“Understanding Drought: Causes, Impacts, and How You Can Help in East Africa”

In 2022, the UK experienced unusually dry weather leading to water shortages and hosepipe bans, highlighting the impact of droughts due to rising global temperatures. However, in East Africa, the situation is far more severe, with 40 million people facing the worst drought in years, resulting in near-famine conditions and malnutrition.

Drought is defined by a lack of rainfall, causing serious water shortages and impacting agriculture when crops fail due to lack of moisture in the soil. Unlike sudden extreme weather events, droughts happen gradually but can be just as deadly, affecting millions of people worldwide.

Human activities such as climate change, deforestation, intensive agriculture, and high water demand contribute to the increasing frequency and severity of droughts. Changes in ocean temperatures and the jet stream also play a role in triggering droughts in different parts of the world.

The impacts of drought are far-reaching, leading to food insecurity, malnutrition, increased diseases, wildfires, displacement of people, and even conflict. In East Africa, countries like Somalia, Kenya, and Ethiopia have been severely affected by the ongoing drought, with over 40 million people impacted since October 2020.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is actively involved in providing assistance in East Africa, focusing on health programming, food and cash assistance, and clean water provision to address the current drought and rising food insecurity. The IRC has also developed a streamlined approach to treating malnutrition, ensuring more children receive timely treatment.

As the effects of drought continue to worsen globally, it is crucial for organizations like the IRC to provide support and aid to vulnerable populations facing the devastating impacts of water scarcity and food insecurity.