The food-security situation in the arid and semi-arid regions of northern Kenya is deteriorating due to a lack of adequate rain from October to December 2005. An estimated 2.5 million people require emergency food aid (at 100 percent food ration) and other non-food interventions.
The latest reports from the Kenyan media and partners on the ground indicate that about 30 people have died from famine-related causes in various parts of the country. Also reported from the field are high levels of malnutrition among children and mothers, especially in the most-affected districts of Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Marsabit and Moyale. Livestock in many parts of the affected districts are reportedly in poor condition.
As the food situation continues to deteriorate, many households are resorting to negative coping mechanisms, such as selling their few remaining productive assets. The collapse of the livestock market in most of the major cattle-keeping districts has led to a negative impact on food security. Grain prices have almost doubled in most parts of the affected districts, while livestock prices have declined significantly, thereby eroding the purchasing power of households. The water situation has also deteriorated, with most water pans and dams reported dry and boreholes experiencing frequent breakdowns due to overuse.
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is participating in the ACT appeal to respond to this crisis. The Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) is an ACT implementing partner in this response. Food relief and water provision are the major components of the appeal.
Water trucking for domestic and livestock use will be an integral component of the non-food interventions in the most-affected areas, especially in Mandera and Kajiado Districts. Construction and/or rehabilitation of water systems will also be undertaken as a mitigation measure to address the recurring water needs, and hence to reduce the vulnerability of the affected communities. |
