On World Food Day today, Caritas Australia is bringing attention to the food crisis in the Horn of Africa, where 18 million people face severe hunger.
Instituted in 1979, World Food Day promotes global awareness and action for those who suffer from hunger and to highlight the need to ensure healthy diets for all.
This year, World Food Day focuses on “Right to foods for a better life and a better future”, emphasising the necessity of a diversity of nutritious foods for a healthy diet.
It calls attention to the disproportionate impact of climate change on the poor, conflict as a driver of hunger, and the greater vulnerability of women to food insecurity.
One of the world’s greatest hunger crises exists in the Horn of Africa. In 2023, the 23.2m displaced people in the region comprised 19 per cent of all displaced people worldwide. On average, those dependent on aid received 30-60 per cent of the full food ration, owing to a lack of funding.
Compounding the displacement of people is the worst drought the region has seen in 40 years. Conservative estimates say climate change driven by human activity has made this drought 100 times more likely.
Caritas Australia supports programs in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, and Eritrea. Funds raised through the charity’s African Food Crisis appeal provide:
- Food distribution to households at risk of malnutrition
- Support to children affected by malnutrition
- Clean drinking water and support for sanitation
- Cash assistance for households at risk of poverty
- Hygiene supplies, including soap and hand sanitiser
- Seeds and household items for families affected by conflict and displacement
- Environmentally sustainable and drought-resistant farming training and support.
Ayoyo, a widow from southwestern Ethiopia, is a beneficiary of programs supported by this appeal.
“The drought has destroyed all of our crops and left us very hungry, we have nothing to eat,” Ayoyo said. “Before, when I had my husband, he could support me, but now as a widow I don’t have any support. Without Caritas, my children might have died.”
To support Caritas Australia’s African Food Crisis Appeal, visit www.caritas.org.au/africa or call 1800 024 413 toll free.
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Caritas Australia spotlights the Africa food crisis this World Food Day (Caritas Australia)
