Food Insecurity Threatens Millions in the Horn of Africa

May 25, 2023 | 10:37 p.m.

A new water catchment system in Kenya has welcomed its first visitors — local livestock. This is vital for pastoral residents of the country. Kenya is a part of the yearslong drought that the Horn of Africa is still experiencing.

After six failed rainy seasons, livestock are dying off in droves due to hunger and dehydration. This is especially dire since more than 60% of Kenya’s population depends on agriculture and livestock for their livelihoods. This water catchment system will conserve much-needed water for communities to use in their households and for their livestock.

To provide the best quality of water for people to drink, the water catchment system will eventually be fenced off, and there will be a trough for animals outside the fence. The benefit of letting the livestock into the catchment system is to help compact the bottom of the dam so the water stays longer.

“Right now, the biggest advantage of the catchment is for the livestock. When the people have healthy and hydrated livestock, they will make more money and can purchase bottled water in town,” said Convoy’s Chris Dudley.

The recent rains in the Horn of Africa will provide vital water for the drought-stricken area, but it will take years for crops to recover from the long and intense dry period. Convoy of Hope is there to provide essential supplies and relief as communities begin to recover.

April 4, 2023 | 3:10 p.m.

Extreme food insecurity is threatening millions as the Horn of Africa continues to experience the longest and most severe drought on record. Harvests have yielded very little. Local commodity prices are at an all-time high, limiting people’s access to food, water, and other essential supplies. 

An increase in humanitarian aid has held off famine for the time being, but the continued drought will have catastrophic consequences for the livelihoods of millions. 

Many families are pastoralists, meaning they rely on livestock for their income. The drought is killing livestock at an alarming rate. Without livestock, people’s income levels are falling drastically. Without income, their food insecurity increases. 

“I have lost so much,” said Peter, a goat herder in Turkana County, Kenya. “Close to 300 goats and 50 camels have died, and they still continue to die.”

Convoy of Hope is doing what it can to mitigate these needs by responding to the drought. Families receive take-home food kits of fortified lentils, vegetables, and rice. Teams are also providing animal silage — fortified grass for feeding livestock — to pastoral communities to help mitigate the hemorrhage of livestock mortality.

Tangible Impact

In another area of Kenya, Elizabeth — a 98-year-old woman — struggles to feed her four grandchildren who are currently living with her.

“Before you brought me food, I had been struggling to feed my grandchildren and myself,” Elizabeth told Convoy. “We mostly rely on well-wishers because I am too old to go out and look for food. My children are also not able to help me. But I can share the little I have with my grandchildren.”

With the help of partners on the ground, Convoy of Hope has served more than 3.5 million meals to individuals and families. Though the drought is predicted to continue into late 2023, Convoy of Hope is committed to providing help, hope, and relief in the Horn of Africa.