The worst hunger crisis in living memory
East Africa Hunger Crisis
More than 28 million people across Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan and Kenya are facing extreme hunger due to factors beyond their control – the climate crisis, conflict and the crippling cost of living.
Last updated: 26 March 2024
Loliwe Phiri/Oxfam
We have experienced drought for over seven years. We've been surviving in this harsh environment with no water.”
Seinab, Isiolo County, Kenya
The crisis is getting worse
World leaders have failed to do enough. Now countries are at severe risk of famine. People are losing their livelihoods, homes and family members to hunger.
Women and girls are among the worst affected. We hear stories of mothers missing meals so their children can eat. Girls will sacrifice their education to look after family whilst their parents are forced to search for food.
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Support communities in East Africa
Partner organisations and communities are leading the response across East Africa. By donating today you’re helping to make work like this possible:
- WASDA is offering people in Wajir County, Kenya, money digitally transferred to their mobile phones, so they can buy what they need.
- Somali Resilience Programme is offering training to help farmers adapt to a changing climate.
- ORDA Ethiopia is working in areas where people are displaced to provide clean water, showers, toilets, hygiene kits and money for essentials.
Billy Owiti/Oxfam
I have been receiving the cash for a while now… With the cash, I am able to buy groceries and feed my children.”
Ebla, part of the WASDA cash scheme in Wajir, Kenya
Many of our partners are small grassroots organisations. Please donate now to help them support people facing extreme hunger in their local communities.
What’s the bigger picture?
90%
90% of Somalia is in severe drought. More than 670,000 people have been forced to leave their homes in search of food and water.
31m
31 million people in Kenya are experiencing extreme hunger and need humanitarian help.
9.4m
9.4 million people in Ethiopia need urgent humanitarian support due to impacts of extreme drought and conflict.
How we spend your donation
For every £1 you donate to this emergency appeal, we will allocate 9p of your donation to cover general support and running costs. There is a small chance that we will raise more money than is needed for this appeal. If this happens, we’ll spend any additional funds on other Oxfam projects – wherever the need is greatest.