East African Famine

Resources for East African Famine

Latest News from East African Famine

Famine in Somalia Declared Over But Millions Still In Crisis — Feb 16th, 2012
When Working for Peace Turns Deadly — Jan 5th, 2012
Bulletin Bit for Sunday, November 13 — Nov 7th, 2011
PWSDevelopments: 2011 Issue 4 — Nov 7th, 2011
Important Reminder About East Africa Donations and New Resources Available — Sep 29th, 2011
Bulletin Bit for Sunday, October 2 — Sep 27th, 2011
PWS&D Expands East Africa Drought Response — Sep 20th, 2011
East Africa Donation Reminder and Bulletin Insert — Sep 6th, 2011
Bulletin Bit for Sunday, September 11 — Sep 6th, 2011
PWSDevelopments: 2011 Issue 3 — Aug 11th, 2011
East Africa Travel Blog: Filling the Gap — Aug 9th, 2011
Prayer for East Africa — Aug 8th, 2011
East Africa Travel Blog: No Place Like Home — Aug 5th, 2011
East Africa Travel Blog – The Road to Dadaab — Aug 2nd, 2011
East Africa Travel Blog – A Green Famine — Jul 30th, 2011
Canadian Government to Match Donations to East Africa Famine — Jul 22nd, 2011
PWS&D Increases Response in East Africa — Jul 21st, 2011
PWS&D Responding to East African Famine — Jul 13th, 2011

CFGB food distribution in Narosura, Narok District, Kenya

On February 3, 2012, the United Nations declared an end to famine conditions in Somalia, but the Food and Agriculture Organization warns that international efforts are still needed to restore food security to the region.

Millions Still At Risk

At the height of the crisis, famine had been declared in six regions of Somalia, putting 750,000 people at risk of death. Across the Horn of Africa, it was estimated that 12 million people were suffering the affects of prolonged drought and famine, hundreds of thousands of which journeyed to refugee camps in Kenya and Ethiopia in search of food and clean water.

According to a new report by the Food and Agriculture Organization and USAID, the number of people in need of emergency humanitarian assistance in Somalia has dropped from 4 million to 2.34 million. Improvements in the region are largely credited to substantial humanitarian assistance, coupled with long-awaited rains and a successful harvest.

However, the UN’s declaration by no means spells the end of crisis in East Africa. Nearly one-third of Somalia’s population remains in crisis and a total of 9.5 million people across East Africa are in need of continued humanitarian assistance. Without sustained support, vulnerable populations are at risk of losing recent gains and slipping back into famine.

“The crisis is not over,” says FAO’s Director-General José Graziano da Silva. “It can only be resolved with a combination of rains and continued, coordinated, long-term actions that build up the resilience of local populations and link relief with development.”

Presbyterians Are Making A Difference

Presbyterians in Canada have responded with overwhelming generosity to the plights of our brothers and sisters in Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia and Tanzania, donating more than $710,000 to relief efforts. Despite this enormous response and the amazing work being accomplished through partners on the ground, your continued assistance is needed to help communities as they work towards sustainable food security.

Help Relief Efforts Remain Strong—Give Today

PWS&D is working in East Africa in partnership with the ACT Alliance, Canadian Foodgrains Bank and Canadian Churches in Action to provide people with food, water, shelter, hygiene kits, psychosocial support and livelihood recovery initiatives. Please help keep this important ministry alive through your financial contributions and prayers.

You can make a donation through your church, mail a cheque to the office, donate online or call PWS&D at 416-411-1111 ext. 291. Please mark all donations as “East Africa Relief.”

Thank you for your generosity!