The United Nations says severe drought, economic problems, and damage to the country's irrigation system are causing a serious food crisis in Tajikistan.

In a joint report, the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Food Programme said an estimated three million people, half of the total population, are at risk.

The agencies also said they expected the crisis to worsen by next year if assistance is not provided by the international community.

An estimated 85 percent of the population of the former Soviet republic are said to be living below the poverty line.