The heatwave this week is a stark reminder that climate change is happening. The world is getting warmer. In the UK we have experienced the highest temperatures on record. Over 6,000 miles away in East Africa for the first time, there have been four back-to-back failed rainy seasons. The prolonged drought this is causing is the worst the region has seen in 40 years.
The combination of this severe lack of rain, the rise in global food prices due to the war in Ukraine and the lasting impacts of Covid is causing a humanitarian crisis. Vulnerable people are now facing the threat of famine and dying. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, 18.4 million people across Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia are not getting enough to eat.
Millions are taking desperate measures to survive in the face of failed harvests, livestock deaths, water shortages and extreme hunger,” warns Yitna Tekaligne, Country Director for Christian Aid.
In Marsabit county in northern Kenya, Marian Nguyo is one of those people.
“Water is a big challenge in this area. With no rains we have to go to extreme lengths to get it,” explains the 34-year-old single mother of four.
Christian Aid is working through local partners in both Kenya and Ethiopia to respond to this crisis. The charity is helping over 300,000 people by repairing wells, handing out water purification kits, providing cash support and trucking water to drought affected communities as well as providing fodder and medicine to keep valuable livestock alive.
This week it launched the East Africa Hunger Crisis emergency appeal to scale up this work and support more people like Marian, Fatuma, Galte and Adoko. A £15 donation could provide seeds and farming tools for one household, £30 will buy water hygiene kits to provide clean drinking water for six families and £50 will supply food for a household of five.
Yitna Tekaligne added, “The severe conditions are being made worse by the climate crisis, Covid and now Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has caused global food prices to rocket. A tough situation has now turned into a dire crisis. To help us respond, please donate what you can.”
To donate to the appeal, visit www.christianaid.org.uk/appeals/emergencies/east-africa-hunger-crisis-appeal
Christian Today