East Africa food crisis – Breaking the cycle of drought, hunger and famine

 

The world today faces an unprecedented hunger crisis that requires a bold international response. There are currently six countries at immediate risk of famine – half of which are in East Africa: Somalia, Ethiopia and South Sudan. In Somalia, more than 50% of the population need emergency food aid. These emergencies risk recurring in the future as the region is exposed to further climate and conflict shocks.

The European Union has so far shown global leadership in this crisis. However, it is clear that much greater efforts will be needed to save lives and livelihoods in the region. Many non-governmental organisations claim that if humanitarian assistance is not scaled up significantly and rapidly, the lives of millions of people are at stake – more people will die of hunger, more livelihoods will be at risk, more will become displaced, and more will face protection risks.

Rewatch this EURACTIV Hybrid Conference to find out how the EU can better address the food crisis in Eastern Africa. Questions to be discussed include:
– What can be done to avert the worst of a deepening food crisis in East Africa?
– Has the EU’s response been robust enough so far?
– What lessons must be learned from this crisis to make the humanitarian system fit for the future? (...)