East Africa Food Crisis

The humanitarian challenges in East Africa have reached unprecedented levels, with severe food insecurity, displacement, and health crises exacerbated by climate change, economic struggles, and conflict. Over 62 million people in the region face acute food insecurity, and an estimated 1.7 million children under the age of five are malnourished, 430,000 of whom are severely malnourished. These staggering numbers underscore the urgency of coordinated action and sustained support.

In Ethiopia, floods and landslides have displaced thousands and claimed lives, with 250 deaths reported this year alone due to seasonal rains. Heavy flooding has affected more than three million people, displacing nearly 879,000. Meanwhile, measles outbreaks across the country have heightened the strain on healthcare facilities, particularly in regions like Tigray and Amhara. "The saturated soil has made landslide-prone areas even more dangerous, leaving already fragile communities at heightened risk," shared an ActionAid humanitarian team leader in Ethiopia.

Somalia is grappling with the devastating effects of droughts and floods, which have intensified health crises. Cholera outbreaks linked to contaminated water sources and destroyed sanitation infrastructure have affected thousands, with nearly half of all cholera cases reported in children under five. Communities in Somaliland, enduring their sixth consecutive season of below-average rainfall, face compounded challenges as aid dwindles. One community leader stated, “Our people have lived through unimaginable hardship for years; the failure of the rains has only worsened what was already a dire situation”.

ActionAid has mobilized resources across the region, providing essential supplies, food assistance, and healthcare interventions. In Ethiopia’s Tigray region, 1,369 survivors of gender-based violence received multipurpose cash assistance, while hygiene kits and protection services reached 1,500 women in Metema. In Somalia, efforts to combat cholera have included the distribution of hygiene kits to 1,500 households and the construction of gender-sensitive latrines, serving over 6,000 individuals.

Despite these critical interventions, the challenges remain vast. As the global community turns its attention to the escalating impacts of climate change and conflict, the work of organizations like ActionAid becomes even more crucial. Local partnerships and women-led initiatives continue to play a pivotal role in addressing these crises. "Our response is about more than survival—it's about restoring dignity and hope," said a women’s leadership advocate from ActionAid Somalia.

The East African crisis demands our collective action to ensure that the communities most affected can recover and rebuild. These stories of resilience remind us of the importance of continued support and solidarity in addressing global inequalities and fostering sustainable solutions.

East Africa is currently enduring its worst food crisis in decades, a result of four consecutive years of failed harvests, erratic rainfall, and skyrocketing global food prices. The situation is dire, with up to 20 million people in Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia going hungry every day. Infants and young children are especially vulnerable, suffering from severe malnutrition.

In response to this crisis, local women, young people, and partner organizations are leading the charge on the ground, but they urgently need support to expand their life-saving activities and prevent a catastrophe.

ActionAid has been at the forefront alongside affected communities, providing emergency food supplies and livelihood support, including cash transfers and animal feed. These interventions are critical for immediate relief. At the same time, ActionAid is implementing long-term programs aimed at building resilience within communities. These initiatives include developing fruit and vegetable gardens and promoting sustainable farming practices. By working with farmers across various industries, ActionAid also advocates for better working conditions and wages, ensuring that farmers can better withstand the challenges posed by crises like this historic food shortage.

Recently, the situation has been exacerbated by heavy rains and flash floods, which have caused extensive damage and displacement across East Africa. Nearly 1.6 million people have been affected, with 528 losing their lives and over 480,000 displaced. In Kenya alone, the heavy rains and floods between March and May 2024 resulted in 291 deaths, 188 injuries, and 75 missing persons. Additionally, 278,380 people were displaced, and 412,763 were affected by the floods.

Somalia has also suffered greatly, with over 268,000 people affected by the Gu season heavy rains and floods. Among them, approximately 81,000 have been displaced or relocated. The floods have caused significant damage, including the destruction of more than 3,000 shelters and seven schools. The lack of access to potable water due to contaminated sources has led to a sharp rise in cases of acute watery diarrhea (AWD) and cholera, with 12,327 cases and 114 deaths reported.

In Ethiopia, the flooding has impacted over 560,000 people across several districts, including Afar, Amhara, and Oromia, among others. Around 95,000 people have been displaced, 60,000 hectares of cropland damaged, and nearly 3,000 livestock have perished. Cholera outbreaks have been reported in 93 districts, further complicating the humanitarian response.

Nevertheless, ActionAid’s efforts on the ground have been vital in addressing these challenges. In Kenya, ActionAid has reached 808 households with food and non-food items, sufficient to sustain them for 15 days. An additional 360 families affected by floods in Mukuru kwa Reuben, Nairobi, have also received essential supplies. In Ethiopia, ActionAid is providing immediate assistance, including shelter, non-food items, multipurpose cash, protection materials, water treatment chemicals, and mosquito nets. In Somalia, ActionAid is implementing an anticipatory project to mitigate flood risks, reaching 34,512 people with community-led preparedness.

These are just a few examples of the impactful, life-saving projects ActionAid can implement around the world with the support of people like you. Together, we are making a lasting difference. Your contribution can help us expand our reach and provide critical assistance to those in desperate need.