Community stands strong as drought ravages the Horn of Africa

As thousands of people flee drought and hunger in the Horn of Africa, one community in the north-east of Kenya has resisted the worst impacts of the food crisis thanks to a long-term agricultural training and irrigation program. 

For the past decade, more than 2,000 farmers have continued the work of an original irrigation project set up by World Vision. The farmers are part of a group called the Morulem Water Users Association and grow a variety of crops, buffering them from the effects of drought and increased food prices. 

“Before this project we used to eat one meal a day, but now we eat three meals a day like other people in places like Kitale (a fertile region of Kenya),” said Philip, chairperson of the association. 

Even after prolonged drought, the community has 750 acres of assorted crops ready to harvest, including sorghum, corn, cow peas and watermelon. While in a community nearby, people are waiting for rains that are not forecast to arrive until April 2012. 

“When there is so much suffering in the Horn of Africa at the moment it is heartening to see one community standing strong,” said World Vision CEO Tim Costello, who arrived in Kenya yesterday to visit refugee camps near the Somali border. 

“Initiatives like the Morulem irrigation project are critical as they strengthen the ability of communities to cope with extreme weather conditions and the changing climate. Children in these communities have a better chance at a healthy life, good education and a secure future. 

“Unfortunately many people in the Horn of Africa are not so lucky at the moment and do not have access to adequate food and water. Thousands of people have left their homes risking violence and even death in search of assistance.” 

Across the region it is estimated that the lives some 13 million people - the equivalent to about half the Australian population – are severely impacted by the food crisis and drought. 

“While we need immediate action now to make sure thousands of people do not suffer and die needlessly from malnutrition and disease, we also need action on structural issues to reduce the chance of this situation repeating itself again and again,” Rev Costello said. 

“To build more resilient nations and sustainable communities we need to provide universal education and health care services to improve livelihoods, incomes and wealth generation, better systems of governance and accountability, ensure fairer international trade rules and debt relief for poor nations.” 

World Vision has been responding to the emergency in East Africa since late last year. The organisation is currently helping more than 1 million people in the three most affected countries of Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia. It also has plans to assist more than 400,000 people who need food aid in Tanzania. 

If Australians would like to donate to World Vision Australia’s East Africa Emergency Appeal they can call 13 32 40 or visit www.worldvision.com.au. 

ENDS 

Tim Costello arrived in Kenya yesterday and is available for interviews this afternoon (Kenya is seven hours behind EST). Please contact World Vision media officer Sacha Myers on 0457 926 018.