A food crisis is worsening in Niger, one of the driest countries on Earth.

The West African country is suffering a devastating drought that has destroyed crops and killed livestock.

More than 7 million people are facing starvation, while hundreds of thousands of children are already malnourished.

Many farmers and their families have had their crops fail because there has been no rain and they cannot afford to buy food.

Food reserves ran out six months ago.

"It breaks my heart," said Dr Morou Arouna, who works at a stabilisation centre.

"You know very well that Niger is a poor country. It's a third world country and we don't have enough means.

"We're trying to demonstrate that we're making a genuine effort, but nevertheless we still need help from outside, because without outside help we'll never be able to face this food crisis."

Save the Children's Amy Reed says there are reports of some people being forced to eat leaves and berries to survive.

"There's around 400,000 children who are at risk of dying in the next few months if they don't get medical treatment and food," she said.

"The problem is as well that global food prices have risen since 2007 now that food is out of reach of the most vulnerable families here.

"Save the Children have had reports of people being forced to eat wild food, things like berries, things like leaves.

"Obviously that's a sign of desperation. That's a sign where things are so bad that they are willing to risk their lives eating potentially poisonous food because the other option is potentially starvation."

Ms Reed is frustrated by the lack of attention Niger's plight has received worldwide.

"We do need funds. It costs a very, very small amount to make a huge difference here to children's lives, for example $17 would treat a malnourished child for two weeks," she said.

"So a relatively small amount can really save lives here on the ground in Niger."