East Africa Food Crisis 2006
Responding to drought
Oxfam was providing food and water to drought-affected communities in Northern Kenya, as early as March 04.
By early 2006 we were also delivering water, and distributing food to thousands of people affected by severe food and water shortages, in southern Somalia, parts of Ethiopia, and Tanzania.
Here people collect water, Oropoi, Kenya.
Photo: Jane Beesley
Make a donation
Donate to Oxfam's emergency work worldwide.
Keeping water flowing
In parts of Turkana, Kenya, we provided fuel, repairs, parts, and training to keep motorised pumps running.
Here we see Imukon and Imuton pumping water in Oropoi (pictured above).
At the height of the crisis, pumps were breaking down. Queues were long, and fights would break out over water.
In Kaikor, Kenya, we have extended the water system. More water points in each village lessen the demand on each one.
Photo: Jane Beesley
Providing school dinners
Our school feeding programme reached more than 87,000 children in Shinyanga, Tanzania, including those pictured.
Providing food had the added benefit of increasing the number of children attending school.
We also distributed maize, beans, salt and cooking oil to families in Shinyanga and Ngorongoro districts, Tanzania. “The food we had from Oxfam helped us during dark times,” says Catherine Shija.
Photo: Maite Alvarez
Buying weak animals
We bought weak animals at a fair, fixed price, increasing the chances of survival of the remaining animals.
Here, Pamela Ataa, waits for one of her remaining sheep to be bought by Oxfam, Turkana, Kenya, Feb 06.
The animals were slaughtered and the meat distributed. Sellers used the money where it was most needed; for buying food, paying off debts, or for school uniforms, for example.
Photo: Jane Beesley
Distributing cash
In emergencies, giving people money can meet immediate needs more quickly and appropriately than distributing food or other items.
Cash gives people choices, so preserves their dignity. It also helps support the local economy. Helen Akale, pictured, used the money she received to start a shop.
“Pastoralists have started paying back their debts. It will stop them selling their few animals.” Ahmed Ibrahim Abid, Oxfam staff member, Somalia.
Photo: Maite Alvarez
Providing opportunities for work
Vulnerable people were paid for community projects, such as improving water sources, tree planting, and the production of traditional clothing.
Beads (pictured) are a precious commodity in Turkana, Kenya. "The beadwork project has been very beneficial to us, as we are able to restock the livestock lost during the drought, and meet our family needs. A Turkana-beaded skirt (Esia) can fetch me two bulls."
Elizabeth Namkwie.
Photo: Maite Alvarez
Building grain banks
This grain store in Tanzania is one of several we have given funding to.
“We now have access to affordable food at a time when prices are increasing because of the drought. It has also brought solidarity to the community as we work together, and make decisions together.” Oloisuly, grain bank committee member (April 06)
We also distributed seeds to enable farmers to grow their own food.
Photo: Geoff Sayer
Replacing livestock
We gave women’s groups the funds to choose their own goats from those on sale at the local market.
The community themselves chose who had lost most animals and should benefit from the project.
Naisula Tomboi is pictured de-worming a goat during the first day of a restocking market, Ololosokwan village, Tanzania. Naisula is one of the village’s Community Animal Health Workers trained with Oxfam funding.
Photo: Geoff Sayer
Supporting communities
Oxfam is committed to working with communities to secure their long-term future.
It will take a long time for pastoralist communities to recover from this crisis. Many families lost all their livestock, on which they rely for income and food.
We aim to help people to re-establish and improve their means of supporting themselves in a harsh environment.
Photo: Jane Beesley
