How we're responding to the food crisis

East Africa is experiencing serious food shortages triggered by the failure of seasonal rains. Communities have lost their harvests resulting in at least 7 million people facing hunger in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and Somaliland. 

East Africa is experiencing serious food shortages triggered by the failure of seasonal rains. Communities have lost their harvests resulting in at least 7 million people facing hunger in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and Somaliland.

The effect of the failed rains in northern Kenya has decreased the amount of available pasture for livestock and water levels in lakes and dams are perilously low or non existent. Failed harvests have resulted in households facing food shortages which are further exacerbated by rising food prices in the country and the effects of post election violence.

In southern Ethiopia the lack of rain has resulted in widespread crop failure, causing food shortages and malnutrition. The water shortages have provided perfect breeding conditions for the army worm, a caterpillar that has gone on to devour whole harvests of maize and sorghum - a staple in the region.

ActionAid's response on the ground
So far in Kenya we have reached 25,000 people with water trucks and aim to reach another 65,000 over the coming weeks.

Working with partners in Ethiopia, we have been able to provide food rations for over 1000 children under five.

In conflict-affected Kamashi, we have provided temporary shelters for 300 families, plus seeds, tools and clothes.In Ankober we have enough seeds to distribute to 4400 people and we have already provided 200 children with food.

How your donations will help:

• £12 could provide one day's water supply for 50 people in Kenya
• £30 could provide four families with seeds to plant for the next harvest
• £49 could provide nutritious supplementary food rations for six children in Ethiopia

photo : ©Des Willie/ActionAid