East Africa food crisis

In Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia, the seasonal rains finally arrived. But crisis conditions persist in Somalia; elsewhere in the region, the road to recovery will be long.

There have been significant improvements in East Africa since the food crisis was declared in 2011, but rebuilding lives and livelihoods will take sustained effort for years to come.

Oxfam Fact Sheet: GROW Campaign
You might think hunger is about too many people and too little food. That is not the case. Hunger is about power. Its roots lie in inequalities to resources and opportunities.
Oxfam Fact Sheet: Food Crisis in East Africa
Across Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia, a severe drought and food crisis have ensnared more than 13 million people. Get the facts and find out what you can do to help.
More publications
Food Crisis in the Horn of Africa Progress Report, July 2011 - July 2012
A Shift in Focus: Putting the interests of Somali people first
More than six months after the UN declared a famine, Somalia is still in the throes of its worst humanitarian crisis in decades, with 31 per cent of the population estimated to be in crisis.
Fighting hunger in Mogadishu
In Somalia, Oxfam's partner SAACID is saving the lives of thousands of children.
A Dangerous Delay: The cost of late response to early warnings in the 2011 drought in the Horn of Africa
More than 13 million people are still affected by the crisis in the Horn of Africa. There were clear early warning signs many months in advance, yet there was insufficient response until it was far too late.
Saving lives, seeking solutions
Oxfam America's response to drought in Ethiopia, 2008-2011
Growing a Better Future
Food justice in a resource-constrained world.
Sowing seeds of self-reliance in Ethiopia
With an initial investment from Oxfam, community-owned grain banks allow Ethiopians to feed the World Food Programme.
Small herds support families during hard times
Programs that distribute goats and sheep help Ethiopian herders recover from drought.
More research
How to make a difference on campus
Students, are you ready to take action? Find tips for starting and running an Oxfam Club at your high school or university, ideas for campus events, and much more.
How to fundraise for Oxfam: Frequently asked questions
Community-driven efforts like yours provide essential support for fighting poverty and responding to disasters worldwide. Check out these questions and answers to help you get started.
How to host a house party
A house party is a fun way to take action with friends and family. This guide includes everything you'll need to plan a successful event.
How to get started: A menu of ideas
Want to do something to fight poverty and hunger, but don't know where to start? Explore this list of time-tested action ideas for individuals and groups.
Oxfam Fact Sheet: GROW Campaign
You might think hunger is about too many people and too little food. That is not the case. Hunger is about power. Its roots lie in inequalities to resources and opportunities.
Oxfam Fact Sheet: Food Crisis in East Africa
Across Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia, a severe drought and food crisis have ensnared more than 13 million people. Get the facts and find out what you can do to help.
Enough for Everyone
Oxfam America's five-point plan to respond to the emerging food crisis and reduce food insecurity around the world.
More tools for activists
A new well for Nawoyatir
Helen Ewoton used to walk an hour and a half each way to fetch water for her family. Now, her village in Kenya has its own newly drilled well--thanks to Oxfam.
A new way of life on the Dawa
Drought is making it difficult for herding families in southern Ethiopia to earn a living from their livestock. Some people have decided to try a new approach: irrigated farming. And they are tapping the Dawa river for water.
Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald team up with Oxfam
NFL superstar wide receivers Anquan Boldin of the Baltimore Ravens and Larry Fitzgerald of the Arizona Cardinals are teaming up once again on a mission to bring attention to the ongoing drought in East Africa.
East Africa Food Crisis update: October 2011
Oxfam America senior writer Coco McCabe and humanitarian media manager Andrew Blejwas discuss the latest situation in East Africa and take donors' questions and comments.
ViewChange: Africa's Last Famine
This World Food Day is marked by one of the worst famines in recent history. But, with the right planning and a few new ideas, it could be the last. Watch this special report from Oxfam America and ViewChange.org.
Scarlett's Video Journal - Installment 2
This is the second installment of Scarlett's video journal from her trip to Dadaab, Turkana and Lodwar, Kenya with Oxfam to shine light on the drought and food crisis that continues to unfold across East Africa.
Scarlett's Video Journal - Installment 3
This is the third installment of Scarlett's video journal from her trip to Dadaab, Turkana and Lodwar, Kenya with Oxfam to shine light on the drought and food crisis that continues to unfold across East Africa.
Scarlett's Video Journal - Installment 1
This is the first installment of Scarlett's video journal from her trip to Dadaab, Turkana and Lodwar, Kenya with Oxfam to shine light on the drought and food crisis that continues to unfold across East Africa.
In Audrey's hands
Meet Oxfam's Audrey Andwati, who's teaching thousands of kids in Kenya's Dadaab refugee camp how to protect their health.
Bringing water to Dadaab
In the world's largest refugee camp in Dadaab, Kenya, Oxfam is providing clean water to people displaced by drought and crisis.
More multimedia

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Ethiopian farmers get a payout, easing effects of drought

Ethiopian farmers get a payout, easing effects of drought

With cash from the weather insurance policies they bought through an innovative program, farmers from Tigray can now plan for the future.

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Rain in drought-hit East Africa brings changing humanitarian needs

Rain in drought-hit East Africa brings changing humanitarian needs

Despite the rain, and the relief it brings, emergency conditions will likely last well into 2012.

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In the midst of famine, children survive with the help of Oxfam partner SAACID

In the midst of famine, children survive with the help of Oxfam partner SAACID

Community therapeutic care centers across Somalia's capital are admitting more than 3,000 malnourished children every week.

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With irrigation, herders in southern Ethiopia turn to farming

With irrigation, herders in southern Ethiopia turn to farming

A small-scale irrigation project along the banks of the Dawa River is helping some herders grow enough food to feed their families--even as drought ravages much of the southern Ethiopia region.

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New life in the midst of Kenya's drought

New life in the midst of Kenya's drought

An emergency cash transfer program helps more than 5,500 hard-hit families take control of their futures.

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A feeding program in Somalia has helped more than 136,000 children and mothers

A feeding program in Somalia has helped more than 136,000 children and mothers

Supported by Oxfam, the center aims to treat acutely malnourished children and ensure they don't slip back into nutritional crisis.

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Three signs of hope in Turkana

Three signs of hope in Turkana

In the midst of crisis in northern Kenya, some herding communities find ways to break the cycle of drought.

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East Africa drought and food crisis Q and A

East Africa drought and food crisis Q and A

The following is an interview with Michael Delaney, director of humanitarian response for Oxfam America.

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In northern Ethiopia, weather insurance offers a buffer against drought

In northern Ethiopia, weather insurance offers a buffer against drought

A growing number of families have signed up for weather insurance to protect their crop investments from insufficient rainfall.

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The worst sight in the world

The worst sight in the world

Traveling through drought-stricken Somalia and Kenya, Oxfam's Jim Clarken writes of suffering and loss - and the aid that is saving lives.

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Famine in Somalia: Causes and solutions

Famine in Somalia: Causes and solutions

Years of of internal violence and conflict have been highly significant in creating the conditions for famine in Somalia.

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In Hindeysa, Ethiopia, a well becomes a lifeline

In Hindeysa, Ethiopia, a well becomes a lifeline

In May 2011, Oxfam teamed up with local people to build a new water source for communities already feeling the effects of drought.

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Oxfam's cash-for-work projects help rural Ethiopians get through drought

Oxfam's cash-for-work projects help rural Ethiopians get through drought

By constructing fences, trenches, and dams that protect pasture and farmland, some Ethiopians have been able to earn a steady income for weeks at a time.

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With sheep and savings, women in North Shewa work to improve the lives of their families

With sheep and savings, women in North Shewa work to improve the lives of their families

As Yeshi Senyi's flock of sheep has grown, so has her hope for the future.

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Oxfam helps Ethiopians tackle hunger today by planting trees for tomorrow

Oxfam helps Ethiopians tackle hunger today by planting trees for tomorrow

An erosion control project in the hills of the Siraro District is helping families preserve the land on which they depend.

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A traditional form of help allows families to rebuild herds in Ethiopia

A traditional form of help allows families to rebuild herds in Ethiopia

Families share the offspring from their small herds with neighbors in need.

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Weather insurance offers Ethiopian farmers hope—despite drought

Weather insurance offers Ethiopian farmers hope—despite drought

For the first time, poor farmers can now buy insurance for teff, a staple grain that feeds their families.

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Medhin Reda's best asset is her own hard work

Medhin Reda's best asset is her own hard work

This farmer is trading her labor for an insurance premium to cover her teff.

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Selas Samson Biru faces uncertainty with the seasons

Selas Samson Biru faces uncertainty with the seasons

But with weather insurance she doesn't have to worry so much about her teff harvest.

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