Synopsis
On February 11, the EU announced a grant of $4.13 million to support a project by WFP aimed at protecting vulnerable communities in the Greater Horn of Africa from climate extremes and conflict. This initiative will assist 450,000 people in Ethiopia and Somalia over two years, enhancing early warning systems and resilience.Key Takeaways
- $4.13 million allocated by the EU.
- 450,000 individuals targeted for support.
- Project focuses on Ethiopia and Somalia.
- Strengthening weather forecast capabilities.
- Addressing hunger exacerbated by climate extremes.
Nairobi, Feb 11 (NationPress) The European Union has allocated $4.13 million to aid a collaborative initiative aimed at shielding vulnerable populations in the Greater Horn of Africa from the dire consequences of climate fluctuations, conflicts, and displacement, as reported by the World Food Programme (WFP).
This initiative will assist 450,000 at-risk individuals in Ethiopia and Somalia over a span of two years by preemptively mitigating the effects of anticipated shocks before they escalate into crises. This will be achieved through enhancing the capabilities of weather agencies to deliver timely and precise forecasts, thereby enabling improved responses from both communities and governments, according to the UN agency's statement released on Monday.
Rukia Yacoub, the deputy regional director for Eastern Africa at WFP, stated, "The increasingly frequent and severe climate extremes, including droughts and floods, are intensifying existing factors driving hunger such as conflict, displacement, and economic instability."
Yacoub's statement emphasized, "When livestock and crops fail, livelihoods are jeopardized, leading to deeper hunger. Proactive measures can save lives, enhance people's resilience against future crises, and alleviate pressure on scarce humanitarian resources."
The project is set to be carried out by WFP, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN, the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the Climate Prediction and Applications Centre under the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development, and the Danish Refugee Council, as per the report from Xinhua news agency.
Located in the easternmost part of Africa, the Horn of Africa is recognized as one of the most conflict-ridden and unstable regions globally. This area has a historical backdrop of ongoing conflict, violent extremism, and poor governance, hosting a significant number of refugees and internally displaced persons. It is also among the world's poorest regions, with approximately 57 million individuals living in extreme poverty.
The enduring effects of COVID-19, climate change, prolonged conflicts, the war in Ukraine, and diminished global funding are all exacerbating food insecurity in the Horn of Africa. The hunger crisis in this region is escalating to alarming levels, with 23 million people across Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia facing critical food shortages and severe water scarcity. Continuous droughts and soaring food prices have undermined people's capacity to cultivate crops, raise livestock, and procure food for their families.
