Deadly Drought in the Horn of Africa Signifies End of Rain-fed Agricultureby | 20-02-2017 00:07 |
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 These are tough days for countries in East Africa as the region popularly referred to as the Horn of Africa is witnessing arguably the worst drought in recent history. This has driven food prices to record levels in Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia and South Sudan. According to a recent study by Food price Monitoring and Analysis Bulletin (FPMA), Local prices of maize, sorghum and other cereals are near or at record levels in swathes of the Horn of Africa. This has fueled migration and affected livestock as their body depreciates forcing herders to sell at lower prices. This is a huge threat for countries in East Africa as their food security is under almost immediate threat. The effects are more wide spread as Independent reports that women fleeing drought areas in Somaliland are falling victims to rape gangs who operate around the insecure IDP camps in Hargesia. That's not all, the UK based newspaper added that "many women in the camp report they have suffered from miscarriages because of the drought and a recent study in Global Environmental Change found that reduced rainfall and high heat has resulted in low birth rates, stemming from the increased likelihood of miscarriages". It is a really worrying sign for Africa and massive migration is now expected following this drought that has largely lasted for more than a year in some places. The world should be ready with humanitarian assistance for people in the Horn of Africa and this will be a big ask for the national governments alone. Again, this highlights the urgency required in changing the agricultural tradition in Africa from rain-fed agriculture to climate-smart method of Agriculture. We must not wait anymore, the time is now. We can't afford to lose our population to hunger while we are waiting for rain. All hands must be on deck now! Photo: WFP/Melese Awoke Photo Source: United Nations News Center |
