The official announcement of famine was declared in the Horn of Africa last July. A year earlier, the USAID Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) warned of low rainfall in the region due to La Nina which historically is associated with a low rainfall in the Horn from October to December.

FEWS NET issued another warning in June, but mobilization for support did not pick up until the famine declaration. The warnings succeeded, but the actions were a bit too late. Fortunately, nations like Kenya and Ethiopia learned from the past droughts. While the conditions for drought are out of anyone’s control, famine can be avoided. 

Southern Somalia, a generally weak state, was completely unprepared for the drought and needed immediate assistance. Just across the border in Kenya, farmers were better equipped to handle low rainfall.

Now, the Sahel region of West Africa faces a similar challenge. Warnings were issued about low rainfall and poor crop yields. Like Kenya and Ethiopia, some of the countries in Sahel are prepared for a poor crop season, but others are at great risk. UNICEF estimates that 15 million people are at risk of food insecurity and ethnic fighting is compounding problems in Mali.

The famine in the Horn of Africa and the growing crisis in Sahel illustrate the ability to ensure people do not face hunger, but also demonstrate the fragile state of some countries. Ending hunger is possible, but remains an important challenge to overcome.

About the blogger

Tom Murphy studied Politics and Literature at university while working in political offices and campaigns. After graduation, Tom spent some time in Mexico studying about development and in Kenya where he started to write this blog as a way of sharing his thoughts and experiences in international development. Now based in Washington DC, he regularly contributes to other media such as The Huffington Post.  His own blog "A view from the Cave" continues to attract thousands of readers and followers.