| CRS Responds to East Africa Drought
East Africans are feeling the effects of a disastrous drought and spiking food prices, and are facing conditions similar to those pictured, above, in Kenya in 2009. Photo by David Snyder for CRS
Background
One of the worst droughts in the region since 1950 – 1951 has put 10 million people across the Horn of Africa in need of humanitarian assistance. Most live in Kenya and Ethiopia, countries where CRS has a large presence; however, Kenya is further burdened by an influx of refugees from Somalia, many leaving in search of food due to drought there.
Rains that usually fall from October to December failed to appear in late 2010 in parts of Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia.
In 2011, spring rains were erratic and deficient. As a result, many areas missed two growing seasons. “This drought comes as prices for staple foods are increasing, in some cases more than doubling in the past year,” says CRS Africa Team Leader Brian Gleeson. “Those price increases put further strain on the people of this region.”
How CRS is Helping
In Ethiopia, CRS is leading a program funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development that involves working with nine other humanitarian organizations to distribute food. The reach of that effort is expanding from 400,000 to 1 million beneficiaries. CRS is working with Caritas Ethiopia to identify other critical needs.
In Kenya, CRS and partners are responding to the needs of the Somali refugees and their local hosts, who are themselves suffering because of the drought. Through our many ongoing water, sanitation and agricultureprojects in Kenya, CRS is also responding to Kenyans’ needs during this crisis.
Read more regarding our response to this pressing emergency.
How you can help:
- Please pray for the people of East Africa. We have included a prayer and petitions to share within your parishes.
Donate to the East Africa Emergency Fund or call 877-Help-CRS (877-435-7277). Mail donations to: Catholic Relief Services, Attn: East Africa Emergency Fund, P.O. Box 17090, Baltimore, MD 21203-7090.
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