May 1962 in Dahomey and Togoland, in the area of the northern frontier of the two countries. Drought had caused failure of the millet crop which normally sustains the people of this region between their first and second crop of staple foods. As soon as it became apparent that there would be a serious food shortage, the Governments of both countries organised relief operations and appealed for help through the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and other international relief organiztions. Hungry child in the Natitingou area in Northern Dahomey.