FAMINE IN EAST AFRICA

Today, July the 20th 2011, UNHCR declared a famine in the East Africa region.

The famine has been caused by an unprecedented fifty years of drought, associated with Climate Change.  In addition, the diversion of food crops to biofuels has more than doubled the prices of staples like wheat.  In Somalia, and also Ethiopia, and Kenya, over 14 million people are at risk, including over 2 million children.  500,000 of these children are in severe food stress and are in danger of dying.  In large part, these people are paying for our prosperous lifestyle in the developed world.  However it is also true to say that, if any help can be brought to them, it will need to come mainly from the developed world.  Foreign Secretary Hilary Clinton of the USA has promised an additional $28 million in food aid.  Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd is now in the area and has also promised aid.

These children are in what UNHCR refers to as 'severe food stress'.  Meaning that they are dying.  But even these can be saved and can go on to live normal lives. These worldwide exclusive images are courtesy of SWDA volunteers in Somalia.

DONATE VIA SOMALI WOMEN'S DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION

There are many ways to donate, but one of the best is via the Somali Women's Development Association Inc (SWDA).  The SWDA, based in Flemington, Melbourne, is an all-volunteer organisation which is registered in both Australia and Somalia as a charity. 100% of the money you donate to the SWDA will be used to buy food and water in the famine-stricken areas.  Funds are sent from Australia to Somalia, where volunteers purchase food and water deliveries.  The use of funds is completely transparent and accountable, and photographic evidence is also taken which will be posted on this site.  Distribution of food and water is completely without any religious or cultural bias.

Aid agencies can find it difficult to function in Somalia, because of the anti-government militia al_Shabab.  Many agencies had to leave Somalia in the past year.  al-Shabab now says that it welcomes them back, but in fact local militias and also bandit gangs can make it dangerous for outside organisations.  Because the SWDA is a local, grassroots organisation, it is is a better position to distribute aid without harassment.

You can also donate via UNICEF and via the World Food Fund.