Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, Uganda and Somaliland are facing one of the worst droughts in recent history.  Estimates of the number of people in need of food assistance range from 20-40 million. 

 

The global financial crisis has also resulted in skyrocketing of food prices, making food unaffordable and inaccessible for poor people. There are reports of deaths due to starvation.

 

 

ActionAid Kenya is working on a number of drought response activities, both emergency relief and longer-term interventions in the Sericho, Malindi District, the Narok District and Rangulbei District. 

Key activities include: 

 

ActionAid is working on drought response in Katakwi, Amuria and Bukwa Districts in Eastern Uganda.  Work is also ongoing in Kumi District (also part of the Teso sub-region) and Kapchorwa District.

 

 

ActionAid has integrated its drought response work into mainstream food security programming and a sustainable agriculture project is already underway in several areas of the country.

 

 

ActionAid Somaliland implemented a cash for work programme in July-August 2009, targeting 510 people (including 185 women).

 

We have also implemented a nutrition feeding programme for children and pregnant and lactating women.

 

 

ActionAid Tanzania plans to provide sorghum seed to 1,800 families in Chamwino starting from the beginning of November 2009.