Worst drought in decades: Catastrophic famine in East Africa

Several countries in East Africa are facing severe famine following one of the worst droughts in decades.

Following a very poor start to the rainy season, with below average rains from March to May, and the fifth consecutive season without adequate rain, conditions are life-threatening.

More than 18 million people are currently suffering across Somalia, Kenya, and Ethiopia, to name a few, and are in desperate need of food aid and support in order to survive. In Somalia, they are experiencing the worst drought to have hit in 40 years.

Food security in Somalia is currently only 20% funded, with 230,000 Somalis already living in famine conditions.

A nutrition clinic there has reported a 265% rise in the number of severely malnourished children under the age of five.

The crisis in Ukraine, combined with the economic impact of the pandemic are responsible for driving the cost of food, but climate change is creating widespread, worsening conditions too.

The climate used to be predictable for those living in the East Africa, but with rain continuing to fail and water essential for agricultural production and health, the people are in crisis.