Kampala, Uganda (Associated Press) – 02/08/2022. 14:18
United Nations: 13 million people face severe hunger in the Horn of Africa
- Drought conditions affect pastoral and agricultural communities in southern and southeastern Ethiopia
- The World Food Program needs $327 million to meet urgent needs
- 3 consecutive seasons without rain led to the destruction of crops and the death of large numbers of livestock
Drought conditions have left an estimated 13 million people facing severe hunger in the Horn of Africa, according to the United Nations World Food Program.
Drought conditions affect pastoral and agricultural communities in southern and southeastern Ethiopia, southeastern and northern Kenya, and south central Somalia. Malnutrition rates are high in the region.
He said World Food Program It needs $327 million to meet the immediate needs of 4.5 million people over the next six months and help communities become more resilient to severe climate shocks.
The program explained in a statement issued on its website, that 3 consecutive seasons without rain led to the destruction of crops and caused the death of unusually large numbers of livestock, and the lack of water and pastures forced families to leave their homes, and increased conflict between communities, noting that Additional forecasts of less than average rainfall threaten to exacerbate harsh conditions in the coming months.
“Crops are destroyed, livestock are dying, and hunger is increasing with the frequency of droughts affecting the Horn of Africa,” said Michael Dunford, Regional Director in the WFP Regional Office for East Africa. “.
The drought has affected groups of pastoralists and farmers in southern and southeastern Ethiopia, southeastern and northern Kenya and south central Somalia. The effects are exacerbated by increases in the prices of basic foodstuffs, inflation, and reduced demand for agricultural labour, further deteriorating the ability of families to purchase food.
Malnutrition rates remain high across the region and could worsen if immediate action is not taken.
Across the three drought-affected countries, WFP is providing life-saving food and nutrition assistance to affected communities. In addition, WFP cash grants and insurance plans help families buy food to keep their livestock alive or compensate for their losses.
With needs growing across the Horn of Africa, immediate assistance is essential to avert a major humanitarian crisis, such as the one the world witnessed in 2011 when 250,000 people died of starvation in Somalia.
