CommunicationPublished on 6 December 2022

Drought and famine in the Horn of Africa – a vicious circle of multiple crises

Millions of people are affected by the consequences of the drought in East Africa. Parched soils and dying livestock are destroying livelihoods and leading to a food crisis on a vast scale – the situation is dire. The SDC is also active in the region, supporting development projects and humanitarian relief efforts to mitigate the crisis.

Women and children walk past animal carcasses near the village of Sagalo in the Korahe zone in the Somali region of Ethiopia, 21 January 2022. — © UNICEF

The people, especially women and children, in the affected countries are struggling to survive. What is needed right now is food and medical care as a short-term solution. In the longer term, it's about improving people's livelihoods, defying climate change and ending the wars.

Patricia Danzi, SDC Director