2011 Horn of Africa famine

Horn of Africa map.png Map of the Horn of Africa

The 2011 Horn of Africa famine was a severe food crisis that affected over 13 million people across the Horn of Africa, particularly impacting Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Djibouti. The famine was declared in July 2011 and was the result of a combination of factors including prolonged drought, conflict, and economic instability.

Background

The Horn of Africa is a region that is frequently affected by droughts and food insecurity. In 2011, the region experienced one of the worst droughts in 60 years, which led to widespread crop failures and livestock deaths. The situation was exacerbated by ongoing conflicts, particularly in Somalia, which hindered humanitarian access and disrupted local markets.

Causes

The primary causes of the 2011 famine were:

• Drought: The region experienced two consecutive seasons of below-average rainfall, leading to severe water shortages and crop failures.
• Conflict: In Somalia, ongoing conflict between the government and insurgent groups, such as Al-Shabaab, disrupted food distribution and humanitarian aid efforts.
• Economic Factors: Rising food prices and poverty made it difficult for families to afford basic necessities.

Impact

The famine had a devastating impact on the region:

• Humanitarian Crisis: Over 13 million people were affected, with an estimated 260,000 deaths, half of whom were children under the age of five.
• Displacement: Hundreds of thousands of people were displaced, seeking refuge in camps in Kenya and Ethiopia.
• Health Issues: Malnutrition and disease outbreaks, such as cholera and measles, were rampant in affected areas.

Response

The international community responded with a large-scale humanitarian effort:

• Aid Organizations: Agencies such as the World Food Programme, UNICEF, and the International Red Cross provided food, water, and medical assistance.
• Funding: The United Nations launched an appeal for $2.5 billion to address the crisis, with significant contributions from governments and private donors.
• Challenges: Access to affected areas was limited by conflict and logistical challenges, complicating relief efforts.

Aftermath

The famine officially ended in August 2012, but the region continued to face challenges related to food security and recovery. Efforts to build resilience against future droughts included improving water management, agricultural practices, and conflict resolution.

Also see

• 2010 Sahel famine
• 2017 East Africa drought
• Food security
• Humanitarian aid