as noted by sources, southern africa's low level of economic development and reliance on agriculture—namely cereal crops and livestock—leaves the region highly susceptible to droughts. though variations exist, the region's farmers tend to plant their next crop in late october—this sowing is timed with the expected rains that begin to arrive in november. the next five-six months are considered the "lean" season, during which time stockpiled food is consumed while the concurrent "wet" season rains nourish the next year's crops. however, if the usual rains are disrupted by a weather anomaly, planting is delayed until november or early december, resulting in a longer "lean" season before crops can be harvested. if the region's weather patterns are disrupted enough to cause a drought, the lack of rainfall and eventual loss of moisture from soil often results in a noteworthy decline in southern africa's agricultural production; the resulting detrimental economic conditions leads to social unrest and a decline in the level of regional food security.