According to the World Food Programme, there are 40 million people in the East and Horn of Africa who are desperately in need of food and there are reports of deaths due to starvation. People in these countries mainly depend on subsistence farming, but since 2007, rainfall has been erratic - or not come at all.
ActionAid is responding to the crisis with food and water distribution, agricultural help and disaster preparedness work – all focusing on women, children and the farming communities that have been worst hit - especially those whose livestock are dying.
Somaliland
Failed rains since 2007 have left drought across the whole country, with the eastern region worst affected. If it does not rain within three weeks the drought situation could degenerate into famine. ActionAid is carrying out cash for work and food and nutrition programmes.
Ethiopia
Persistent drought since 2007 has left 13.4 million people without enough food, mostly in the southern and eastern parts of the country. ActionAid is focusing on restoring people's livelihoods, supplying water and helping people prepare for disasters.
Kenya
Rains have failed for the last three seasons - a disaster for people in the North Eastern, Rift Valley, Coastal, Eastern and Marginal Central regions. Up to 10 million people need assistance and there has been an increase in conflicts among pastoral communities. ActionAid is distributing food, repairing water sources, trucking water and distributing seeds and tools.
Tanzania
ActionAid is also responding to the ongoing severe drought in Tanzania where failed rains over the last three seasons have left 21 districts dependent on relief assistance.
Uganda
Three seasons of failed rains and floods in 2007 have affected one million people, who are currently surviving on relief aid. ActionAid is distributing food, seeds and agricultural tools and working on early warning and preparedness activities.
"When I cannot feed my family I feel that I am helpless because I am the only breadwinner"